Chaplain

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The primary function is to provide spiritual care to patients/caregivers of all age groups and perform spiritual assessments,

provide spiritual/pastoral support and make referrals to meet the needs of the patient/family.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assess hospice patient/family to identify spiritual needs and develop individualized spiritual plan of care. Collaborate with local clergy as needed. Assist in development and update of the comprehensive POC.

• Conduct services of prayer, worship, and ritual for patient/families, as appropriate, offering different philosophies and belief

• Provide opportunities to discuss and share.

• Provide individual patient/family counseling, crisis intervention, information, and assistance with preparations of advance directives, funeral planning issues and transfer of responsibilities relative to legal and fiscal issues.

• Work with IDT, participating in the ongoing POC, developing, documenting, and evaluating responses to interventions to update the POC to meet spiritual needs of patient and family.

• Work with other staff, resolving spiritual/pastoral/ethical issues. Be available for bereavement or counseling needs.

• Use effective interpersonal relations and communication skills to work with family members as needed and to assist in planning for discharge and for bereavement, utilizing local clergy as needed.

• Complete appropriate documentation in a timely manner.

• Assess patient/family response to and satisfaction with care.

• Make visits to patient/family prior to death and be available to the family during the bereavement period as needed.

• Meet mandatory continuing education requirements of the agency and participate in in-service programs.

• Promote Agency philosophy and administrative policies to ensure quality of care.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• College degree preferred; Master of Divinity preferred (or 2 years of experience with 1 year being in healthcare)

Licensure:

• State Driver’s License

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience as a Chaplain in a health care institution preferred.

Skills:

• Working knowledge of community spiritual resources.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• TB screen annually.

Transportation:

• Reliable transportation.

• Valid auto liability insurance

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT:

Prolonged standing, walking, and sitting required; requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines and

patient/family needs; and to make quick decisions and resource acquisition; meet family/patient spiritual needs.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in patient homes in various conditions. Occasional exposure to infectious diseases; ability to travel locally; some

exposure to unpleasant weather.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.