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