Hospice Chaplain
Job Description
Hospice Chaplain – Part-Time (Full-Time Opportunity Possible)
Location: Florham Park, New Jersey
LilyCare Hospice is a growing community-based hospice providing compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families in their homes and facilities across New Jersey. We are hiring a part-time Hospice Chaplain to join our interdisciplinary team, with the potential to grow into a full-time role as our census expands.
About the Role
As a Hospice Chaplain, you'll provide spiritual care and support to terminally ill patients and their families, honoring each person's beliefs and traditions regardless of faith background. You'll be a core member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), working alongside nurses, social workers, aides, and physicians, and serve as a bridge between the hospice and the local religious community. This is a field-based role visiting patients where they live.
Responsibilities
Perform initial spiritual assessments of assigned patients and develop and update the Spiritual Plan of Care
Provide direct spiritual support to patients, families, hospice staff, and volunteers
Contact patients and families or coordinate with community clergy in accordance with the Plan of Care
Serve as a liaison between the IDT and the religious community in the service area
Participate in IDT meetings and keep the team informed of changes in patient/family spiritual needs
Work with the Bereavement Coordinator to support the spiritual needs of grieving families
Document all visits and activities accurately and on time in the patient's medical record
Assist with volunteer training and community awareness events as requested
Participate in quality improvement activities
Share in on-call coverage according to schedule and need
Qualifications
Degree from an accredited theological school preferred
Ordained, with at least two years of pastoral experience
Ability to counsel and support people from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds
Knowledge of the religious community within the hospice service area
Understanding of and agreement with the hospice philosophy of care
Hospice or palliative care experience preferred; Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) a plus
Strong communication skills and ability to relate to a wide variety of patients and families
Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and dependable transportation; ability to travel to patient homes and facilities throughout the service area
Why LilyCare
Part-time schedule with a path to full-time as we grow
Supportive interdisciplinary team environment
Orientation and ongoing training in hospice philosophy and practice
Meaningful work with a mission-driven, growing organization
