Jurisdiction: Cortland County

Jurisdictional Class: Non-Competitive

Adopted: 10/20/05

Amended: 4/22/10

PASTORAL CARE COORDINATOR

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves responsibility for providing or facilitating pastoral care to patients and families participating in a hospice program. The incumbent assesses spiritual needs, and provides spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their family members or contacts clergy or other representatives of the patient’s faith and coordinates pastoral support. The work is performed in clinics and homes. General supervision is received from the Director of Hospice with leeway permitted for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Contacts newly admitted hospice patients and/or their families and evaluates their spiritual needs;

Provides direct spiritual support to patients and families;

Contacts ministers, rabbis, priests or other representatives of a patient’s or family’s faith group and coordinates or arranges for pastoral care as required;

Meets with other members of an interdisciplinary hospice care team to discuss patient’s and family’s needs and coordinate inter-disciplinary service plans;

Conducts funeral services at the request of a patient or their family or arranges for appropriate clergy or faith group representative to conduct funeral services;

Conducts annual hospice memorial service;

Meets with area clergy and/or congregations to educate them regarding hospice services.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of the beliefs, principles and practices of the ecclesiastical body the Pastoral Care Coordinator is a member of;

Thorough knowledge of spiritual needs of adults and children;

Good knowledge of the grief process and the stages related to death and dying;

Good knowledge of the hospice philosophy, mission and operations;

Good knowledge of community organizations, churches, synagogues and other places of worship;

Working knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations related to Hospice;

Ability to prepare and deliver presentations in a clear, concise and articulate manner;

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Ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;

Ability to assess and evaluate the spiritual needs of individuals, and their families;

Ability to counsel, educate, and communicate with patients and their families especially regarding death and dying;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college, university or seminary or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of experience in pastoral/spiritual counseling.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license is required. Failure to maintain a NYS driver’s license including driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal.

NOTE: The minimum qualifications for this position are mandated under Article 700.2 of New York State Health Rules and Regulations.