Job Title: Hospice Chaplain
Location: Fairfax, VA
Employment Type: Per Diem
Reports To: Director of Patient Care Services
About Us
East Coast Valley Hospice is dedicated to providing comfort, dignity, and compassionate care to individuals and families facing life-limiting illness. We honor the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of every patient, meeting them with respect, empathy, and professionalism.
Position Summary
The Hospice Chaplain provides spiritual counseling and emotional support to patients, their families, and caregivers, regardless of faith tradition or belief system. This role is an integral part of the interdisciplinary hospice care team, ensuring that spiritual needs are addressed as part of the holistic care approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide spiritual and emotional support to hospice patients and their families in alignment with their personal beliefs, values, and preferences.
- Conduct spiritual assessments to identify needs, resources, and preferences.
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop and update individualized care plans.
- Facilitate or coordinate religious rituals, prayer, and memorial services as requested.
- Offer grief counseling and bereavement support to families and caregivers.
- Document all patient and family interactions in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
- Serve as a resource for staff on spiritual care matters, providing support when needed.
- Maintain relationships with community clergy and faith organizations for patient and family referrals.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Divinity, Theology, Pastoral Counseling, or related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of theological education, ordination/endorsement, and pastoral care experience.
- Ordination or endorsement from a recognized faith group.
- At least one (1) year of experience in a clinical, hospice, or pastoral care setting.
- Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units preferred.
- Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural, spiritual, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Strong communication, active listening, and counseling skills.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (position requires travel to patient homes, facilities, and hospitals).
Work Environment & Schedule
- Flexible schedule to meet patient and family needs, including some evenings and weekends.
- Travel within the service area is required.
Pay: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour
Expected hours: 5 – 20 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: On the road