Chaplain

Description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Operates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, under the auspices of the Director of Social Services to assure the provision of spiritual support to the patients/family in keeping with their belief systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Listed below is an outline of the major duties and responsibilities that will be required. Administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary to perform the assigned duties under the supervision of the Director of Social Services are delegated to this position.

Every effort has been made to provide a position description that is as complete as possible. The duties outlined herein are not considered complete and final, and are not the only duties the Chaplain will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. SPIRITUAL SERVICES
2. Performs and documents assessment of patient and family spiritual needs in a timely manner.
3. Assures that patients and families are offered the spiritual support of their choice. Honors patient and family requests to decline spiritual support.
4. Provides spiritual counseling and support to patients and families before the death and during the bereavement period to include but not limited to Bible reading, prayer, conversations and counseling with patient and/or family. Contact may be by telephone or by visit to home, foster home, nursing home, or hospital visits.
5. Serves as a liaison to the patient or family's religious group by contacting clergy of a particular faith, when requested, to meet patient or family needs.
6. Performs special ministration for patients and families, as requested, which may include the sacraments, performing weddings, conducting funerals or memorial services.
7. Reports significant changes and newly identified problems in the patient’s and care giving system’s spiritual status to involved IDG Team members to maximize overall effectiveness of care plan. Receives information from staff members on spiritual needs of patients and/or families and makes timely phone calls or personal visits when this will be helpful.
8. Facilitates family contact with local clergy, churches and synagogues for support of Hospice program when requested.
9. Is available for telephone calls at night and on weekends.
10. Is available to make client visits at night or on weekends, if required.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE

1. Submits accurate and timely documentation of all patient and family contacts and any contacts or other action taken on the patient or family’s behalf.
2. Participates in new employee, volunteer and student orientation.
3. Executes assignments as outlined by the Director of Social Work Services.
4. Has knowledgeable of and follows Hospice policies and procedures.
5. Maintains a professional appearance.
6. Displays a consistent positive attitude.
7. Demonstrates Values of Hospice: PROFESSIONALISM * RESPECT * NURTURANCE * COMMUNICATION * CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
8. Adheres to Hospice of El Paso Mission and Value Statement.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

3. Communication

1. Establishes and maintains effective communication and a cooperative manner with patient and family members, physicians, professionals and support staff working in hospitals, nursing facilities, foster homes, and other related facilities as required by position.
2. Uses tact and sensitivity in communicating with patients/families, physicians, professionals and support staff working in hospitals, nursing facilities, foster homes, and related facilities as required by position
3. Listens and responds to patient/ family needs in a sensitive and timely manner keeping all parties (IDG) appraised of concerns and developments.
4. Establishes and maintains a cooperative manner and effective communication, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of Hospice staff.
5. Complies with HIPAA standards by abiding with minimum Protected Health Information necessary to perform job description responsibilities. Access level 2 – Select, insert, update

4. Professional Development

1. Attends appropriate in-service programs, education classes and on-the-job training programs as required.
2. Attends conferences and workshops as approved.
3. Participates in the planning and presentation of educational programs for Hospice personnel, health care professions and community.
4. Attends ethics and compliance training and maintains compliance with CCP.