About the position
The Hospice Chaplain is responsible for providing spiritual care services to patients, families, and caregivers, either directly or through coordination with other spiritual counselors. This role is crucial in ensuring that the spiritual needs of patients are met, particularly in the context of hospice care, where emotional and spiritual support is as important as physical care. The Chaplain serves as a spiritual presence, reminding hospice workers that patients may seek spiritual resources alongside their physical and emotional support. This position requires a compassionate individual who can navigate the complexities of grief and provide comfort to those in distress. In addition to direct spiritual counseling, the Chaplain documents the religious and spiritual needs of patients and families, ensuring that these are integrated into the care plan. They participate in patient care conferences, raising awareness of spiritual needs and reporting on interventions. The Chaplain also provides literature and spiritual resources to assist patients and families, encouraging them to plan for end-of-life matters such as funerals and wills. This role may involve officiating at funeral services and being present at the time of death, if requested. Overall, the Hospice Chaplain plays a vital role in the holistic care of patients, addressing their spiritual needs and supporting their families during a challenging time.
Responsibilities
- Represents a spiritual presence and connection with the religious/spiritual roots of the hospice movement.
- Provides a constant reminder to hospice workers that, beyond the physical and emotional support given, patients may desire to have spiritual resources of their choosing.
- Serves as a spiritual resource to team members and assists them in their growth or in dealing with their grief.
- Documents the patient and/or family's religious/spiritual needs and resources on the intake/assessment form and completes progress notes in the patient's chart following each contact.
- Raises, when appropriate in a patient care conference, the possibility of spiritual needs of the patient and family and reports interventions.
- Provides, when invited, direct spiritual counsel, prayer and sacraments to patients and their families.
- Interfaces with the patient/family's own clergyman, rabbi or congregation, if requested.
- Encourages patients and families to plan the funeral, wills, requests, obituaries and interment in advance. Remains available to officiate at funeral services if requested.
- Present at time of death, if requested.
- Provides literature and spiritual resources that may be of assistance to patients and families.
- Participates in the patient/family problem-oriented care plan.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Ordained and endorsed minister, priest, rabbi or a member of a religious order preferred or lay person with certified training in pastoral care.
- One (1+) year of experience in a health care setting or with death and dying.
- Comfort working in an interfaith setting.
- Must be familiar with general use and functions of the computer, such as user names and password concepts; internet; email; navigation of computer desktop, including starting programs, using files, and windows, effectively use navigation buttons and tool bars; ability to self-manage online HR services and online training programs.
Nice-to-haves
- Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology (Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree or training).
