Spiritual Counselor
Owosso-MI-48841-United States
JOB SUMMARY
The Spiritual Counselor is responsible for the provision of spiritual care services to patients and families/caregivers of Memorial Healthcare hospice, either directly or through the coordination of care with other spiritual counselors. The Spiritual counselor is a core member of the Interdisciplinary Group. Upholds the mission and values established by Memorial Healthcare.
Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Responds within appropriate time frames to request for spiritual care assessment of patients and families.
Provides directly or coordinates with community clergy to provide spiritual care to patients and families.
Documents direct services and ongoing communication with community chaplains and spiritual counselors in the patient electronic record.
Maintains records of spiritual care services utilization and related activities for quality assurance program development, and policies and procedure review and revision.
Attends and participates in the interdisciplinary group as scheduled, and assists with the completion of the comprehensive plan of care.
Acts as a resource to staff, volunteers, and other clergy, providing in-services, literature and materials to enhance sensitivity to spiritual concerns.
Provides for funeral or memorial services for patients as requested.
Participates in volunteer training program.
Responsible for planning Annual Memorial Service for Hospice Families
Responsible for bi-monthly Bereavement News Letter and acts as contributing writer to Hospice News Letter
Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards of care, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, standards of behavior, and the code of ethical behavior.
DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Possess a valid Michigan Driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Follows safety procedures according to policy.
Reports to work on time/as scheduled per attendance policy.
Promotes good working relationships among staff and between other disciplines and departments.
Maintains professional standards.
Possess in-depth knowledge of spiritual issues, particularly as they affect individual and family systems faced with loss.
Knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy of care.
Understands the spiritual needs of the dying.
Demonstrates respect for diversity and comfort in interfaith setting and has the ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.
Knowledge of religious community resources.
Other duties as assigned
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology, or equivalent education in theological and spiritual studies preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in human service field preferred.
EXPERIENCE
Experience working with death and dying; individuals/family/caregivers.
Working with individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, and religions.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS
Able to travel independently throughout all Memorial Healthcare facilities.
Ability to legally drive a car and to travel independently throughout service area to patient’s homes in all weather conditions as well as navigate independently within homes including areas confined by space and/or equipment to access patients
Able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
Possess small motor skills required to operate modern computer/lap top, cell phone, and other equipment utilized by Memorial Healthcare.
ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES
Proficiency using modern office, computer/lap top, cell phone and other equipment used by Memorial Healthcare. Ability to access, create, send and retrieve data from hospital information system.
Ability to document in the electronic patient record.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES
Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
Ability to process vague, abstract, clinical, complex verbal and written instructions.
Ability to complete and document assessment of patient and family spiritual needs and develop an appropriate interventions and evaluation related to those needs.
ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
Ability to communicate receptively and expressively in English, both written and spoken with employees, patients, families and physicians.
Ability to observe patient/family response to care; patient environment, and identify and report needs for additional evaluation related to patient condition.
Ability to hear patient/family response to spiritual plan of care, and recommend problem resolution.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous, honest, and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
Ability to identify patient/family problems and needs; ability to select appropriate approach to patient/family problems and initiate plan.
Ability to speak publically and to act as a representative of Memorial Hospice program.
Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
Capacity to work with terminally ill patients/families.
Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
PI274664969
