Palliative Care Spiritual Counselor

This position supports individuals who are living with complex or progressive conditions. As part of an interdisciplinary palliative care team that includes nursing, nurse practitioners, and social work, the Spiritual Counselor provides spiritual support, facilitates goals‑of‑care conversations, and contributes to advance care planning in alignment with each patient’s individualized plan of care.

The role is community‑based and highly autonomous, offering a blend of in‑person and telehealth visits. Counselors independently manage their caseloads, schedule visits directly with patients and families, and determine appropriate follow‑up based on individual needs.

The Spiritual Counselor joins a small spiritual care team supporting community‑based palliative care, collaborating with counselors with varying FTE levels. The position reports to the Senior Manager, Palliative Care.

Overall, this role is well suited for a counselor who values independence and flexibility, is comfortable working autonomously in community settings, and is drawn to providing longitudinal spiritual care to patients and families living with serious illness.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Divinity, Theology or equivalent (equivalent examples: Muslim, Hindu, Native American, etc.).
• Ordination and/or ecclesiastical endorsement from an applicant’s governing church body/faith community.
• Advanced standing in Clinical Pastoral Education (minimum of 4 quarters)
• Two (2) years of professional experience in a related field and experience in dealing with grief and loss issues.
• Demonstrated ability to be open and flexible in ministry.
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport quickly with people of all backgrounds, and to establish good working relationships with interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in the areas of interpersonal communications, interdisciplinary group process, and development.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in facilitation and development of communal and liturgical expression.
• Current MN or WI Driver’s License and reliable and insured vehicle.
• Computer skills and EMR (electronic medical record) experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of Palliative Care, Hospice, and/or health care experience.
• Board certification (BCC) from one of the following professional chaplain associations is preferred: Association of Professional Chaplains, National Association of Catholic Chaplains, National Association of Jewish Chaplains.

Hours/Location:

• Weekdays; core business hours.
• This is a 0.7 FTE (part-time) position, equivalent to approximately 3.5 days per week (for example, three days one week and four days the next). The schedule is flexible and not tied to specific days. The role is salaried, offering flexibility in work hours, including occasional responsibilities outside of standard business hours.
• The role is community-based and requires a blend of in-person and telehealth visits, with an expected balance of approximately 50/50. In-person care is primarily delivered within the core Twin Cities metro area.

Accountabilities:

• Participates in development, implementation, and evaluation of all policies/procedures regarding spiritual care for Palliative Care patients/families. Develops criteria for when spiritual counseling is offered, and ensures processes are followed. Maintains Palliative Care standards of practice and conditions of compliance.
• Provides training/education to all Palliative Care staff, management, and volunteers regarding spiritual care in Palliative Care and about Palliative Care philosophy in general.
• Maintains ongoing contact with area ministers, clergy, rabbis, and home visitors of churches to identify and develop specific resources for spiritual/religious support among all denominations and faiths.
• Participates in weekly interdisciplinary team meetings and assures incorporation of the patient/family spiritual needs into the overall plan.
• Assesses the spiritual needs and resources of the patient and their caregivers to provide support that honors diverse spiritual journeys, whether rooted within traditional faith communities or encompassing a wide range of cultural contexts.
• Provides spiritual and emotional counseling and support to Palliative Care patients and their families, Palliative Care team members, and other health care providers working with Palliative Care patients.
• Facilitates patients, families, and friends gaining access to such rituals and services as appropriate or requested. Participates in and plans rituals/services as appropriate.
• Maintains accurate and timely records of contacts with Palliative Care patients and/or significant others.
• Maintains current professional expertise in Palliative Care through continuing education and community involvement.
• Works within a holistic interdisciplinary team.
• Maintains stable performance under pressure, modeling stress tolerance for team members, patients, and families.

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Benefits Designed to Support Your Total Health
As a HealthPartners colleague, we’re committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.

Join us in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our patients, members, and communities.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.