Spiritual Counselor

Job Summary

The Spiritual Counselor is responsible for the provision of spiritual care services to patients, families and caregivers, either directly or through coordination of care with other spiritual counselors.

Qualifications

• Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology (BD, Mdiv or equivalent theological degree).
• Experience working with death and dying, and attending to the spiritual needs of individuals, families and caregivers.
• Ability to work as member of interdisciplinary team/group.
• Comfort in an interfaith setting.
• Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.
• Ability to network with Community clergy and congregations.
• Knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy of care.
• Hospices experience preferred.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Assures spiritual assessment of patients, families and caregivers in the hospice program and appropriate services are rendered in a timely manner.
• Facilitates the development of the individualized plan of care by participating in the comprehensive assessment to meet identified spiritual needs.
• Provides direct spiritual care to patients and families/caregivers.
• Serves as liaison and support to community chaplains and spiritual counselors.
• Maintains records of spiritual care services utilization and related activities for quality assurance, program development, and policies and procedures review and revision.
• Documents direct services and ongoing communication with community chaplains and spiritual counselors.
• Attends patient care conference and interdisciplinary group meetings as a member of the interdisciplinary group.
• Provides consultation, education, and support to the interdisciplinary group regarding spiritual care.
• Recruits community chaplains, spiritual counselors, and spiritual care volunteers to adequately meet patient and family/caregiver needs by developing community contacts and offering education through Congregations about hospice care.
• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Plans and conducts funeral or memorial services for patients as requested.
• Plans periodic memorial services to meet the needs of personnel, volunteers, and community clergy/spiritual counselors working with the hospice team.
• Assists in supervision of spiritual care volunteers when assigned to patients/ families/caregivers.
• Accepts and performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Non-Physical Requirements 

• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and company requirements and in good working order. 
• Must furnish own cell phone; plan must include texting.

Working Conditions 

• Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents/patients, family members, personnel, and visitors. 
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. 
• Must attend and participate in in-house education programs. 
• Subject to falls, odors, etc. throughout the workday. 
• There may be a fluctuating workload with periods of stress and deadlines. 
• Frequent travel is required; up to several hours of driving per day. 
• Exposure to variable weather conditions is likely. 
• General office environment is favorable; lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc..