Spiritual Care Counselor - Baystate Health : Job Details

**Baystate Health, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare quality and safety, and home to Baystate Home Health and Hospice is looking for a** **_Spiritual Care Counselor_** **to join the team.**

**Summary Description:**

The Spiritual Care Counselor provides spiritual support and counseling to hospice patients, families/caregivers, and staff regardless of religious beliefs, customs, and background, if any. The counselor serves as a member of the interdisciplinary team and a liaison between the community's religious affiliations and the hospice program

**Job Requirements:**

1. Participates as an active member of the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement a comprehensive plan of care.

2. Conducts patient assessments to identify spiritual needs and provides and/or facilitates patients and families access to spiritual care as requested and desired by patients and families.

3. Honors patients spiritual beliefs and customs, and respects cultural traditions.

4. Provides bereavement assistance and grief support to families/caregivers, including anticipatory grief.

5. Communicates clearly and effectively, fostering a positive, supportive environment while adhering to high standards of ethics and quality.

6. Develops and provides educational in-service programs for staff, community, and clergy regarding spiritual aspects of patient care.

7. Provides patient and family spiritual counseling, prayer and ministry as requested.

8. Provides pastoral care for staff, including counseling and guidance as requested and appropriate.

9. Collaborates with staff, volunteers, clergy, lay ministers and community groups to enhance their sensitivity to the spiritual concerns of patients/families experiencing terminal illness and loss.

10. Provide education, support, and consultation to clergy in the community regarding end-of-life issues.

11. Participates in and provides oversight and preparation assistance for memorial services provided by the hospice program.

12. Conduct funerals/memorial services/liturgical assignments for patients who have died to provide continuity of spiritual support when requested and when schedule permits.

13. Documents necessary and pertinent care information in the patients medical record in a timely manner and according to regulations, policies, and procedures.

14. Maintains professional knowledge base.

15. Follows all health and safety requirements.

16. Other duties as assigned.

**Skills/Competencies:**

1. Knowledge of various spiritual/religious/cultural backgrounds and belief systems, and open to non-traditional beliefs related to end-of-life care.

2. Ability to network with diverse faith traditions on behalf of patient, families, and the organization.

3. Knowledge of computer information systems and the ability to work independently.

4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

5. Demonstrates competence in organizing and presenting educational programs,

6. Excellent listening, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.

7. Knowledge of HIPAA regulations.

**Required Experience:**

_Minimum of five years of work experience as a chaplain or spiritual care counselor._

**We strive to be the place where we can help you build the career you deserve apply today YOU belong at Baystate!**

**Our compensation philosophy**

We offer competitive total compensation that includes pay, benefits, and other recognition programs for our employees. Our pay ranges consider the wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including knowledge/skills; relevant experience and training; education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors.

**You Belong At Baystate**

At Baystate Health we know that treating one another with dignity and equity is what elevates respect for our patients and staff. It makes us not just an organization, but also a community where you belong. It is how we advance the care and enhance the lives of all people.

DIVERSE TEAMS. DIVERSE PATIENTS. DIVERSE LOCATIONS.

**Education:**

Bachelor of Science (Required)

**Certifications:**

Driver License - Other

**Equal Employment Opportunity Employer**

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.