Hospice Chaplain

The Hospice Chaplain provides spiritual support and counseling to patients and families in alignment with their belief system. Serving as a liaison between patients, families, and their clergy, the Chaplain offers guidance to the hospice team regarding spiritual needs and educates staff on how best to support those needs when necessary. The Chaplain also collaborates with community chaplains from diverse religious backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Formal training in spiritual care through an accredited seminary, school of theology, or an accepted religious organization.

• Ordained or credentialed within a recognized religious organization.

• Preferred: Minimum of one (1) year of experience in counseling related to death and dying.

• Strong active listening and communication skills.

• Ability to travel to patients' homes, which may not be wheelchair accessible.

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current automobile liability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct spiritual support to patients, families, and staff.

• Conduct hospice information and enrollment visits as needed.

• Assess patients and families for spiritual needs within six (6) days of admission.

• Contribute to the interdisciplinary team (IDT) care plan within five (5) days of admission.

• Coordinate spiritual care to align with patients' and families’ beliefs and concerns.

• Communicate with and engage patients' clergy upon request.

• Invite patient-designated religious representatives to IDT meetings.

• Act as a liaison between the hospice team and the patient’s faith community.

• Participate in weekly IDT meetings, assessing and addressing spiritual needs.

• Visit patients and families as directed by the IDT.

• Maintain accurate records of visits, ensuring documentation is submitted within 24 hours (or the next working day).

• Serve as a spiritual resource for staff and volunteers.

• Provide after-hours spiritual support when requested.

• Conduct or coordinate religious rites, including baptisms, weddings, and funerals, as requested.

• Assist with ongoing hospice staff education on spiritual care.

• Follow agency protocols for external speaking engagements and professional affiliations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Organizational Relationship

• Reports to the Hospice Administrator or designated manager.

Functional Abilities

• Strong understanding of hospice philosophy and its principles of care.

• Ability to provide compassionate spiritual counseling in diverse hospice settings.

• Comfort working in a non-denominational or multi-denominational environment.

• Capability to offer spiritual support in an affirming and comforting manner.

• Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.

• Knowledge of various religious perspectives on death and dying.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting, including computer work.

• Adequate hearing ability to assess situations and respond effectively.

• Light to moderate physical activity required.

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.

Qualifications

• Formal training in spiritual care through an accredited seminary, school of theology, or an accepted religious organization.

• Ordained or credentialed within a recognized religious organization.

• Preferred: Minimum of one (1) year of experience in counseling related to death and dying.

• Strong active listening and communication skills.

• Ability to travel to patients' homes, which may not be wheelchair accessible.

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current automobile liability insurance.