Chaplain

Hospice Chaplain

Per Diem - Flexible schedule minimum 8 hours/week

Haverhill/Chelmsford areas Reports To: Hospice Clinical Manager

Starting at $34/hr

Home is Where the Heart Is! At West River Care, we've been a family-run organization for generations, and our mission has always been simple: to care for people where they feel most at home. Whether you're looking for help to live independently, manage your health, receive home care services, or find support during life's most challenging times, we're here for you every step of the way.

Job Summary

The Hospice Chaplain provides spiritual, emotional and bereavement support to patients, families, and staff in accordance with their beliefs and wishes. As a member of the interdisciplinary hospice team, the chaplain offers compassionate care through counseling, religious services, and grief support during end-of-life care and bereavement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual and emotional support to hospice patients and their families, respecting all faiths, cultures, and personal beliefs.
• Assess spiritual needs and develop individualized spiritual care plans in collaboration with the hospice team.
• Visit patients in homes, nursing facilities, and hospitals, offering presence, prayer, rituals, or sacraments as appropriate.
• Coordinate and conduct memorial services, funerals, or religious rites when requested by families.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the interdisciplinary team (nurses, social workers, physicians, etc.).
• Provide support and counseling to family members during the grieving process, both before and after the patient's death.
• Document spiritual assessments, visits, and interventions in the patient's medical record in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain community relationships with clergy and spiritual organizations to provide extended support and referrals.
• Participate in team meetings, in-services, and continuing education as required.
• Uphold ethical and professional standards, maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity at all times.

Qualifications

• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological degree from an accredited institution preferred.
• Ordained or endorsed by a recognized faith group or denomination.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a clinical or hospice setting preferred.
• Completion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units preferred.
• Ability to work with people of diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (for in-home or facility visits).
• Strong communication, counseling, and listening skills.
• Knowledge of grief, loss, and bereavement processes.

Work Environment

• Work may occur in patients' homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice offices.
• Requires travel within the service area.
• May involve evening and weekend hours as needed to support patients and families.