Chaplain

Job Posting for Hospice Pastor / Chaplain at VistaRiver

Job Description

VistaRiver, an esteemed health and wellness organization dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care, is currently seeking a dedicated and spiritually attuned individual to join our team as a Part-Time Hospice Pastor / Chaplain. This pivotal role will cater to a diverse community, providing spiritual support and guidance to both patients and their families during crucial times. Located at our supportive care facility, this position is not a remote job and requires the presence on-site to effectively fulfill the duties and responsibilities associated with the role.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide emotional and spiritual support to hospice patients and their families, ensuring services are in line with their beliefs and needs.
• Conduct spiritual assessments of patients to better understand their spiritual needs and provide appropriate interventions.
• Facilitate religious or spiritual rituals and ceremonies as per patient and family's faith traditions.
• Offer grief counseling and bereavement support to families before and after the passing of a loved one.
• Work collaboratively with the hospice care team to integrate spiritual care into the overall care plan.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss and plan patient care from a holistic viewpoint.
• Document spiritual care services and interactions in patient care records accurately and timely.
• Develop and lead training sessions for staff on handling spiritual issues and enhancing their competence in providing spiritual care.
• Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to the beliefs and practices of others, fostering an inclusive environment.
• Engage in community outreach to educate on hospice philosophy and the role of spiritual care in end-of-life settings.

Requirements

• Ordained or Licensed Minister, with official ordination or licensure from a recognized religious body or denomination.
• Strong theological foundation with a solid understanding of religious texts, doctrines, and spiritual practices relevant to the populations served.
• Ability to respect and support people of various faith traditions or no faith, adapting care to patient and family beliefs.
• Exceptional listening skills, with the ability to listen deeply, non-judgmentally, and attentively to patients, families, and staff.
• Calm and grounded demeanor, providing a steady, reassuring presence even in emotionally charged or crisis moments.
• Strong emotional intelligence and boundaries to provide care without overextending personal capacity.
• Understanding of hospice philosophy: comfort over cure, dignity, and patient-centered care.
• Experience in supporting anticipatory grief, family grief, and post-death bereavement.
• Ability to address spiritual distress, meaning-making, forgiveness, reconciliation, and preparation for death.