Employment Opportunities

JOB SUMMARY:                                                 

• Works in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team to provide spiritual and pastoral care to the patients and families being served by Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County.
• Supports and fosters the philosophy and mission of the organization.
• Understands the culture of hospice, offering compassionate care to the patient and family at various stages of their illness
• Performs all other duties that Management determines necessary
• Reports to the Hospice Program Director

 QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate of an accredited seminary or school of theology with a Master’s of Divinity Degree, Doctorate, or an equivalent.
2. Previous experience with hospice programs, counseling of patients and families involved with terminal illness, and bereavement issues preferred.
3. Four units of CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) or an equivalent counseling training is preferred. Some counseling training, counseling in hospice, or at least One Unit of CPE is required.
4. Demonstrates ability to be open, flexible and ecumenical.
5. Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.
6. Computer skills
7. Knowledge of and comfort level with spiritual practices and rituals of diverse religions and cultures.

 JOB DUTIES:

The following tasks are intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the Chaplain position.  This list of tasks is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time.  The intent of this position is to provide the spiritual care duties detailed below on a per-diem, part-time, or full-time basis. 

 TASKS:

Facilitates and provides patient care in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team to meet spiritual needs of the patient, family, and/or caregivers.

1. Coordinates, monitors and documents ongoing patient/family pastoral and spiritual care.
2. Performs advocacy and oversight of hospice services based on patient self-determination to assure patient, family, physician and community satisfaction.
3. Participates in Interdisciplinary Team meetings
4. Assists team members in understanding significant spiritual factors related to the care of terminally ill patients, families, and/or caregivers.
5. Assists/facilitates in development of patient, family, and caregiver plan of care.
6. Updates Interdisciplinary Team care plan addressing spiritual issues.
7. Contacts/coordinates with communities’ religious care providers to assist in caring for the patient, family, and caregiver as needed.
8. Supports patient, family, and/or caregivers directly and indirectly throughout terminal illness, death process, and, when appropriate, in the bereavement process.
9. Tracks and maintains required documentation for patients, families, groups, and community services, following established Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County standards of documentation practice, regulatory and licensure requirements, and submits documentation within agency time frames.
10. Completes spiritual assessment and plan of care.
11. May be asked to complete bereavement assessments, bereavement care plans, and bereavement counseling visits.
12. Documents contacts and visits with patients, families, and/or caregivers in electronic medical records.
13. May participate in internal and external education and training along with other activities to promote personal and professional growth.
14. Works with established multi-cultural staff and religious leaders in the community to enhance service to patients, family, and/or caregivers as needed.
15. Participates in Inservice activities for contracted facilities and community education.
16. Participates in orientation and Inservice training programs for professional and volunteer staff.
17. Acts as a resource for staff members.
18. Represents Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County in the community, including communication and coordination with local clergy and chaplains.
19. Participates in programs to promote professional growth and understanding of hospice care.
20. Adheres to established standards of practice.
21. Participates in performance improvement programs and activities.
22. Adheres to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County policies and procedures.
23. Participate in the Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County yearly memorial celebration service per agency policy
24. May perform funerals or memorial services for families of Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County patients.
25. Is aware of and adheres to agency policy regarding recognizing and reporting of patient abuse or neglect.
26. Abides by the agency policy regarding drug diversion and reports any concerns regarding medication to supervisor immediately.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in self-evaluation and professional development
• Maintains a total of 12 hours of in-service training per year.
• Completes assigned on-line training modules as assigned, in a timely manner
• Adheres to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County Compliance Program
• Participates in staff meetings as required.

Quality Improvement / Performance Improvement (QAPI)

• Participates in QAPI program by identifying problems/potential problems and recommending corrective action.
• Recognize that quality improvement is part of everyone’s job responsibilities.
• Stay abreast of performance improvement projects and their outcomes.

Communication

• Verbal communication with patients/family, physicians, supervisors, coworkers and others is acceptable and appropriate
• Non-verbal communication with patients/family, physicians, coworkers and others is acceptable and appropriate

 Privacy/Confidentiality

• Adheres to HIPAA policies regarding privacy and safeguarding of protected health information

Dependability/Attendance

• Is punctual and meets Agency attendance standard
• Maintains availability for work as agreed upon at time of hire

 Professional Appearance

• Maintains personal hygiene and professional appearance
• Adheres to the Agency’s Personnel Manual/Employment (Section II. A-H)

Teamwork/Conduct

• Works harmoniously and builds caring relationships with coworkers and other team members
• Approaches variable workloads as a team
• Effectively uses time to manage assigned task(s)
• Actions and behavior demonstrate a caring and respectful manner that creates a positive impression

Send resume to: jhall@vnhlc.org