Hospice Chaplain

Hospice Chaplain

Athena Health Care Systems, based in Connecticut, has been a leader in providing quality health care services since 1984. With homes throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Athena has been recognized as one of the largest managers of skilled nursing facilities. By enhancing the quality of life and quality of our environments, we have made our managed facilities a better place for our residents to live and a better place for employees to work.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Hospice chaplains work to maintain the comfort and quality of life for those who are diagnosed with terminal diseases. They work in private homes, residential care facilities, nursing centers and other hospice care environments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Visits Hospice patients and their families identified as appropriate for spiritual care and provides direct spiritual counsel, prayer and ritual/sacramental ministry as appropriate and requested.

· Conducts memorial/funeral services for those families not affiliated with a church or who desire the chaplain’s participation.

· Participates in developing the interdisciplinary plan of care.

· Assists members of the Interdisciplinary Team to understand the significant spiritual concerns related to the patient/family response to dying.

· Serves as a liaison to and resource for community clergy in dealing with hospice patient/families.

· Makes direct contact with clergy for patients and/or families who need assistance in contacting a clergy person.

· Participates in bereavement discussions assessing high risk bereaved, and facilitating support group meetings.

· Assists in developing and providing educational and public relations programs for staff, the general community, and the clergy community.

· Maintains contact with appropriate seminary, education and pastoral care groups for self-education and support.

· Maintains current documentation in patient records of services provided and contacts made.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS :

Masters of Divinity or related degree with equivalent ministerial experience and at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education. Three years’ experience in ministerial setting, preferably involving work with dying persons and their loved ones. Understanding of and commitment to the hospice philosophy of care. Openness to working with diverse religions and ethnic populations. Ability to work effectively as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Works out of the Hospice Services of Massachusetts office with extensive travel required to patient’s homes and/or nursing facilities.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive and generous benefits package, which includes paid time off, health, dental, and 401K. We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Experience:

• Hospice care: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: On the road