Spiritual Counselor na None

Position: Spiritual Counselor 

Department: Hospice

Supervisor: Manager of Support Services

Job Summary

The Spiritual Counselor provides non-denominational spiritual care and counseling to hospice patients, families, and caregivers. This role ensures that spiritual needs are assessed, documented, and addressed through direct services or coordination with community clergy. The position supports the mission to deliver exceptional care in the home and reflects the agency’s core values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Appreciation.

Primary Responsibilities

Spiritual Counseling

• Provide comprehensive assessment of spiritual needs within five calendar days of patient election to hospice or as requested by patient/family, documenting on the Spiritual Care Assessment form.
• Offer consultation, counseling, and support to patients, families, caregivers, and team members in a non-denominational manner, documenting services per agency guidelines.
• Coordinate with patient/family’s preferred clergy or spiritual advisor and involve them in interdisciplinary care planning as requested.
• Develop and document individualized plans for spiritual care in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, revising as needed.
• Provide counseling services and maintain appropriate clinical documentation.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, contributing to ongoing care planning and evaluation.
• Maintain records of spiritual care utilization for quality assurance and program development.
• Build and sustain networks with local faith communities to promote hospice philosophy and provide community-based spiritual support.
• Provide funeral planning and officiate funerals or memorial services upon request.
• Conduct memorial services for the agency as requested by the Manager of Support Services.
• Train and support spiritual care volunteers as assigned.

Resource Utilization

• Manage travel and caseload efficiently, ensuring cost-effective care delivery.
• Maintain agency records and participate in on-call rotation as required.
• Seek and accept guidance from interdisciplinary team members when appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and federal/state regulations.
• Conduct all professional duties in an ethical and respectful manner.

Customer Service Excellence

• Demonstrate empathy, respect, and dignity in all interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Respond constructively to questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Promote patient satisfaction through compassionate and responsive care.

Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI)

• Participate in performance improvement initiatives and clinical record review.
• Engage in problem-solving to identify opportunities for improved patient outcomes and care delivery.
• Serve on committees and special projects as requested.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings, in-services, and educational sessions.
• Provide educational and informational presentations to community groups and referral sources.
• Provide bereavement counseling as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to manage stress effectively.
• Manual dexterity is sufficient for writing, keyboarding, and phone use.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance.
• Work in patient homes, facilities, and varied environments.

Qualifications

• Education: Ordained, consecrated, commissioned, or licensed by an appropriate religious body. Degree in divinity, theology, spiritual care, ministerial studies, psychology, sociology, or social work. Minimum of 1 unit (2 units preferred) of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
• Experience: Experience in grief or loss counseling required; at least 2 years in healthcare preferred.
• Licensure/Certification: CPR certified; licensed driver with automobile insurance; in good standing with religious body.

Core Values

• Integrity: We build trust through responsible actions and honest relationships.
• Respect: We value the potential in each individual and treat all with dignity and compassion.
• Teamwork: We work together without barriers and encourage creativity through empowerment.
• Appreciation: We foster a culture that recognizes and rewards the contributions of each employee.