Spiritual Care Counselor

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in theology, religion, pastoral care, pastoral counseling, spirituality, divinity, missiology, and chaplaincy from a recognized institution of education with three (3) years of pastoral care experience within the last five (5) years; OR Completing Bachelor’s degree with five (5) years of pastoral care experience within the last ten (10) years.
• Master’s or higher education is preferred.
• Credentials: Training in chaplaincy with a minimum of two Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units or completing within 2 years from date of approval.
• Current Basic Life Support license (BLS)
• Endorsement: Endorsement from a denomination, faith, and religious institution is required.

Core Competencies

• Ability to be open, flexible, and ecumenical.
• Ability to provide spiritual sensitivity to patients and families of all faiths and religious affiliations.
• Knowledge of beliefs and practices of cultures related to death and dying.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with dying patients and their families.
• Possesses a sympathetic attitude toward caring for the hospice patient and demonstrates positive communication skills in interacting with other members of the hospice team.

Functions & Responsibilities

• Reports changes in the patient’s conditions and needs to the RN Case Manager or Director of Patient Care Services.
• Performs spiritual assessments to identify patient/family needs, concerns, or opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Provides direct spiritual support to patients/families, including meditation, prayer, counseling, sacred rituals, and practices.
• Observes for safety hazards in the patient’s and organization’s environments and takes appropriate steps to reduce or eliminate them.
• Develops and maintains a resource group of spiritual care counselors to whom specific aspects of spiritual care may be delegated.
• Develops and maintains collegial relationships with clergy of all faiths and contacts appropriate representatives of patients/families as indicated.
• Assists patient/family with arrangements and/or conducts funeral or memorial services as indicated.
• Serves as a core member of the IDT and participates by exploring and assessing the potential spiritual needs of patients/families and reporting on services as indicated.
• Works with staff, clergy, and community groups to enhance their sensitivity to the spiritual concerns of patients/families experiencing terminal illness and active listening, supportive presence.
• Assists with bereavement follow-up services in collaboration with Bereavement Coordinator.
• Participates for on-call availability of spiritual care services.
• Maintains continuing education through academic studies, seminars, and workshops.
• Participates in appropriate professional organizations.
• Attends and participates in in-services, staff meetings and case conferences.
• Completes all documentation in an accurate and legible manner.
• Complies with hospice policies and procedures, laws and regulations and standards of practice.