Chaplain

Chaplain

The Chaplain is responsible for modeling the Compassus values of Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Innovation and for promoting the Compassus philosophy, using the 6 Pillars of Success as the foundation. S/he is responsible for upholding the Code of Ethical Conduct and for promoting positive working relationships within the company, among all departments, and all external stakeholders. The Chaplain is a hospice-trained individual who provides spiritual support to patients and the members of the family. S/he may be a priest, minister, rabbi, or other individual with experience in spiritual support. The Chaplain is not intended to replace the patient's own clergy, but to provide spiritual support and help.

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Explains hospice services and Medicare benefits to patients and families; obtains Informed Consent and Election of Benefits documents as requested.
• Submits appropriate documentation and paperwork to facilities at the completion of patient visits; documentation is completed and submitted timely according to company policy.
• Articulates the regulatory framework governing the role of the Spiritual Counselor (federal and state, if applicable).
• Participates as a member of the IDT, including development and implementation of the plan of care.
• Provides spiritual care support to the patient and family; supports the involvement of community clergy as the patient/family request.
• Assists in identifying the need for intervention of other IDT members.
• Effectively communicates patient and family needs to IDT.
• Collaborates with IDT to coordinate spiritual care support for the patient and family to ensure appropriateness, continuity, and quality of care.
• Maintains updated, comprehensive care plans which reflect current problems, goals and interventions for patients.
• Maintains respect for the family's environment and belief systems, and remains nondiscriminatory regarding age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, and other personal matters.
• Counsels in accordance with patient's and family's beliefs.
• Supports the patient and family in working through the stages of death, grief, and bereavement.
• Acts as liaison with the clerical community to interpret the needs of the hospice patient and family, and helps recruit clerical volunteers for the hospice.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in Divinity, Social Sciences, or other related field preferred, unless required per state regulation.
• Completion of at least one (1) unit of CPE preferred, unless required per state regulation.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the provision of spiritual/ pastoral support to individuals or families required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the provision of pastoral support to individuals/ families related to loss, grief, bereavement, or trauma preferred.

Skills

• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, team members, investors, and external parties. Strong written and verbal communications.
• Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. Articulates and embraces hospice philosophy. Must be of high integrity including maintenance of confidential information including all patient records. Strong skills in counseling the terminally ill and his/her family. A positive, compassionate, and empathetic attitude. Ability to counsel patient and family and assist local clergy in rendering pastoral care.

State Specific Requirements Missouri

• Completed education in counseling or related field such as mental health, psychology, addiction, comparative religions and spiritual practices, or thanatology (bachelor's degree preferred) required.
• Must complete additional training within 90 days of hire (provided by employer) to include death and dying, belief systems, spiritual assessment skills, and other areas of importance for the care of patients with terminal illnesses

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The demands of this role necessitate a team member to effectively perform essential functions. Adaptations can be made to accommodate team members with disabilities. Regular standing, walking, and manual dexterity are fundamental, along with the ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Visual acuity requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. In a healthcare setting, exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and conditions typical to the field is expected. Routine use of standard medical equipment and tools associated with clinical care is essential. This description provides a general overview and may vary by role and department, capturing the nuanced demands and conditions inherent to clinical positions in our organization.

At Compassus, including all Compassus affiliates, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Pillars of Success. We are committed to creating a fair work environment where our team members feel welcomed, highly valued, and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.