Chaplain

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, the Chaplain position is responsible for the spiritual counseling and services related to identify hospice patients, caregivers and family during the patient’s stay in hospice.

Education and/Or training required

Degree from a college university or divinity school and is recognized as qualified to perform pastoral services in his or her religion or belief system.

Certifications/Licenses required

Valid Florida Driver’s license. Certification in hospice services preferred. Clinical Pastoral Education preferred.

Experience/Specific skills and abilities required

Previous experience as a clergy-person in a Medicare certified agency preferred. Experience in counseling and/or work with aging. Able to relate positively to all patients and their belief systems. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical requirements

Ability to lift, push, pull twenty five (25) pounds. Good visual and audio acuity. Ability to work under varying levels of stress.

Primary responsibilities

1. Reports patient changes or alteration in plan of care to RNCM and implement policies and procedures regulating the delivery of spiritual services.

2. Ensures hospice employees or contracted individuals do not impose the dictates of any value or belief system on hospice patient or their families.

3. Trains additional volunteer clergy for spiritual counseling.

4. Visits hospice patients who do not have their own clergy and request such service. The Social Workers shall have primary responsibility to perform the initial spiritual assessment and request services.

5. Develops spiritual plan of care for each patient and family assigned.

6. Attends interdisciplinary meetings and collaborate with team.

7. Creates patient specific plans of care.

8. Performs memorial services at long term care facility partners (usually annual) and for general hospice families (semi-annual) and funeral services for specific hospice patients as identified and approved by the Clinical Manager.

9. Assists with new staff member’s orientation.

10. Participates in Performance Improvement activities of hospice.

11. Participates in on call rotation and coverage for chaplain needs.

12. Educates local clergy regarding hospice services and the unique care provided.

13. Identifies appropriate family needs and implement measures to assist.

14. Participates in community and personnel education activities.

15. Follows HOSF’s policies and procedures and all health and safety guidelines.