Position Summary
The Hospice Chaplain provides spiritual, emotional, and cultural support to patients and families facing terminal illness. Working as an integral member of the interdisciplinary group (IDG), the chaplain offers non-denominational, patient-centered care respectful of diverse beliefs and cultural practices across New Mexico communities. This role supports patients and families through life review, coping, grief support, and end-of-life planning in accordance with CMS hospice standards and New Mexico hospice regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Spiritual & Emotional Support
- Conduct spiritual assessments at admission and throughout care
- Provide individualized spiritual counseling aligned with the patient’s beliefs, values, and traditions
- Support families with anticipatory grief, emotional needs, and end-of-life discussions
- Offer crisis support during periods of distress or transition
Patient & Family Engagement
- Facilitate life review and meaning-centered conversations
- Offer prayer or spiritual rituals when requested
- Coordinate with community clergy or spiritual leaders as needed
- Provide supportive presence during active dying and post-death moments
Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Participate in IDG meetings to collaborate on patient care plans
- Communicate changes in patient or family needs to the team
- Work closely with RNs, social workers, CNAs, bereavement team, and medical director
- Document spiritual care visits and findings timely and accurately in the EMR
Bereavement Support
- Assist with bereavement risk assessments
- Provide follow-up support to families post-death according to hospice policy
- Collaborate with bereavement coordinator on support groups, calls, and outreach
Cultural Competency (New Mexico Focus)
- Provide care that honors diverse cultures, including Hispanic, Native American, and rural communities
- Respect traditional practices, ceremonies, and language preferences
- Partner with families and tribal/community leaders when appropriate
Qualifications
Required:
- Ordination, commissioning, endorsement, or equivalent from a recognized faith tradition
- At least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent experience
- Valid New Mexico driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Ability to provide non-judgmental, patient-centered spiritual support
- Comfortable working with individuals of all belief systems, including non-religious patients
Preferred:
- Two or more units of CPE
- Hospice or palliative care experience
- Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Navajo)
- Experience working with diverse cultural communities in New Mexico
Work Environment & Expectations
- Travel to patient homes, nursing facilities, and assisted living communities
- Flexible scheduling based on patient needs
- Participation in IDG and clinical staff meetings
- Occasional on-call rotation depending on agency structure
- Professional representation of hospice mission and values