Job Description

Chaplain

The Chaplain provides direct spiritual support and/or counsel appropriate to the desire and belief system of the patient/family and consistent with Arkansas Hospice policies and procedures. The Chaplain may also initiate and/or participate in community outreach activities as appropriate.

Education: Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology or appropriate certification in hospital or pastoral care ministry.

Experience: Minimum of three years pastoral care experience, preferably in a hospice, home health, hospital, or other healthcare setting.

Additional Requirements: May be required to work flexible hours. Valid Arkansas driver's license, car, car insurance.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Provides direct spiritual support and/or counsel to patients/families consistent with the patients'/families' beliefs.
2. Follows-up on patient/family spiritual and bereavement needs as indicated by the social worker psychosocial assessment or by chaplain's assessment.
3. Works with the staff, clergy, and community groups to enhance their sensitivity to the spiritual concerns of patients/families experiencing terminal illness and loss.
4. Participates actively in interdisciplinary team meetings by exploring and assessing the potential spiritual needs of patients/families and reporting on services as indicated.
5. Develops a spiritual plan of care based on an initial spiritual care assessment.
6. Works with Arkansas Hospice bereavement program, as needed. Provides bereavement follow-up services as requested by bereavement coordinator or immediate supervisor and performs liturgical assignments during annual memorial service for patients/families and memorial services for staff.
7. Maintains proper and timely documentation of visits to patients/families.
8. Collaborates with clergy or appropriate representatives of patients/families as needs indicate.
9. Conducts or makes arrangements for patient's funeral or memorial service as appropriate.
10. Develops and maintains a resource group of clergy to whom specific aspects of spiritual care may be delegated.
11. Participates in orientation program for new hospice staff personnel. Assists in ongoing education/training programs for clinical staff.
12. Participates in Performance Improvement program.
13. Provides educational programs for community clergy, religious, and lay representatives as requested.
14. Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.
15. Utilizes and models excellent customer service skills at all times; seeks opportunities to assist patients, families, and co-workers; demonstrates teamwork and cooperation.
16. Accepts direction and follows instructions from supervisor; seeks additional information as needed; works with minimal supervision.
17. Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
18. Continually meets organizational standards for attendance and punctuality; notifies supervisor in a timely manner when employee will be absent or late for work.
19. Attends all required meetings and in-services; seeks opportunities for additional professional development activities as appropriate.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

This section describes what knowledge, skills and ability an employee in this position should currently possess. This list may not be complete for all knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position.

1. Knowledge and acceptance of hospice philosophy and principles of care.

2. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.

3. Ability to be open, sensitive, flexible, and ecumenical in response to needs of staff as well as patients/families dealing with life-threatening illness and death.

4. Ability to provide counseling to individuals and groups.

5. Ability to recognize both positive and negative aspects of death and grief.

6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

7. Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and other customers.

8. Ability to follow basic safety policies and procedures.

9. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.

10. Ability to work as a team player.

11. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.

12. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.

13. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

This position is designated as a safety sensitive position because it performs the above listed functions while regularly working with confidential and/or proprietary Arkansas Hospice and patient information, including but not limited to patient medical records, current or former employee information, Arkansas Hospice records, and other information that the employee regularly uses to perform job functions.

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