Spiritual Care Counselor

Description

Provide counseling or arranges counseling to meet the spiritual needs of the patients/ family members/caregivers in a manner consistent with their beliefs and desires and in accordance with the patient’s plan of care. 

Requirements

• Conduct a spiritual assessment as part of the comprehensive assessment within 5 days of admission to the hospice program. 
• Assist in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary patient care plan as it pertains to spiritual care.
• Provide spiritual support in accordance with on-going wishes and needs of the patient/family in accordance with their religious preferences or definition of spirituality.
• Work in close collaboration with local clergy when desired by the patient.
• Maintain and submit written clinical records as deemed by the Agency, including the initial evaluation, the care plan and daily notes.
• Evaluate the patients and family's response to, and effectiveness of, the spiritual counseling.
• Confirm, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the patients’ Case Managers to facilitate coordination of other staff visits.
• Participate in IDG and QAPI meetings and activities.
• Conduct   religious services of prayer, worship and rituals for patients/families, as appropriate.
• Working with  other professionals in resolving spiritual/ethical issues.
• Provide  spiritual and bereavement support to staff as needed.
• Provide  consultation and education to the IDG on spiritual care.
• Provide funeral or memorial services for patient’s as requested.
• Assume responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her Spiritual practice through formal education, attendance at workshops   and conferences, active participation in professional and related organizational meetings, and/or individual research and reading.

Qualifications

1. Ordained, commissioned or credentialed according to the practices of an organized religious group. OR Has a degree in theology or from a seminary.

2. Comfortable in an interfaith setting.

3. Hospice experience preferred. Completed at least one unit of clinical pastoral education from a nationally recognized provider

4. Able to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs and values.

5. Must be a licensed driver with an insured automobile in good working order.

6. The ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.