Job Summary:

As a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), the Homestead Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplain provides direct spiritual support or counseling to patients/families/caregivers and staff as needed acknowledging and respecting their beliefs, culture and values related to their hospice and palliative journey.

Qualifications: Appropriate training in healthcare chaplaincy or a graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology preferred. Ability to be open, flexible, and ecumenical. Experience in working with patients/families dealing with life-threatening illness and death. If this job services the state of Georgia, it requires 1 unit of CPE. Responsibilities: Provide an assessment of the patient and families spiritual needs. Provide spiritual counseling to meet these needs in accordance with the patient’s and family’s acceptance of this service, and in a manner consistent with patient and family beliefs and desires. Facilitate visits by local clergy, pastoral counselors, or other individuals who can support the patient’s spiritual needs to the best of their ability. Advise patient and family of chaplain services. There should be evidence in the clinical record that the hospice has offered and/or provided spiritual counseling in accordance with the patient/family’s desires. Provide direct spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, caregivers and Homestead Hospice staff. Work with patients, families, caregivers and IDT to provide spiritual education reflective of patient’s culture, beliefs and desires. Participate in IDT meetings to explore and assess the potential spiritual and emotional needs of patients/families and to report on services provided as indicated. Maintain proper documentation within EMR of all contacts with patients, families, and caregivers. Provide spiritual evaluation of each Homestead Hospice and Palliative Care patient and review patient’s plan of care for revisions and updates. Educates and completes initial bereavement assessment for patients, families, and caregivers; reassess as needed. Contact clergy or appropriate representatives of particular faith tradition of patients/families as requested. Conduct or assist with arrangements for funeral or memorial services as requested. Develop and maintain a resource group of clergy to whom specific aspects of spiritual care may be delegated when necessary. Perform other tasks as assigned.