Homecare and Hospice Chaplain -Per Diem

At Bristol Hospital and Health Care, we begin each day caring today for your tomorrow. We have been an integral part of our community for the past 100 years. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care and service to our patients, residents and families. We are committed to provide compassionate, quality care at all times and to uphold our values of Communication, Accountability, Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.). We are Magnet ® and received the 2020 Press Ganey Leading Innovator award for our rapid adoption and implementation of healthcare solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use your expertise, compassion, and kindness to transform the patient experience. Make a difference. Make Bristol Hospital and Health Care your choice.

Position Summary:

The Chaplain provides spiritual care and support to patients, families, and caregivers in accordance with their individual beliefs and practices. The Chaplain is an integral part of the interdisciplinary hospice team, offering emotional and spiritual guidance to those facing terminal illness, grief, and loss. Services are provided in the patient’s home, assisted living facilities, hospital setting, nursing homes, and other residential settings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and families.
• Provide spiritual counseling and support consistent with the beliefs and desires of the patient and family.
• Collaborate with the hospice interdisciplinary team (IDT) to develop and implement individualized plans of care.
• Participate in regular IDT meetings, contributing spiritual assessments and updates.
• Offer bereavement support in coordination with the bereavement coordinator.
• Conduct or coordinate religious services, rituals, or memorials when requested.
• Maintain documentation of spiritual assessments and interventions according to organizational and regulatory standards.
• Respect and support the religious/spiritual preferences and cultural diversity of patients and families.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Participate in on-call rotation if applicable.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master of Divinity, Theology, or related field from an accredited institution preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of one year of experience in a healthcare, hospice, or pastoral care setting.
• Certification: Ordained, commissioned, or endorsed by a recognized religious body. Certification through APC, NACC, or similar organization is preferred.
• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE): At least one unit of CPE required; additional units preferred.
• Licensure: Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for home visits.
• Skills:
  • Strong interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work compassionately with individuals of diverse cultures and belief systems.
  • Ability to handle emotional and spiritual crises effectively.

Working Conditions:

• Travels to patient homes, facilities, and care settings.
• Exposure to patients with terminal illnesses.
• May work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to drive and sit for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of lightweight materials (up to 25 lbs).

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.