Spiritual Care Specialist

Hospice


Oct 7
Written By Doug Ferguson


Responsible to: Hospice Manager
Hours: 40 hours/week
Schedule: Varies
Pay Range: $27.78 - 41.66

Job Summary:


Responsible for the coordination, planning, and provision of spiritual support and counseling services to Hospice patients, families, and caregivers in keeping with their belief system, either directly or through coordination with other spiritual counselors. Acts as a liaison between local clergy and the Hospice interdisciplinary team. Provides consultation and training on spiritual aspects of end-of-life care. Functions as a core member of the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

Education & License Requirements:


Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in theology, divinity, or religion, is required. Masters of Divinity or equivalent preferred. Two to four units of Clinical Pastoral Education preferred or completion within one year. Certification by APC, NACC, or equivalent preferred. CPR certification is required upon hire.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:


Minimum of one year professional pastoral counseling in healthcare, preferably in a Home Health, Hospice, or palliative care setting preferred. Experience working with patients and families with illness or death related issues. Must have current driver's license, insured vehicle for transportation, and a means of communication.

Skills:


Appreciation of religious values, beliefs, lifestyles, cultures, rituals, and practices, allowing for open and flexible communication with people of all faiths and those of none. Compassion for the terminally ill and understanding of ministry to them and their families. Must demonstrate respect, caring, integrity, good judgment, professionalism, and maintain confidentiality. Strong interpersonal and communication skills required, written and verbal, face-to-face and in groups. Needs to have the ability to relate to patients and families in an open, empathetic and supportive manner while maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Knowledge of, and commitment to, the hospice concept of care. Ability to identify types of spiritual pain and institute and teach appropriate interventions. Demonstrate a sound theological and pastoral knowledge and skill base. Must have knowledge of community resources, especially those of a spiritual/religious nature. Shows respect and understanding of theological and moral values contrary to one's own. Must have the ability to establish and maintain rapport with community spiritual leaders. Position requires emotional maturity to cope with ongoing needs of participation in a program dealing with life-threatening illnesses and death. Demonstrates skills in cooperation, adaptability, flexibility, communication, dependability, and support of team goals. Ability to assist in group process, particularly in medical ethical issues. Must be self-motivated, take initiative, solve problems, and work independently with little supervision. Position requires the ability to work flexible hours as required to meet patient, family, and program needs. Must have computer skills, knowledge of computer programs, and the ability to learn patient care software.

Essential Job Functions:

• Completes initial spiritual assessment of the patient upon referral. Assesses the patient/family spiritual status and identifies needs of the patient, family, and caregivers.
• Coordinates planning and provision of pastoral and spiritual care services for patient, family, and caregivers.
• Consults and collaborates with other members of the interdisciplinary team. Acts as a consultant and resource to team members and volunteers. Educates staff on the role of spiritual counselor.
• Contributes to the initial plan of care and updates plan of care as needed based on regular re-evaluation of patient and family needs.
• Documents spiritual assessments, plan of care, and interventions for the patient care record.
• Participates in Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings, communicates the assessment, plan for intervention, and patient's use of spiritual resources.
• Collaborates with local religious/spiritual community as appropriate. Cultivates ongoing relationships with, and serves as resource to, local faith communities. Provides outreach through education and support around end of life issues.
• Conducts or coordinates religious services of prayer, worship, and rituals for patients and families, as requested.
• Develop a good working relationship with referral sources.
• Other duties as assigned

Marginal Job Functions:


Answer phones, perform clerical duties, put together charts, move furniture, equipment, and supplies. Post and access schedule. Light mechanics, instrument maintenance.

How to Apply:

Please complete our Employment Application below. You may be asked to verify your email address. Once it is submitted, you will receive a copy via email.