Hospice Chaplain

Gulfside Healthcare Services is expanding our Hospice Service Line for services in Hillsborough County.  We are posting this unique opportunity to come grow with Gulfside in our new Hillsborough County operations.  We estimate the start date of this position to be mid-end of February with additional positions to be added as we grow.  Please contact our Human Resources Team for additional information on our expansion.

Our Chaplains provide spiritual care aligned with Gulfside’s mission and values.  They offer compassionate support, counseling and guidance to patients and their family members facing end-of-life challenges. They conduct spiritual assessments, facilitate rituals and ceremonies, and offer emotional and spiritual comfort in accordance with individuals’ beliefs and preferences. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and community resources is essential to provide holistic care.  Commitment to empathy, respect, and inclusivity reflects Gulfside’s dedication to honoring the dignity and spirituality of each person we serve.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Divinity, Theology or Biblical/Pastoral Studies required; Master’s Degree in Divinity, Theology or Pastoral Studies preferred
• Must have one year of healthcare chaplaincy experience in a hospital, palliative care, or hospice setting
• Four Clinical Pastoral Education Units (CPE’s) preferred
• Knowledge of common beliefs and practices of diverse religious/spiritual beliefs or existential norms
• Knowledge of varying cultural practices relating to the end of life
• Must possess strong ethical standards and an appropriate professional demeanor
• Deep and abiding compassion for those with life limiting illnesses, their families, and caregivers
• Able to remain calm and professional and troubleshoot/handle patient/family or staff crisis situations
• Must have reliable transportation to perform tasks and responsibilities in a timely and appropriate fashion. Must be able to provide proof of automobile insurance and possess a valid driver’s license copies of which will be placed in the employee’s file  

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Practices Hospice Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care in a manner that is a model for professional and agency ethics, values and integrity and complies with the letter and spirit of legal aspects
• Adheres to the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, and GHS staff
• Complies with all applicable laws and regulations with respect to collaborative agreements
• Is empathic and compassionate with a patient-centered attitude towards accepting death as a part of life and enhancing the quality of life for patients assigned to his/her care
• Conducts initial and on-going spiritual assessment of patient/families
• Assists with the development and implementation of a patient/family personalized care plan which may include spiritual counseling identifying the issues of emotional and spiritual distress that are experienced by persons facing the end of life, and articulate appropriate interventions and demonstrate their application
• Provides faith affirmations, theological development, and hears confessions of patient/family amends
• Performs a religious rite or ritual as requested by the patient and/or family; offers blessings and prayer if requested
• Provides case management services relating to spiritual needs for patients/families
• Acts as a resource and liaison for patients and families and their local congregations as needed and/or requested
• Assists in identifying and works with the Social Worker with high risk and/or suicidal patients/families and with patients/families experiencing other kinds of non-medical crises
• Completes clinical documentation, spiritual assessments, clinical notes, and secondary reports in a timely manner
• Meet or exceeds current productive visit measures as set by agency
• Attends interdisciplinary team meetings and functions as an integral part of an interdisciplinary team in order to enhance the mission, policy and philosophy of GHS; attends case conferences and staff meetings as requested
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and/or weekends as needed or requested
•  All other duties/tasks as deemed appropriate to the position of Hospice Chaplain as requested/delegated or assigned by Social Work Manager or Director of Clinical Social Work
•  Demonstrates continued professional growth and development through participation in educational and in-service training programs for professional staff
• Addresses and supports all GHS policies and procedures; acts in accordance with company standards as outlined in the GHS Policy Manual (Employee Handbook)
•  Promotes the company through participation and support of community partnerships and in professional organizations

SKILL AND COMPETENCIES:

• Functions with proficiency using current EMR software and other computer software applications
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and team-building skills
• Detail oriented, able to multi-task and remain flexible with assignments
• Must demonstrate skill in conflict resolution
• Ability to relate effectively to other people of varied backgrounds, ethnicity and religious beliefs
• Ability to make realistic decisions based on logical assumptions, professional ethics and best practice, on factual information and in consideration of organization resources
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) allowing clear and concise communication with staff and patients/families; ability to adapt communication style to fit audience
• Knowledge of community health systems and resources and financial/social aid programs

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