The Hospice Chaplain is responsible for the provision of spiritual care services to patients/families and hospice caregivers, either directly or through coordination of care with other spiritual counselors. The Hospice Chaplain is responsible for the development and implementation of the bereavement plan of care.
Performs spiritual bereavement assessments of patients and families/caregivers in the hospice program in a timely manner and ensures that identified needs are addressed in the patient's plan of care. Provides direct spiritual care and bereavement counseling to patients and families/caregivers. Demonstrates exceptional service to patients, families, referral sources, co-workers and other customers. Assists team members as needed to ensure that this level of service is consistently provided. Provides accurate and timely documentation of patient services to reflect the plan of care. Serves as liaison and support to community chaplains and spiritual counselors. Attends Interdisciplinary Group meetings to facilitate coordination of care and discussion of interdisciplinary group involvement. Provides consultation, education, and support to the interdisciplinary group on spiritual care and bereavement counseling. Recruits community chaplains, spiritual counselors, and spiritual care volunteers adequate to meet patient and family/caregiver needs by developing community contacts and offering education through congregations about hospice care. Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities. Serves as a community liaison for the hospice team. Serves as a hospice liaison to area Ministerial groups. Facilitates referrals to the hospice program from within the religious/spiritual community. Participates in Continuous Care as requested. Is available for on-call. Provides for funeral or memorial services for patients as requested. Assumes responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Agency's Bereavement policies and procedures; directing the development and implementation of the bereavement plan of care approved by the interdisciplinary group that notes the kind of bereavement services to be offered and the frequency of service delivery; make available bereavement services, in accordance with the bereavement plan of care to the family and other individuals in the bereavement plan of care for up to one year following the death of the patient. Plans periodic memorial services to meet the needs of personnel, volunteers, and community clergy/spiritual counselors working with the hospice team. Assists in supervision of spiritual care volunteers when assigned to patients/ families/caregivers.
Comfortable in an interfaith setting and able to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values. Ability to network with community clergy and congregations. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order. Demonstrates excellent observation, problem solving, verbal and written communications. Shows ability to organize and prioritize workload independently.
Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology (BD, MDIV or equivalent theological degree) and/or a certificate of ordination or commission from a religious faith group. Completion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) preferred. Previous hospice experience or experience working with death and dying strongly preferred.