Spiritual Care Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY : The Spiritual Care Counselor, in cooperation with the interdisciplinary team, provides counseling and crises intervention in order to adequately address the psychosocial and spiritual needs of hospice and / or palliative patients and their families.

REPORTS TO : Director of Patient Care Services

SUPERVISES : None

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education : Bachelor's degree in theology, religion, pastoral care, pastoral counseling, spirituality, divinity, missiology, and chaplaincy from a recognized institution of education with three (3) years of pastoral care experience within the last five (5) years; OR Completing Bachelor's degree with five (5) years of pastoral care experience within the last ten (10) years.

Master's or higher education is preferred.

Credentials : Training in chaplaincy with a minimum of two Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units or completing within 2 years from date of approval.

Current Basic Life Support license (BLS)

Endorsement : Endorsement from a denomination, faith, and religious institution is required.

Core Competencies

Ability to be open, flexible, and ecumenical. Ability to provide spiritual sensitivity to patients and families of all faiths and religious affiliations. Knowledge of beliefs and practices of cultures related to death and dying. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work with dying patients and their families. Possesses a sympathetic attitude toward caring for the hospice patient and demonstrates positive communication skills in interacting with other members of the hospice team.

Other : Valid driver's license, and auto insurance.

FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Reports changes in the patient's conditions and needs to the RN Case Manager or Director of Patient Care Services.
• Performs spiritual assessments to identify patient / family needs, concerns, or opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Provides direct spiritual support to patients / families, including meditation, prayer, counseling, sacred rituals, and practices.
• Observes for safety hazards in the patient's and organization's environments and takes appropriate steps to reduce or eliminate them.
• Develops and maintains a resource group of spiritual care counselor to whom specific aspects of spiritual care may be delegated.
• Develops and maintains collegial relationship with clergy of all faiths and contacts appropriate representatives of patients / families as indicated.
• Assists patient / family with arrangements and / or conducts funeral or memorial services as indicated.
• Serves as a core member of the IDT and participates by exploring and assessing the potential spiritual needs of patients / families and reporting on services as indicated.
• Works with staff, clergy, and community groups to enhance their sensitivity to the spiritual concerns of patients / families experiencing terminal illness and active listening, supportive presence.
• Assists with bereavement follow-up services in collaboration with Bereavement Coordinator.
• Participates for on-call availability of spiritual care services.
• Maintains continuing education through academic studies, seminars, and workshops.
• Participates in appropriate professional organizations.
• Attends and participates in in-services, staff meetings and case conferences.
• Completes all documentation in an accurate and legible manner.
• Complies with hospice policies and procedures, laws and regulations and standards of practice.
• All other tasks and duties deemed necessary and appropriate.

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