Chaplain

Chaplain

Pay: $46,000 – $55,000 yearly, depending on experience.

Location: Abingdon, VA

This position provides in‑home spiritual care to patients and family members apprentice caregivers of the hospice program. The chaplain works with area clergy to provide information about community spiritual resources upon request. Responsibilities include the broad scope of spiritual and pastoral#line care, supporting the emotional and spiritual dimensions of illness and loss. The chaplain promotes confidence, trust, understanding, and caring through excellent listening skills and supportive responses to identified needs.

Respect for the religious/spiritual values, beliefs, and practices of persons of all faiths or of none is essential.

• Contacts patient/caregiver within five (5) days of a patient’s admission to hospice care to conduct an initial spiritual assessment. If spiritual care is requested, the initial assessment is to be completed within 48 hours of admission.
• Completes and documents ongoing assessments, interventions and outcomes of patient and family/caregiver concerns and spiritual issues in the Electronic Medical Record.
• In accordance with the Plan of Care (POC), the chaplain will assist the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) in understanding the significant religious issues related to terminal illness, impending loss, and bereavement.
• Coordinates and organizes home visits in the best interests of time and travel.
• Coordinates efforts with community ministers to gain support of various denominations and/or faith groups so that the diverse spiritual needs of patients can be met effectively.
• Communicates with and supports the patient’s/caregiver’s clergy as appropriate.
• Provides consultation and education to patient, caregiver and hospice staff concerning spiritual/religious concerns affecting end‑of‑life care.
• Assists caregivers with funeral arrangements and services as appropriate.
• Provides counseling to members of the Interdisciplinary Team as appropriate and participates in volunteer training as needed.
• Willing and able to accurately utilize any automated device required to document in the electronic medical record, with all visit documentation completed on the day ofچے visit.
• Must be willing and available in on‑call rotation to make after‑hours visits (evenings and/or weekends) when needed for a patient’s death, funeral, or admission, etc., or spiritual crisis.
• Assists with bereavement telephone calls to caregivers following the death of a patient.

• A graduate degree from an accredited theological school or seminary with emphasis in religion, divinity, pastoral counseling, or related field. M.Div. preferred.
• At least 1 year of chaplaincy experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Comfort in an interfaith setting and ability to work with individuals with diverse lifestyles, beliefs/values, and cultures.

If you see yourself a good fit and want to join our team, apply today! Caris Health Care is an affiliate of NHC. EOE.