Chaplain

Compassus; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible time off

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

Mercy Health Home Care and Hospice by Compassus is seeking a Chaplain to provide spiritual support to patients and families in our hospice program. The role emphasizes Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Innovation in daily care.

You will work with the Interdisciplinary Team to develop care plans, explain benefits, coordinate with clergy, and assist families through grief. A high school diploma is required, with bachelor's in divinity or related field preferred and at least one year

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Divinity, Social Sciences, or related field preferred, unless required per state regulation.
• Completion of at least one unit of CPE preferred, unless required per state regulation.
• Minimum of one year of experience providing spiritual/pastoral support to individuals or families required.
• Minimum of one year of experience in loss, grief, bereavement, or trauma related pastoral support preferred.

Responsibilities

• Explains hospice services and Medicare benefits to patients and families; obtains Informed Consent and Election of Benefits documents as requested.
• Submits appropriate documentation to facilities after patient visits; documentation is completed and submitted timely according to policy.
• Articulates the regulatory framework governing the role of the Spiritual Counselor (federal and state, if applicable).
• Participates as a member of the IDT, including care plan development and implementation.
• Provides spiritual care support to patient and family; coordinates with community clergy as requested.
• Assists in identifying the need for intervention of other IDT members.
• Communicates patient and family needs to IDT and coordinates care.
• Maintains updated, comprehensive care plans reflecting problems, goals and interventions.
• Maintains respect for the family’s environment and beliefs; remains nondiscriminatory.
• Counsels in accordance with patient’s and family’s beliefs; supports during death, grief, bereavement.
• Acts as liaison with clerical community to interpret needs and recruit clergy volunteers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Spiritual care

Communication

Empathy

Team collaboration

Ethical conduct

Cultural sensitivity

English language

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in Divinity/related field

Completion of at least 1 unit of CPE

Job description

Company

Mercy Health Home Care and Hospice by Compassus

Position Summary

The Chaplain is responsible for modeling the Compassus values of Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Innovation and for promoting the Compassus philosophy, using the 6 Pillars of Success as the foundation. S/he is responsible for upholding the Code of Ethical Conduct and for promoting positive working relationships within the company, among all departments, and all external stakeholders. The Chaplain is a hospice-trained individual who provides spiritual support to patients and the members of the family. S/he may be a priest, minister, rabbi, or other individual with experience in spiritual support. The Chaplain is not intended to replace the patient's own clergy, but to provide spiritual support and help.

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Explains hospice services and Medicare benefits to patients and families; obtains Informed Consent and Election of Benefits documents as requested.
• Submits appropriate documentation and paperwork to facilities at the completion of patient visits; documentation is completed and submitted timely according to company policy.
• Articulates the regulatory framework governing the role of the Spiritual Counselor (federal and state, if applicable).
• Participates as a member of the IDT, including development and implementation of the plan of care.
• Provides spiritual care support to the patient and family; supports the involvement of community clergy as the patient/family request.
• Assists in identifying the need for intervention of other IDT members.
• Effectively communicates patient and family needs to IDT.
• Collaborates with IDT to coordinate spiritual care support for the patient and family to ensure appropriateness, continuity, and quality of care.
• Maintains updated, comprehensive care plans which reflect current problems, goals and interventions for patients.
• Maintains respect for the family's environment and belief systems, and remains nondiscriminatory regarding age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, and other personal matters.
• Counsels in accordance with patient’s and family’s beliefs.
• Supports the patient and family in working through the stages of death, grief, and bereavement.
• Acts as liaison with the clerical community to interpret the needs of the hospice patient and family, and helps recruit clerical volunteers for the hospice.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in Divinity, Social Sciences, or other related field preferred, unless required per state regulation.
• Completion of at least one (1) unit of CPE preferred, unless required per state regulation.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the provision of spiritual/ pastoral support to individuals or families required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the provision of pastoral support to individuals/ families related to loss, grief, bereavement, or trauma preferred.

Skills

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, team members, investors, and external parties.
• Strong written and verbal communications.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English.
• Articulates and embraces hospice philosophy.
• Must be of high integrity including maintenance of confidential information including all patient records.
• Strong skills in counseling the terminally ill and his/her family.
• A positive, compassionate, and empathetic attitude.
• Ability to counsel patient and family and assist local clergy in rendering pastoral care.

State Specific Requirements

Florida

• Required to meet at least one of the following criteria: Has a degree in ministry from a college, university, or divinity school; or Has documentation of completing 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) with a focus on health care ministry; or Has documentation certifying completed formal training in his/her religious or belief system and is qualified to perform pastoral services

Georgia

• Documentation of ordination or commission by a recognized faith group; completed at least one unit of clinical pastoral education from a nationally recognized provider.

Louisiana

• Required to meet at least one of the following criteria: Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree or training; or Equivalent training from an accredited university; or Equivalent experience with training/supervision in spiritual counseling from an individual who possesses required education

Missouri

• Completed education in counseling or related field such as mental health, psychology, addiction, comparative religions and spiritual practices, or thanatology (bachelor’s degree preferred) required. Must complete additional training within 90 days of hire (provided by employer) to include death and dying, belief systems, spiritual assessment skills, and other areas of importance for the care of patients with terminal illnesses

Mississippi

• Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree or training.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The demands of this role necessitate a team member to effectively perform essential functions. Adaptations can be made to accommodate team members with disabilities. Regular standing, walking, and manual dexterity are fundamental, along with the ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Visual acuity requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. In a healthcare setting, exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and conditions typical to the field is expected. Routine use of standard medical equipment and tools associated with clinical care is essential. This description provides a general overview and may vary by role and department, capturing the nuanced demands and conditions inherent to clinical positions in our organization.

At Compassus, including all Compassus affiliates, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Pillars of Success. We are committed to creating a fair work environment where our team members feel welcomed, highly valued, and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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Build a Rewarding Career with Compassus

At Compassus, we care for our team members as much as we care for our patients and their families. Through our Care for Who I Am culture, we show compassion, respect, and appreciation for every individual. Embark on a career that cares for you while you care for others. Your Career Journey Matters We’re dedicated to helping you grow and succeed.

Whether you’re pursuing leadership roles, specialized training, or exploring new career paths, we provide the tools and support you need to thrive.

Compassus Advantage

• Meaningful Work: Make an impact every day by honoring the quality of life of our patients, supporting them and their families with compassion, and creating moments that truly matter.
• Career Development: Access leadership pathways, mentorship, and personalized professional development.
• Innovation Meets Compassion: Collaborate with a supportive team using the latest tools and technologies to deliver exceptional care.
• Enhanced Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible time off, tuition reimbursement, and wellness programs designed for your well-being.
• Recognition and Support: Be celebrated for your contributions through recognition programs that honor your dedication.
• A Culture of Belonging: Thrive in a culture where you can be your authentic self, valued for your unique contributions and supported in a community that embraces diversity and inclusion.

Ready to Join?

At Compassus, your career is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Take the next step and join a team that empowers you to grow, innovate, and thrive.

Compassus provides a continuum of integrated home-based services including home health, home infusion, palliative and hospice care. Thousands of teammates and hundreds of access points nationwide provide high-quality care and manage patients’ advanced illnesses in partnership with health systems and long-term care partners. The Compassus Care for who I am culture reflects its unique care delivery model, which focuses on each person as an individual as well as a patient, to improve their quality of life in a meaningful way.

Learn more at compassus.com or follow @Compassus on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter.