Chaplain, Palliative Care, Full Time, First Shift

UC Health

Cincinnati, OH

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Attorney, Calendar Management, Chronic Disease, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), Communication Skills, Conferences, Diversity, Educational Accreditation, Health Education, Healthcare, Higher Education, Hospital, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Legal, Nursing, Palliative Care, Pastoral Care, Plan Meetings, Quality of Care, Social Work, Team Player, Training/Teaching

LOCATION

Cincinnati, OH

POSTED

Today

Job Description

The Palliative Care Chaplain provides spiritual, emotional, and pastoral support to patients, families, and healthcare team members within the palliative care setting. This role is responsible for assessing and addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals facing serious illness, chronic conditions, and end-of-life concerns. The chaplain collaborates closely with the interdisciplinary care team to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care that promotes holistic well-being.

The Palliative Care Chaplain facilitates discussions related to meaning, purpose, values, hope, grief, and coping, offering compassionate guidance and support to patients and families during difficult and often complex life experiences. When appropriate, the chaplain assists patients and families with advance care planning, including the completion of advance directives such as Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney.

In addition, the Palliative Care Chaplain serves as a spiritual care resource for healthcare staff and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, care planning, and consultation activities. The chaplain will perform all duties and responsibilities assigned by the Spiritual Care Department leadership at the designated site of care.

Responsibilities

Spiritual and Emotional Support:

Provide spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and staff in the palliative care setting.

Assess for anticipatory or complicated grief.

Assess the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals facing serious illnesses and end-of-life care.

Engage in active listening and empathetic presence to facilitate deep conversations about life, meaning, and values.

Offer counseling and guidance to individuals experiencing grief, loss, or emotional distress.

Facilitate rituals, prayers, and religious or spiritual practices based on individual preferences and beliefs. Provide quarterly remembrance sessions.

Develop bereavement programs among patients, patient families, staff, and community.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Round daily with Palliative Care team on PC census and attend scheduled family meetings.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and counselors, to provide comprehensive care.

• Attend interdisciplinary team meetings and actively contribute insights related to spiritual and emotional care.

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse beliefs and values.

• Serve as a liaison between patients and their religious or spiritual communities, coordinating visits or support as needed.

• Works with Palliative Care committees as well as greater hospital working committees as appropriate.

Education and Training:

• Provide education and training to healthcare staff (residents) on the role of spiritual care in palliative care and end-of-life situations.

• Foster a culture of spiritual awareness and competence within the healthcare setting and regional community.

• Participate in professional development activities, including conferences, workshops, and continuing education programs, to enhance knowledge and skills.

Documentation and Ethical Practice:

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of spiritual care interventions and assessments in patient records.

• Track patient deaths.

• Adhere to ethical guidelines and standards of practice for chaplains, respecting confidentiality, and privacy.

• Stay informed about relevant legal and ethical considerations related to end-of-life care and advance care planning.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Master's Degree required: Master of Divinity (M.Div.) preferred. In lieu of an M.Div., a graduate-level theological degree from a school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or a recognized accrediting body approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) may be considered.
Board Certified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), Spiritual Care Association (SCA), or an equivalent organization (e.g., NACC, NAJC), or eligible for Board Certification. If Board Certification eligible, the application for certification must be submitted within 18 months of hire.
Ordained, licensed, or commissioned by the appropriate faith or denominational authority to function in ministry.
Completion of four (4) units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) through ACPE, NACC, or an equivalent accredited program.
Ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized faith group authorizing the individual to provide pastoral care ministry.

Experience Requirements:

Minimum of five (5) years of clinical pastoral care experience required.
Three (3) or more years of palliative care chaplaincy experience preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Ordained or recognized as a religious or spiritual leader within a specific faith tradition.

• Completion of a recognized theological education program (e.g., Master of Divinity) or its equivalent.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

• Empathy and compassion in supporting individuals experiencing grief, loss, or emotional distress.

• Knowledge of religious and spiritual practices, rituals, and beliefs, and the ability to respect and integrate diverse perspectives.

• Understanding of ethical considerations related to end-of-life care and advance care planning.

• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and adapt to changing patient needs and situations

At UC Health, we're proud to have the best and brightest teams and clinicians collaborating toward our common purpose: to advance healing and reduce suffering.

As the region's adult academic health system, we strive for innovation and provide world-class care for not only our community, but patients from all over the world. Join our team and you'll be able to develop your skills, grow your career, build relationships with your peers and patients, and help us be a source of hope for our friends and neighbors.

UC Health is an EEO employer.

About the Company

UC Health

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