Hospice Chaplain

7 days ago

Zephyrhills, United States Gulfside Healthcare Services Full time
Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJOB TITLE: Chaplain
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
DIVISION: Gulfside Hospice
LOCATION:
Rucki Hospice House
5760 Dean Dairy Road
Zephyrhills, FL 33541



POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Clinical Care Manager, the Chaplain is responsible for the spiritual care component of hospice services. The Chaplain is available to patients and families in a timely and consistent manner. The Chaplain functions in a manner that reflects the mission and vision of Gulfside Healthcare Services. All duties will be performed in compliance with published Gulfside Healthcare Services policies and procedures.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum requirements include Master's Degree in Divinity, Master's in Theology, Master's in Pastoral studies or equivalent, Professional certification and/or ordination
  • Minimum of one year in health care chaplaincy, with hospice or palliative care experience preferred.
  • Four CPE Units completed preferred
  • Deep and abiding compassion for those with life limiting illnesses, their families, and caregivers is required.
  • Demonstrated success in working collaboratively as an integral part of an Interdisciplinary Team
  • Ability to provide pastoral care as an interfaith chaplain.
  • Must be proficient in a variety of computer software applications including word processing and electronic medical record
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Complete initial spiritual care assessment for all patients admitted to Hospice care within four calendar days.
  • Assesses spiritual care needs of the patient and family. If the patient and/or family desire spiritual counseling, determine whether hospice chaplain will provide spiritual care or will facilitate visits by local clergy, pastoral counselors or others.
  • Assists patients, families, and staff in using their spirituality to deal with life-limiting illness, death, and grief.
  • Develops an individualized spiritual care plan for patients and their families.
  • Supports the diverse belief systems and cultural needs of patients, their families, and staff, respecting the dignity and privacy of all.
  • Acts as a resource and liaison for patients and families and their local congregations as needed and/or requested.
  • Performs crisis intervention independently or with other members of the inter-disciplinary team working towards achieving the goals of the patients plan of care.
  • Provides faith affirmation, theological development, and hears confession or amends of patient and/or family.
  • Performs a religious rite or ritual as requested by the patient and/or family.
  • Provides religious items for the patient and/or family.
  • Offers a blessing and/or prayer for the patient and/or family.
  • Knowledgeable about the major religions of the world and provides the inter-disciplinary team with information and insight as to how the patient and/or families religion(s) might interface with the plan of care.
  • Documents to the spiritual plan of care.
  • Documents how the spiritual needs/concerns of the patients and/or families are addressed.
  • Assists with the completion of Advanced Directives, final arrangements, organ donations, evacuation plans, Medicare non-recertification, etc, as requested by administration.
  • Networks with community clergy and faith communities.
  • Participates in departmental meetings, on call rotation, and other tasks and projects as requested by the VP of Counseling & Advocacy Services.
  • The Chaplain adheres to the code of ethics of the Association of Professional Chaplains.
  • Provides appropriate documentation of activities in a timely and consistent manner.
  • Assists with spiritual care education for volunteers and community.
  • Maintains a rolling monthly minimum average of twenty (20) patient, client and/or caregiver visits per week.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
Auditing/Compliance:
  • Establishes and maintains an effective system of peer review related to patient documentation
  • Possesses ability to multi-task; exhibits adaptability and flexibility in meeting Gulfside Healthcare Services objectives
  • Ensures compliance with all patient care and documentation standards and regulations
  • Assists in the implementation and maintenance of the policies and procedures of the spiritual care department; adheres to and assists in the evaluation of the same
  • Assists in maintaining federal and state regulatory compliance
Mentoring/Education
  • Develops, interprets, implements, and supports policies and procedures
  • Functions as a resource person; provides mentoring and guidance for co-workers
Customer Service
  • Maintains positive working relationships and frequent liaison with other disciplines
  • Attends to patient/family complaints and concerns
  • Creates and promotes initiatives to develop and strengthen relationships with care facility partners
  • Takes a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issues
  • Educates the community regarding hospice care, philosophy, and concept through individual consultation with persons in the community.