HOSPICE CHAPLAIN

Job Description

Do you have a passion for providing pastoral and spiritual care? Are you interested in joining a growing, dynamic mission services team? St. Elizabeth Healthcare, located in northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana within the Greater Cincinnati region, is seeking a full-time Hospice Chaplain to serve the Northern Kentucky area We are a Catholic healthcare ministry committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care by improving the health of the people and communities we serve. We are committed to care of the whole person and to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, all grounded in our sacred call to improve health, promote human dignity, and support those in need.

The Hospice Chaplain provides spiritual/religious and emotional services to patients, their families and hospice staff as part of a comprehensive team approach. The position will collaborate directly with the VP of Mission Services & Pastoral Care, the AVP Post-Acute Services, the Director of Hospice & Palliative Care, the Manager of Hospice Support Services and other interdisciplinary members of the care team to coordinate hospice care and facilitate decisions related to Hospice & Pastoral Care activities. This position will thoroughly document spiritual care services provided to patients in a timely manner. Additionally, the position will actively participate in interdisciplinary group meetings. Population served can be birth through old age.

Spiritual Assessment

* Contacts patient/family and attempts to complete the spiritual assessment within 5 working days of admission.
* Provides spiritual counseling to the hospice patient (and family) as a part of the development of the spiritual plan of care.
* Plan of care shared with the Case Manager and other members of the care team as appropriate.
* Serve as a liaison to the care team regarding patient needs.

Spiritual Follow-up

* Develops a follow-up plan based on the initial assessment and makes visits/call as indicated.
* Maintains a collaborative relationship with the patient/family to support the patient's needs.
* Provides patient/family with information regarding spiritual resources in the community.

Documentation

* Documents initial assessment visit in patient chart within 2 days of initial visit.
* Documents follow-up plan, interventions and inpatient visits.
* All documentation must be completed timely and accurately reflecting the services provided and adhering to the documentation requirements for Hospice including patient/caregiver needs, billing requirements, etc.
* Documentation must adhere to all policies/procedures and laws and regulations (State/Federal) relevant to job responsibilities.

Communication

* Actively participates in Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings and communicates with the group regarding the plan of care and the spiritual issues/needs of the patient/family.
* Refers to Bereavement Coordinator if anticipatory grief is an issue
* Communicates and networks with patient's clergy as requested by patient

Education of staff

* Provides spiritual education to volunteers at time of training and to Hospice staff and community when requested

Facilitating Support Groups

* Can Assist in facilitating support groups if needed.

Supervising Volunteer Chaplain

* Supervises work of volunteer chaplains and advises on issues

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM

Education, Credentials, Licenses:

* Bachelors in Divinity, Theology, Religious Studies (or similar subject)
* Certified by APC, NACC, NAJC or ACPE (or eligible)
* Ecclesiastical endorsement/ordination
* Three Units of Clinical Pastoral Education

Specialized Knowledge:

* Previous counseling experience.
* Thorough understanding of goals and objectives of St. Elizabeth, including the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Facilities.
* Knowledge and respect of religious beliefs/practices of other faith groups and those without Faith/belief system.
* Must have a valid driver's license with a vehicle in good working order

Kind and Length of Experience:

* Two years of ministry as a Chaplain

DESIRIABLE

* Masters of Divinity, Theology (or similar subject).
* 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education
* Experience working in a Hospice environment
* 3+ years of ministry as a Chaplain

If, for any reason, you are having difficulties applying, please contact our recruitment team at recruiting@stelizabeth.com

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