Hospice Chaplain

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Position Summary:

The Hospice Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator provides comprehensive spiritual care and bereavement support to terminally ill patients, their families, caregivers, and survivors both during the patient’s life and after death. This role includes conducting assessments of patients’ and families’ spiritual needs and providing counseling to address those needs in a compassionate and culturally sensitive manner. The Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator facilitates connections with local clergy, pastoral counselors, or other community resources to support spiritual well-being in both the short and long term. Additionally, the role is responsible for establishing, implementing, and overseeing a bereavement program in accordance with regulatory and industry best practices, which may include mailings, phone outreach, support groups, and referrals to community resources, tailored to survivor risk levels and individual preferences. The Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator actively participates as a core member of the Interdisciplinary Group/Team (IDG/IDT) and reports to the Hospice Administrator.

Responsibilities:

• Assess hospice patients and their families/support systems to identify spiritual and bereavement needs, as evidenced by the Plan of Care (POC), clinical documentation, IDG/IDT conference participation, and community resource referrals.
• Provide ongoing spiritual care, grief counseling, and bereavement support to patients, caregivers, and families, including identification and management of complex grief through interdisciplinary care planning.
• Actively participate in Interdisciplinary Group/Team (IDG/IDT) meetings to support care coordination, continuity of care, and patient-centered outcomes.
• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care to ensure comprehensive support for patient and family needs.
• Facilitate effective communication and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills when working with patients, families, team members, and community resources.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation, including clinical records, bereavement follow-up, and required reports.
• Participate in the Hospice Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) program and contribute to initiatives that enhance patient care and satisfaction.
• Promote and uphold the hospice philosophy, mission, and administrative policies to ensure quality and compassionate care delivery.
• Adhere to all accrediting body standards (e.g., CHAP/ACHC), as well as state and federal hospice regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and sound clinical judgment, seeking guidance when clarification or deviation from policy is necessary.
• Maintain competency through mandatory continuing education, hospice-sponsored in-service programs, and ongoing professional development.
• Support a collaborative and communicative work environment across the interdisciplinary team.
• Accept assignments consistent with education and competency, ensuring high-quality care delivery.
• Meet productivity standards, complete all required paperwork in a timely manner, and fulfill on-call responsibilities as assigned.
• Provide education to patients, families, and team members related to spiritual care, grief support, and patient care practices.
• Maintain reliable transportation and valid auto liability insurance to meet job requirements.

Education and Experience:

• CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) Required (GA applicants only)
• High School diploma required, Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred. Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological training preferred.
• Licensure not required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in hospice care, chaplaincy, healthcare, social work, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to provide spiritual care and emotional support to patients, caregivers, and families in a hospice setting.
• Working knowledge of community resources, bereavement services, and volunteer support programs.
• Strong understanding of state and federal hospice regulations and standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong interpersonal and counseling abilities.
• Proven ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team environment.
• Reliable transportation and valid auto liability insurance required.

Physical Requirements:

Environmental and Working Conditions:

• Works in patient homes and various settings with potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious diseases. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, travel locally, and respond to PRN/emergency calls. May be exposed to varying and occasionally unpleasant weather conditions.

Physical and Mental Effort:

• Requires prolonged standing and walking, with the ability to lift to 50 lbs. and assist with patient movement as needed. Must be able to work under stressful conditions, meet deadlines, address patient and family needs, and make timely decisions regarding care and resource allocation. Requires good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity.

Communication and Sensory Abilities:

• Must be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, physicians, co-workers, and visitors to exchange accurate information regarding patient condition and care. Requires strong listening skills, including the ability to understand, interpret, and respond appropriately without interruption. Must have the ability to hear and interpret sounds relevant to the environment and patient care.

Cognitive and Technical Skills:

• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions using logic and reasoning to evaluate situations and determine appropriate solutions. Must be able to identify necessary resources to provide quality patient care. Requires the ability to view and work on a tablet or Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, and to accurately review, assess, document, and input data in a timely manner.

Mobility:

• Ability to travel to patient homes, office locations, and other care settings as needed to deliver services, attend meetings, or participate in training and education.