Regional Hospice Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator

Description

Position Summary:

The Regional Hospice Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator provides comprehensive spiritual care and bereavement support to terminally ill patients, their families, caregivers, and survivors both during the patient’s life and after death. This role includes conducting assessments of patients’ and families’ spiritual needs and providing counseling to address those needs in a compassionate and culturally sensitive manner. The Regional Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator also oversees Spiritual Care Professionals and Bereavement Coordinators, providing leadership, guidance, and support across assigned branches, and delivers direct chaplain oversight and patient care as needed. The role facilitates connections with local clergy, pastoral counselors, or other community resources to support spiritual well-being in both the short and long term. Additionally, the position is responsible for establishing, implementing, and overseeing a bereavement program in accordance with regulatory and industry best practices, which may include mailings, phone outreach, support groups, and referrals to community resources, tailored to survivor risk levels and individual preferences. The Regional Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator actively participates as a core member of the Interdisciplinary Group/Team (IDG/IDT) and collaborates across teams to ensure continuity and quality of care. This position reports to the Hospice Administrator.

Responsibilities:

• Provides oversight to the Chaplains in their region
• Provides oversight/patient care in assigned branches as needed.
• Assess hospice patients and their families/support systems to identify spiritual and bereavement needs, as evidenced by the Plan of Care (POC), clinical documentation, IDG/IDT conference participation, and community resource referrals. 
• Provide ongoing spiritual care, grief counseling, and bereavement support to patients, caregivers, and families, including identification and management of complex grief through interdisciplinary care planning. 
• Actively participate in Interdisciplinary Group/Team (IDG/IDT) meetings to support care coordination, continuity of care, and patient-centered outcomes. 
• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care to ensure comprehensive support for patient and family needs. 
• Facilitate effective communication and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills when working with patients, families, team members, and community resources. 
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation, including clinical records, bereavement follow-up, and required reports. 
• Participate in the Hospice Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) program and contribute to initiatives that enhance patient care and satisfaction. 
• Promote and uphold the hospice philosophy, mission, and administrative policies to ensure quality and compassionate care delivery. 
• Adhere to all accrediting body standards (e.g., CHAP/ACHC), as well as state and federal hospice regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and sound clinical judgment, seeking guidance when clarification or deviation from policy is necessary. 
• Maintain competency through mandatory continuing education, hospice-sponsored in-service programs, and ongoing professional development. 
• Support a collaborative and communicative work environment across the interdisciplinary team. 
• Accept assignments consistent with education and competency, ensuring high-quality care delivery. 
• Meet productivity standards, complete all required paperwork in a timely manner, and fulfill on-call responsibilities as assigned. 
• Provide education to patients, families, and team members related to spiritual care, grief support, and patient care practices. 
• Maintain reliable transportation and valid auto liability insurance to meet job requirements.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) Required (GA applicants only)
• High School diploma required, Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred. Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological training preferred. 
• Licensure not required. 
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in hospice care, chaplaincy, healthcare, social work, or a related field preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to provide spiritual care and emotional support to patients, caregivers, and families in a hospice setting. 
• Working knowledge of community resources, bereavement services, and volunteer support programs. 
• Strong understanding of state and federal hospice regulations and standards. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication s