Chaplain, Palliative Care, Full Time, First Shift

UC Health; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Health in Cincinnati is seeking a Palliative Care Chaplain to provide spiritual, emotional, and pastoral support within the palliative care team. This role collaborates with physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains to address end-of-life concerns with dignity and cultural sensitivity.

The chaplain will assess spiritual needs, guide rituals, support families through grief, develop bereavement programs, and educate staff on compassionate care while maintaining ethical, confidential

Qualifications

• Master's Degree required; M.Div. preferred.
• Board Certified Chaplain or eligible for certification; apply within 18 months if eligible.
• Ordained, licensed, or commissioned to function in ministry.
• Completion of four CPE units through ACPE/NACC or equivalent.
• Ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized faith group.

Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and staff.
• Assess for anticipatory or complicated grief.
• Assess the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals facing serious illnesses and end-of-life care.
• Engage in active listening and empathetic presence to facilitate conversations about life and values.
• Offer counseling and guidance during grief, loss, or emotional distress.
• Facilitate rituals, prayers, and spiritual practices; provide quarterly remembrance sessions.
• Develop bereavement programs for patients, families, staff, and community.
• Round daily with Palliative Care team and attend family meetings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care.
• Educate healthcare staff on the role of spiritual care in palliative settings.
• Maintain ethical practice and documentation while respecting confidentiality.

Skills

Pastoral Care

Spiritual Assessment

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Counseling

Active Listening

Cultural Competence

Ethical Practice

Education

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

ATS/CHEA-accredited theology degree

Ordination/licensure

CPE (4 units)

Board Certification eligible

Job description

The Palliative Care Chaplain provides spiritual, emotional, and pastoral support to patients, families, and healthcare team members within the palliative care setting. This role is responsible for assessing and addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals facing serious illness, chronic conditions, and end-of-life concerns. The chaplain collaborates closely with the interdisciplinary care team to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care that promotes holistic well-being.

Location

Cincinnati, OH, United States

Qualifications

• Master's Degree required: Master of Divinity (M.Div.) preferred. In lieu of an M.Div., a graduate-level theological degree from a school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or a recognized accrediting body approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) may be considered.
• Board Certified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), Spiritual Care Association (SCA), or an equivalent organization (e.g., NACC, NAJC), or eligible for Board Certification. If Board Certification eligible, the application for certification must be submitted within 18 months of hire.
• Ordained, licensed, or commissioned by the appropriate faith or denominational authority to function in ministry.
• Completion of four (4) units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) through ACPE, NACC, or an equivalent accredited program.
• Ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized faith group authorizing the individual to provide pastoral care ministry.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of clinical pastoral care experience required.
• Three (3) or more years of palliative care chaplaincy experience preferred.

Required Skills And Knowledge

• Ordained or recognized as a religious or spiritual leader within a specific faith tradition.
• Completion of a recognized theological education program (e.g., Master of Divinity) or its equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
• Empathy and compassion in supporting individuals experiencing grief, loss, or emotional distress.
• Knowledge of religious and spiritual practices, rituals, and beliefs, and the ability to respect and integrate diverse perspectives.
• Understanding of ethical considerations related to end-of-life care and advance care planning.
• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and adapt to changing patient needs and situations.

Responsibilities

Spiritual and Emotional Support

• Provide spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and staff in the palliative care setting.
• Assess for anticipatory or complicated grief.
• Assess the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals facing serious illnesses and end-of-life care.
• Engage in active listening and empathetic presence to facilitate deep conversations about life, meaning, and values.
• Offer counseling and guidance to individuals experiencing grief, loss, or emotional distress.
• Facilitate rituals, prayers, and religious or spiritual practices based on individual preferences and beliefs; provide quarterly remembrance sessions.
• Develop bereavement programs among patients, patient families, staff, and community.

Collaboration And Communication

• Round daily with Palliative Care team on PC census and attend scheduled family meetings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and counselors, to provide comprehensive care.
• Attend interdisciplinary team meetings and actively contribute insights related to spiritual and emotional care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse beliefs and values.
• Serve as a liaison between patients and their religious or spiritual communities, coordinating visits or support as needed.
• Works with Palliative Care committees as well as greater hospital working committees as appropriate.

Education And Training

• Provide education and training to healthcare staff (residents) on the role of spiritual care in palliative care and end-of-life situations.
• Foster a culture of spiritual awareness and competence within the healthcare setting and regional community.
• Participate in professional development activities, including conferences, workshops, and continuing education programs, to enhance knowledge and skills.

Documentation And Ethical Practice

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of spiritual care interventions and assessments in patient records.
• Track patient deaths.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and standards of practice for chaplains, respecting confidentiality, and privacy.
• Stay informed about relevant legal and ethical considerations related to end-of-life care and advance care planning.

UC Health is an EEO employer.