Chaplain

Overview

Good Shepherd Hospice is seeking a compassionate Spiritual Leader to serve as our  Chaplain in Duncan and surrounding communities. Responsible for the assessment of spiritual and religious needs of the patient and family and for providing and/or arranging for the provision of spiritual and religious support with community clergy in accordance with the wishes of the patient and family.

Responsibilities

• Completes spiritual assessment within 5 days of each patient and family admitted to Hospice and writes a care plan appropriate to their needs in a timely manner. 
• Provides for spiritual and religious support and services in accordance with the wishes and beliefs of the patient and family and in accordance with the plan of care. If the patient and family have their own clergy, priest, rabbi or other religious leader, and if that person has not been informed of the patient’s condition, offers to assist patient and family in contacting him or her and advising him or her of the situation in the home. 
•  Serves as liaison to the patient’s/family’s community of faith. Is responsive to the needs of the patient/family. Advises patient/family’s clergy, priest, rabbi or other religious leader of the issues related to the terminal illness of the patient, if desired by patient and/or family. 
•  Documents the provision of care by community clergy and lay persons. 
• Attends Interdisciplinary Team meetings and participates in the establishment and review of the Plan of Care for patients and families. 
•  Networks with clergy in the community to provide information about hospice. 
• Participates in developing and enhancing the spiritual and religious support services provided by hospice in collaboration with community clergy and the other members of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team. 
•  Completes appropriate documentation in a timely manner according to Good Shepherd Hospice policies and procedures. 
•  Offers support to staff with loss and patient/family issues. 
•  Maintains confidentiality of patient/family status 
•  Assumes responsibility as needed for Bereavement Services. 

Qualifications

• A person who is ordained, commissioned, or credentialed according to the practices of an organized religious group and has completed: 
• At least 1 year’s experience in pastoral care in a medical, educational or religious agency or institution. 
• Minimum of a two-year degree in the pastoral or other applicable field
• Previous experience in pastoral field, preferably healthcare-related
• Demonstrated commitment to the hospice philosophy of care.
• Able to work weekends, nights, and on call, as needed