Hospice Chaplain - Bereavement Coordinator

Lakeview Hospice; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakeview Hospice is seeking a Chaplain / Bereavement Coordinator to provide spiritual care to patients and families within our interdisciplinary team in Riverside, CA. The role includes bereavement program coordination and ensuring care plans reflect cultural and religious diversity.

The candidate should have a seminary degree (MDiv preferred), be able to provide non-denominational support, and possess strong communication skills. A CA driver's license and reliable transport are expected.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited theological seminary or school of theology (Master of Divinity preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to provide non-denominational, culturally sensitive spiritual support.
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and ongoing spiritual assessments of patients and families.
• Provide counseling, prayer, and presence during end-of-life transitions, grief and loss.
• Coordinate bereavement program and follow-up for up to 13 months post-death.
• Collaborate with IDG meetings and contribute to care plans.
• Maintain compliant documentation per hospice policies and Medicare regulations.
• Support staff with spiritual care guidance.

Skills

Pastoral counseling

Non-denominational care

Interpersonal communication

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Master of Divinity (preferred)

Job description

Position Summary

The Hospice Chaplain / Bereavement Coordinator provides spiritual and emotional support to patients and families in alignment with their beliefs, values, and cultural backgrounds. The Chaplain serves as a vital member of the interdisciplinary hospice team (IDG), ensuring spiritual care is integrated into the plan of care, while also coordinating the bereavement program to support families before and after the patient’s death.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Spiritual Care

• Conduct initial and ongoing spiritual assessments of patients and families, identifying their spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs.
• Provide counseling, prayer, and presence to patients and families experiencing end-of-life transitions, grief, and loss.
• Offer support without imposing specific religious beliefs, respecting diverse backgrounds and faith traditions.
• Collaborate with local clergy, spiritual leaders, or faith communities to provide continuity of spiritual care when requested by the patient or family.
• Participate actively in interdisciplinary team (IDG) meetings and contribute to the individualized plan of care.
• Provide spiritual support and guidance to staff as appropriate.
• Maintain timely and compliant documentation of all visits and services in accordance with hospice policies and Medicare regulations.

Bereavement Coordination

• Develop, implement, and oversee the hospice bereavement program, ensuring compliance with state and federal hospice requirements.
• Conduct bereavement risk assessments for family members and significant others within two weeks of a patient’s death.
• Develop individualized bereavement care plans and provide ongoing follow-up, counseling, or referrals as needed for up to 13 months post-death.
• Organize and facilitate grief support groups, memorial services, and other bereavement activities for families and the community.
• Maintain bereavement files and ensure accurate documentation of all follow-up contacts and interventions.
• Coordinate with social workers and nursing staff to identify families in need of additional grief or mental health resources.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the bereavement program and participate in quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited theological seminary or school of theology (Master of Divinity preferred).
• Ordination or endorsement by a recognized religious body preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in pastoral care, counseling, or hospice/palliative care.
• Demonstrated ability to provide non-denominational, culturally sensitive spiritual support.
• Knowledge of grief and bereavement processes and experience in providing bereavement counseling or group facilitation.
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid California driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.