Spiritual Counselor, Temporary

KAYA HOSPICE, INC.; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

KAYA HOSPICE, INC. seeks a Spiritual Counselor to provide spiritual and bereavement care to patients, families, and staff in a compassionate, inclusive manner. The role aligns with individualized assessments and diverse beliefs throughout the end-of-life journey.

You will collaborate with the care team, attend IDT meetings, document services per policy, and support education and CQI initiatives. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• MDiv degree preferred.
• At least 1 unit (400 hours) of CPE required; 2+ units preferred.
• Professional certification in pastoral therapy/clinical settings preferred.
• Ordination and full standing in a faith tradition preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual and bereavement care based on assessments and care plan.
• Serve as liaison between patients, families, clergy, and the care team.
• Attend IDT meetings to contribute spiritual input to care plans.
• Document all services per hospice policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Provide staff education, training, and spiritual support; participate in CQI activities.
• Assist Bereavement Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator with related duties.
• Maintain spiritual and bereavement materials in collaboration with library staff.

Skills

Pastoral care

Bereavement support

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) 400 hours

Professional certification (AAMFT/AAPC/AMHC)

Ordination and standing in faith tradition

Job description

The Spiritual Counselor provides spiritual and pastoral support to patients, families, caregivers, staff, and volunteers. Services are guided by individual spiritual assessments, the patient's care setting, and sensitivity to diverse values, beliefs, and religious traditions.

The Spiritual Counselor also oversees the delivery of bereavement services provided by the team to patients and their families, ensuring compassionate and appropriate support throughout the end-of-life journey and grieving process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide pastoral and bereavement care based on spiritual assessments and the interdisciplinary team's plan of care.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, local clergy, and the interdisciplinary care team.
• Attend interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings to provide spiritual input into patient care plans and address spiritual and emotional concerns affecting patients, families, and team members.
• Document all services provided in accordance with Valley's Best Hospice policies and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Provide education, training, and spiritual support to staff, facility personnel, patients, and families.
• Participate in the on-call schedule as needed.
• Develop relationships with community resources and positively represent Valley's Best Hospice within the local community.
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities as assigned by the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee.
• Assist the Bereavement Coordinator with grief support services and community outreach as needed.
• Assist the Volunteer Coordinator with the recruitment, training, and retention of bereavement volunteers, and provide supervision when appropriate.
• Maintain and support spiritual and bereavement literature in collaboration with Valley's Best Hospice Central Library Coordinator.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $27–$30 per hour. Actual compensation may vary based on several individualized factors, including geographic location, job-related knowledge, licensure, skills, and professional experience.

Additional details regarding benefit plan eligibility and participation will be provided upon an offer of employment.

Employment Terms

This is an at-will employment position. The company reserves the right to modify base pay and other discretionary compensation programs at any time, including adjustments related to individual performance, company or departmental performance, and market conditions.

About the Organization

Regal Medical Group, Lakeside Community Healthcare, and Affiliated Doctors of Orange County are among the fastest-growing Independent Physician Associations in Southern California. The organization offers a dynamic, welcoming, and supportive work environment where teamwork, professional development, and continuous learning are encouraged. Employees are provided opportunities to grow, advance, and contribute to the organization's continued success.

The organization values motivated, capable, and dedicated individuals who are committed to excellence and making a positive difference in the communities they serve.

The employer will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with the requirements of the Los Angeles City Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Requirements

Education and Experience

A Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from an accredited school is preferred.

At least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), equal to 400 hours, is required. Two or more units are preferred.

Similar pastoral training may be accepted if it includes supervised ministry, group discussions, and theological reflection.

Professional certification in AAMFT, AAPC, or AMHC is preferred.

At least two years of pastoral experience is preferred, including one year in a clinical setting.

Ordination and full standing in a faith tradition are preferred.

Skills and Abilities

Understand and provide spiritual support to people dealing with illness, grief, loss, and death.

Work independently and as part of a healthcare team.

Have good organizational and communication skills.

Provide spiritual care to people of all religions, beliefs, and faith backgrounds without judgment or discrimination.

Work respectfully with doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

Other Requirements

Have a valid driver's license and car insurance.

Provide timely spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and loved ones during the dying process and following a patient's death, offering compassionate pastoral care, comfort, and bereavement support as needed.