Hospice Chaplain

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