Hospice Chaplain

TITLE OF POSITION: CHAPLAIN (SPIRITUAL CARE COUNSELOR)

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: DIRECTOR OF NURSING / CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

RISK OF EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: LIMITED

 Duties of Position:

 Provide counseling or arrange counseling to meet the spiritual needs of the patients/family members/caregivers in a manner consistent with their beliefs and desires and in accordance with the patient's plan of care.

Position Responsibilities

• Conducts a spiritual assessment as part of the comprehensive assessment within 5 days of admission to the hospice program.

 • Assists in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary patient care plan as it pertains to spiritual care.

• Provides spiritual support in accordance with on-going wishes and needs of the patient/family in accordance with their religious preferences or definition of spirituality.

• Works in close collaboration with local clergy when desired by the patient.

• Maintains and submits written clinical records as deemed by the Organization, including the initial evaluation, the care plan and daily notes.

• Evaluates the patients and family's response to, and effectiveness of, the spiritual counseling.

• Confirms, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the patients' Case Managers to facilitate coordination of other staff visits.

• Participates in IDG and QAPI meetings and activities.

 • Conducts religious services of prayer, worship and rituals for patients/families, as appropriate.

 • Works with other professionals in resolving spiritual/ethical issues.

 • Provides spiritual and bereavement support to staff as needed.

• Provides consultation and education to the IDG on spiritual care.

 • Provides funeral or memorial services for patients as requested.

• Assumes responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her Spiritual practice through formal education, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organizational meetings, and/or individual research and reading.

Job Conditions

• The ability to access patients' homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible is required.

• Physical activities will include walking, sitting, stooping, and standing.

Equipment Operation

• Utilization of computer, multi-line telephone, copy machine and other office equipment.

Company Information

 • Has access to patient medical records.

 Qualifications

 • Ordained, commissioned or credentialed according to the practices of an organized religious group, OR has a degree in theology or from a seminary.

 • Comfortable in an interfaith setting.

• Hospice experience preferred.

 • Able to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs and values.

 • Must be a licensed driver with an insured automobile in good working order.

• The ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.