Chaplain

Description

As a member of the interdisciplinary team the Interfaith Chaplain is responsible to the Director for the provision of
spiritual support to patients and families in keeping with the patient/familys desire and belief system. The hospice
shall provide spiritual counseling support to patients directly. The hospice shall provide pastoral services through
a qualified staff person who has a working relationship with local clergy or spiritual counselors. The hospice
chaplain may not portray or preach their own religious convictions or wear specific religious clothing/emblems
while representing Canyon Hospice.

PASTORAL SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
(a) Spiritual counseling consistent with patient and family belief system;
(b) Communication with and support of clergy or spiritual counselors in the community as appropriate;
(c) Consultation and education to patients and families and interdisciplinary team members as requested.
RESPONSIBILITIES

Implement and coordinate all support relating to the spiritual aspect of the Hospice patient care program
consistent with program policies and procedures.

Provide direct spiritual support to patients/families. Be able to make practical, innovative and creative
suggestions for meeting their spiritual needs.

Coordinate referrals for spiritual support for the patients/families when needed.

Participate in interdisciplinary team plan of care and conferences by exploring and assessing the potential
spiritual needs of patients/families and reporting on support as indicated.

Maintain proper charting of visits to patient/families.

Assist families with funeral or memorial services when indicated.

Help organize the Annual Hospice Memorial and Celebrations of Life in partnership with the bereavement
coordinator.

Work with staff, clergy, and community groups to enhance their sensitivity to the spiritual concerns of patients/
families experiencing terminal illness and loss.

Assist with interdisciplinary team education as schedule allows.

Provide spiritual support to team and facility staff as needed.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A Board-Certified Chaplain, or licensed pastoral counselor with completion of at least two units of CPE or be
an advanced student.
2. Concur with the Hospice philosophy of care.
3. Preferred Chaplain experience in Hospice.
4. Knowledge of techniques of individual and groups counseling as well as grief and crisis intervention.
5. Willingness to engage in continuing education such as CPE, workshops, grief groups and death and dying
seminars.
6. Membership is recommended in at least one professional organization such as World Spiritual Health
Organization, Pastoral Care Association for your state and one national organization such as the College of
Chaplains.