Chaplain

JOB TITLE: Chaplain

REPORTS TO: Director of Counseling Services

FLSA: Exempt

ROLE: Non-Management

JOB SUMMARY

The Hospice Chaplain provides spiritual care services directly to terminally ill patients and their families in a clinical setting, and indirectly by way of linkage with local clergy and religious communities. As a member of the IDT, the Chaplain provides consultation with team members about spiritual care issues, and coordinates chaplain services with the team. The Chaplain is also available to provide community education and consultation, regarding spiritual care and end of life issues and concerns, when requested. The Chaplain is responsible for his/her ongoing continuing education, to assure that skills and knowledge are enhanced. Performs other duties as assigned.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

1. The chaplain is responsible for assessing patient and family spiritual needs and concerns, developing an appropriate plan of care in coordination with the client and IDT, and assures that the services provided are consistent with the pt/family beliefs and traditions, and that these are in compliance with agency policies and procedures.

2. The chaplain serves as liaison with community clergy and religious, to assure pt and family needs are met, when outside support is needed, especially for rituals, sacraments, and the like.

3. Initiates referral for religious ceremonies/ritual creation for LCFL patients when requested and when available. Assists provider outreach staff with memorial, remembrance, and/or celebratory services in the community, in facilities, when requested and available.

4. Provides consultation and education for clients, IDT members, and the community regarding spiritual needs and end of life care.

5. The chaplain familiarizes him/herself with the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the patient and family, supports these beliefs, while maintaining the dignity of the dying patient.

6. Assures that required documentation is completed within the time frames required by LCFL, and that the information in that documentation is in compliance with the policies and procedures of the organization. Also, keeps other IDT members appraised of any changes, needs, or concerns determined by the chaplain.

7. Participates in continuing education annually to enhance chaplain skills and knowledge base.

8. Assists with volunteer training, as needed, and assists in training volunteer chaplains in their role and expectations.

9. Organizes and performs work effectively and efficiently.

10. Strives to achieve productivity standards of the organization as they relate to average visits made per day.

11. Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance program performance.

12. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with all members of the team.

13. Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction.

14. Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare on a daily basis

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

1. Education: Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in theology or divinity, and at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education or its equivalent. Master’s degree preferred. Counseling education is desirable.

2. Licensure / Certifications: Professional license/certification preferred, but not required upon employment.

3. Experience: Atleast 2 years of experience in pastoral care, counseling, or the ministry, preferably in a health care setting.

4. Essential Technical / Motor Skills: Ability to speak clearly to communicate with patients and families regarding spiritual care needs. Literate in the English language. Basic counseling skills, including the ability to listen and assist severely distressed individuals on a daily basis. Ability to safely travel throughout the geographic area. Ability to learn computerized documentation requirements, using the laptop on a daily basis.

5. Interpersonal Skills: Strong team interaction skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills and listening skills. Ability to develop positive interactions with team, clients, and the general public within a short period of time. Highly motivated

6. Essential Physical Requirements: Daily riding/driving in the assigned geographic area. Sitting, walking, climbing stairs, writing, and using the computer daily. Ability to access patient/family homes which may have obstacles making access difficult (i.e. steep stairs, broken sidewalks, dark hallways, broken down porches, etc.)Self-disciplined, flexible, and positive attitude.

7. Essential Mental Abilities: Ability to assess client’s needs for chaplain services, formulate care plans, select appropriate interventions, evaluate the family’s response to interventions. Ability to maintain active attention and to maintain short and long term memory. Ability to utilize basic mathematics skills. Ability to organize and complete work assignments within the agency time requirements.

8. Essential Sensory Requirements: Hearing and sight needed for driving to/from and accessing homes of clients.

9. Exposure to Hazards: Abilities to withstand allergens such as dust, smoke, cigarette/cigar smoke, fumes. May be exposed to blood or body fluids. May be exposed to dangerous animals and traffic hazards while home visiting. May encounter temperature extremes and weather extremes.

10. Other - Hours of Work: Hours may include some evening and weekend work. Generally, the work runs from 8-5, Monday to Friday. For a 1.0 FTE, the average work week is 40 hours of work.

11. Population Served: Families of LCFL patients within a specific geographic area.

12. Driving: Will be required to drive. Must have reliable transportation. Will be subject to the Safe Driver Policy.