JD DATE: 6/27/2023

Essential Functions

Maintain the spiritual component of Hospice care and work in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team (IDTM) in providing appropriate interventions. The Chaplain works to insure that the patient and family are provided spiritual counseling and support through their own requested spiritual caregiver or by a qualified assigned hospice staff member or trained volunteer chaplain. This position will provide care to patients in Alabama and Georgia.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct

None

Indirect

Provide clinical spiritual competency assessments for the purpose of policy requirements of other chaplains, as assigned.

Challenges in Position

Take call on rotating basis after business hours and on holidays, as assigned, for spiritual issues and make visits as indicated by patient and family needs. Deal effectively and professionally with grief, high anxiety, and emotions related to death and dying on a daily basis. Ability to work flexible schedule, ability to evaluate situations as they occur, prioritize, and coordinate visits related to patient spiritual needs as they arise on a daily basis.

Decision Making Latitude

Individual Decision Making Parameters

Independently carry out and prioritize assigned job duties. Follows policy and procedure for all independent decisions.

In Collaboration with Management

Consult with manager when clarification, direction, or assistance is needed with assigned job duties.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with professionalism and mutual respect for all. The requirements in this job description are representative of knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

Master's degree in theology, religion, or divinity required.

One to two years experience related to counseling and support with patients and families facing a life limiting illness preferred.

2 Post Masters CPE units required.

Ordained or recognized in good standing within the jurisdiction of own denomination, by a letter of endorsement.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations, Vaccines

Valid COVID-19 vaccine required (if hired before August 4, 2023)

Influenza vaccine during influenza season required

Valid drivers license, good driving record, and proof of insurance

Must provide official transcript of completion of Masters degree from an accredited school of theology.

Must provide official transcript of at least two post-Masters CPE basic units from an accredited CPE provider.

Must provide official certificate of ordination; in lieu of, may provide an official letter of endorsement from a recognized denomination or a faith group where ordination is not required.

Current CPR certification preferred, or must obtain within 30 days of start of employment.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, and public groups.

Equipment and Machines Used

Computer/iPad Printer Automobile

Telephone/Mobile Phone Fax Machine EMR System

Copier Secure Staff Communication System

Travel mapping tools Timekeeping System

All other routine or specialized office or company equipment.

Position Requirements (not all-inclusive)

Contribute to the interdisciplinary care planning on spiritual issues concerning patient/family, in accordance with the frequency stated on the plan of care.

Provide clinical spiritual competency assessments of peer chaplains, as designated.

Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and facilitate discussion of issues relating to the spiritual component of Hospice care.

Complete and document a spiritual assessment on assigned patients within 4 days of admission, and update the patients plan of care to reflect assessment and plan for future care.

Document visits, telephone calls and updates of plan of care in electronic medical records system at the point of care.

Ensure that contacts with clergy of a particular faith are made in behalf of the patient and family.

Conduct or arrange for funeral (or other) services for families not affiliated with a particular church and who desire a funeral service.

Participate in agency and community spiritual educational activities as requested.

Participate in orientation of new employees and in-service of hospice staff on spiritual issues when requested.

Provide open, flexible, and non-denominational ministry.

Provide age-specific spiritual counseling to patients and families.

Maintain appropriate boundaries when providing spiritual care that are within Hospice guidelines and practices.

Takes call on rotating basis after business hours and on holidays as assigned for spiritual issues and makes visits as indicated by patient and family needs.

Provide continual improvement on performance improvement monitors.

Take all reasonable precaution to maintain privacy and non-disclosure of any confidential information about patients, other staff members, and the general operations of Columbus Hospice.

Represent the company in a positive and professional manner at all times with others, e.g., co-workers, management, vendors, and customers.

Complete all job responsibilities in a thorough and complete manner, utilizing good judgment in all aspects of the job.

When unsure of a directed task or any part of job responsibilities, proactively seek the assistance of immediate supervisor.

Acquire 15 continuing education hours per year, or will not be eligible for merit increases and may be subject to termination. Of the required 15 hours per year at least 12 hours must be in hospice-specific topics.

Attend staff meetings and other mandatory meetings.

Ensure job responsibilities are met, including but not limited to attendance requirements, compliance with dress code, and professional communication and behavior.

Assist with special projects, as requested.

All other job duties as may be assigned.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, stoop or kneel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low. Potential exposure to variable environments, cigarette smoke, and pets.

Due to the nature of on call responsibilities, will be exposed to night driving conditions, driving in variable weather conditions, and variable home conditions.

This job description is not intended to be a complete statement of job content, rather to act as a guide to the essential functions performed. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.