Hospice Chaplain

Ordained, commissioned or credentialed according to the practices of an organized religious group and has completed one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE); or has a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with emphasis in counseling or related subjects and has, within ninety (90) days of hire, completed specific training to include: common spiritual issues in death and dying; belief systems of comparative religions related to death and dying; spiritual assessment skills; individualizing care to patient beliefs; and varied spiritual practices/rituals. Masters of Theology or Master of Divinity preferred. Two (2) years experience in hospice pastoral/chaplaincy or its equivalent. Expertise in community organization, communication skills, differing theological points of view, rituals, customs and beliefs.

KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCY:

Must demonstrate basic knowledge of all procedures included in the chaplain/spiritual counselor job description. Must have the ability to follow instructions from the physician, lead hospice chaplain, nursing supervisor and other professional staff. Ability to communicate effectively with managers, patients, families and co-workers. Must be able to assess safety of home situations for self, patients, and other staff members, including physical and psychological dangers. Must have the ability to effectively cope with patients, families and all others with varying backgrounds, socioeconomic conditions, and value judgments. Maintains confidentiality of information relating to the patient and family. Will discuss only those aspects necessary to the care and treatment of patient and family with those directly involved in the patient’s care.

JOB DUTIES: (includes but not limited to the following)

• Responsible for assuring there is a documented assessment of the spiritual needs of the patient and family within seven days of admission and that spiritual care provided reflects assessed needs.
• Provides Spiritual/pastoral support in accordance with on-going wishes and needs of the patient/family.
• Offers a visit to each patient. If the patient declines spiritual counselor visits, the spiritual counselor will serve as a resource for other interdisciplinary team members assessing spiritual needs and providing care and will be available to coordinate with other spiritual care providers the patient/family may have identified.
• Develops an individualized spiritual/pastoral plan of care which demonstrates an effort to work in close collaboration with local clergy whenever desired by the patient and provides spiritual support as needed and defined by the patient/family.
• Conducts religious services of prayer, worship and rituals for patients/families, as appropriate.  Offers patients/families of different philosophies and religious beliefs opportunities to discuss and share their thoughts, feelings, beliefs and values.
• Documents counseling provided in the patient’s clinical records.
• Works with other professionals in resolving spiritual/pastoral/ethical issues.
• Works in a team approach with members of the IDT/IDG and other qualified professionals, as determined by the hospice, to evaluate patient/family response to care.
  
• Assists in developing and updating the plan of care.
• Available to staff for bereavement support
• Assesses patient/family response to and satisfaction with care.
• Participates in development of approaches to meet staff counseling needs.
• Provides patient/family chaplain services as necessary. Serves as a consultant and resource person to the staff.
• Provides crisis and long-term counseling to address complex spiritual anguish, confusion, and issues of belief.
• Participates in Interdisciplinary Care Team Meetings and assists in developing and reviewing care plans, admissions and discharges.
• Attends in services and staff meetings as required.

Alliant Palliative Care and Hospice is a clinician and Veteran owned company based in Colorado. Our work environment is social, energetic, and supportive. Our culture supports flexible working hours and growth opportunities. Our employees have access to a full complement of continuing-education courses as well as a wide variety of career development opportunities. We are offering a comprehensive benefits plan to Full Time employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO (Part and Full Time) and 401K. Alliant Home Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.