Hospice Chaplain

We are seeking a compassionate and mission-driven Full-Time Chaplain to join our interdisciplinary hospice team. This role provides direct spiritual care to patients and their loved ones throughout the end-of-life journey while carrying an assigned caseload and actively participating in the life and ministry of our hospice program.

The Chaplain works collaboratively with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to assess spiritual needs, develop and follow individualized Plans of Care, and provide ongoing support grounded in dignity, presence, and respect for diverse beliefs and traditions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Direct Patient & Family Care

• Provide direct spiritual care to patients, loved ones, and caregivers by carrying a regular caseload, completing spiritual assessments, and implementing individualized Plans of Care.
• Accompany patients and their families through the end-of-life journey by providing compassionate presence, counseling, prayer (when appropriate), and emotional and spiritual support.
• Document all assessments, interventions, and progress notes in accordance with agency policy and federal regulations.
   

Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration

• Attend and actively participate in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings and Care Plan meetings.
• Collaborate with nurses, social workers, aides, and other team members to address holistic patient needs. 
• Coordinate spiritual resources by collaborating with community clergy, faith leaders, and spiritual providers with whom patients or families already have relationships.
   

Program & Ministry Support

• Assist with and participate in:
  • Funerals and memorial services
  • Annual hospice memorial services 
  • Patient birthday recognitions 
  • Veteran recognition and commemorative services 
  • Facility-based memorials as appropriate
• Participate in the orientation and support of new hospice personnel. 
• Actively participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities and initiatives.
   

On-Call Responsibilities

• Rotate on-call coverage for pastoral care and postmortem support during after-hours, weekends, and holidays, in collaboration with other chaplains.
• Cover 1-2 weeknights (4:30 PM to 8:30 AM) and 1-2 weekend days (24 hours, 8:30 AM to 8:30 AM) on a rotational basis.
• Be available by phone to attend postmortem situations at home or in facilities within the greater Kansas City metro area.
• Provide spiritual support during postmortem visits when requested by on-call clinical staff.
   

Professional Development

• Maintain clinical competency and remain current with hospice regulations, documentation standards, and best practices in spiritual care. 
• Demonstrate cultural humility and sensitivity to diverse spiritual, religious, and cultural traditions.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and needs of the hospice program.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in providing spiritual care and bereavement support.
• Ability to respond compassionately and professionally to the needs of patients and their families.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Sensitivity to diverse spiritual and cultural practices.

Additional Information:

• This role does involve routine visits to patients and families.