Advance Care Planning Advisor

Overview

Position Title: Advance Care Planning Advisor
Location: Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, IN
Shift: Full-Time Day

Position Overview:
The Advance Care Planning (ACP) Advisor plays a vital role in program development and system-wide implementation of ACP initiatives at IU Health. This role provides expertise to promote evidence-based, person-centered ACP conversations, engaging patients, families, and healthcare providers across all stages of a patient's care journey -- from early, upstream conversations through more advanced disease states. The Advisor helps patients and families document legal healthcare directives that reflect their values and preferences, ensuring their voice guides treatment decisions even if they are later unable to speak for themselves.

This is not a scripted, checklist-driven role -- the Advisor meets patients where they are, using strong emotional intelligence and conversation-based skill to understand what matters most to each individual and family throughout their healthcare plan. This role involves regular travel to multiple clinics within the Indianapolis area. The position reports to the Advance Care Planning Director and collaborates closely with Oncology, Clinical Ethics, and Primary Care teams.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Support program development and broad implementation of ACP across the health system.
• Initiate and facilitate ACP conversations tailored to individual patient needs, health status, fears, concerns, and beliefs.
• Assess the needs of individuals seeking ACP assistance, providing a person-centered approach.
• Promote ACP as a standard component of healthcare through system-wide, strategic initiatives.
• Develop and deliver staff and community education programs to improve understanding of ACP.
• Collaborate with healthcare teams -- including Clinical Ethics -- to ensure ACP aligns with patient goals and values.
• Thoroughly document patient values, preferences, and treatment decisions to support care teams and decision-makers.
• Travel to multiple clinics across the Indianapolis area to meet patients where they receive care.
• Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based practices in advance care planning.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in the healthcare field.
• Requires licensure or board certification within two years of hire.
• Valid Indiana license as a Social Worker, Chaplain, or Registered Nurse with an active RN license in Indiana or the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
• Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills; comfortable navigating sensitive, values-based conversations without a scripted approach.
• Reliable transportation for regular travel between clinic sites.

About IU Health: IU Health is Indiana's largest and most comprehensive healthcare system, with nearly 40,000 team members, 16 hospitals, and $8.64 billion in operating revenue. Our programs in cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics, and transplants are nationally recognized. In partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, IU Health combines research, education, and clinical excellence to improve health outcomes for Indiana communities.