Position Summary:

The Hospice Spiritual Care Counselor (Counselor), reporting directly to the Executive Director, provides spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, caregivers, and staff throughout the end-of-life journey. This role conducts spiritual assessments, participates in the interdisciplinary care team, collaborates with community clergy, and provides individualized support to patients and families that respects the diverse beliefs, values, and cultures of those served. The Counselor also contributes to bereavement support, education, and volunteer program development in alignment with Dover Health’s mission and values.

Essential Duties:

The following duties are normal for this position. This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· · Conduct comprehensive spiritual assessments for patients as part of the admission process.

• Provide individualized spiritual and emotional support to patients and families in accordance with their religious preferences, cultural values, or definition of spirituality.

• Assist in developing and implementing the interdisciplinary patient care plan as it pertains to spiritual care.

• Collaborate with local clergy, faith leaders, or spiritual resources when requested by the patient or family.

• Participate actively in Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings and Quality Assessment & Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities to support holistic, patient-centered care.

• Provide consultation and education to the IDG on spiritual care issues and ethical considerations.

· Provide bereavement and spiritual support to patients, families, and staff as needed, including conducting religious services, prayers, worship, rituals or funeral/memorial services when appropriate or requested. · Educate staff and volunteers on spiritual care matters

• Develop, train, and coordinate the hospice volunteer program.

• Evaluate patient and family responses to spiritual counseling and adjust interventions as needed.

• Maintain and submit accurate written clinical records per agency policy, including initial evaluations, care plans, and daily notes.

• Confirm scheduling of visits weekly and coordinate with Case Managers to ensure care is aligned with other staff visits.

• Pursue ongoing professional development through continuing education, workshops, conferences, and research.

• Collaborate with other professionals in resolving spiritual or ethical issues related to patient care.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Education and/or Experience:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required

· Ordained, commissioned, or credentialed by an organized religious group and one (1) of the following:

• Completed one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree with emphasis in counseling, theology, or related subjects.

• Hospice experience preferred.

• Must be comfortable in an interfaith setting and open to diverse lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.

• Must possess a deep understanding of the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families during end-of-life.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current automobile insurance are required.

• Within ninety (90) days of hire, must complete training on:

o Common spiritual issues in death and dying o Comparative religious perspectives on death and dying

o Spiritual assessment skills or Individualizing care to patient beliefs

o Varied spiritual practices and rituals

o Commitment to Dover Health’s mission and values.

Working Conditions:

As part of Dover Health’s commitment to providing outstanding care and support, the company ensures that staff work under conditions that prioritize safety, collaboration, and professional growth. The conditions listed below define the experience of working in the Home Office.

• This position may involve a range of physical activities, including those outlined in the Essential Duties, but is not limited to them.

• Frequent travel within assigned service area is required.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand for extended periods of time, move, communicate, and identify written information. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds independently.

• Work for this position is performed in patient homes, care settings/facilities, and office settings. This position will have to navigate through a variety of different settings to provide care.

• There is exposure to varied home environments and potential infectious conditions.

• Must comply with all Dover Health and safety requirements.

• This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.

• Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self-improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge in providing exceptional service.