Chaplain/Coord Ped Bereavement

Department:
11015 Advocate Aurora Health Corporate - Chaplain Services: Frontline
Status:
Full time
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
Hours Per Week:
40
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
Monday - Friday days
Major Responsibilities:

• To coordinate, facilitate, and manage a comprehensive bereavement program for Advocate Children's Hospital that provides individualized intervention and support to families experiencing the death of a child.
  • 1)Assess and implement individualized plans of care for the bereaved family, providing ongoing bereavement support to families and siblings (in person, by phone, or by mail) for 15 months following the death.
  • 2)Develop/obtain and update resources and supplies to be shared with bereaved families at the time of death and while providing bereavement follow-up care.
  • 3)Provide education to assist members of the health care team in assessing the role of a patient's faith perspective and faith community during times of critical illness, death and grief.
  • 4)Provide education to assist members of the health care team to assess bereavement needs of families at the time of death (identifying those at risk for complicated mourning, etc.)
  • 5)Provide leadership and work collaboratively with Advocate Children's Hospital Pediatric Bereavement Committee to plan, coordinate, and participate in special events such as the Service of Remembrance.
  • 6)Assist pediatricians and hospital medical staff in preparing for and meeting with families to review autopsy results.
  • 7)Develop and implement tools to facilitate a successful bereavement support program, including a system for tracking families, anniversary dates, and adequate planning for memorial services.
  • 8)Assist families, as requested, in planning a memorial service, funeral or other meaningful ritual(s) for their child. Attend memorial services or rituals as able and participate as requested.
  • 9)Evaluate the effectiveness of the Pediatric Bereavement Support Program, by developing and implementing a follow-up survey to families after a year of bereavement services to solicit their input on the services and support provided to them.
• Deliverance of a wholistic ministry of pastoral care and sacraments for patients, families, physicians and associates.
  • 1)Provides pastoral care services, consultation and short term counseling to patients, families, physicians, and associates as assigned and in accordance with department policies.
  • 2)Provides or facilitates sacramental ministries.
  • 3)Responds to codes and other emergencies or crises.
  • 4)Provides consultation to members of the health care team to aid in assessing the role of a patient's faith perspective and faith community in relationship to their medical care, medical diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • 5)Assists families with their needs in relation to the patience's illness so they are enabled to provide supportive care to the patient: assists family members in understanding procedures surrounding a death and in contacting families or other significant persons.
  • 6)Promotes patient safety by reporting of issues through established channels and participating in safety initiatives.
• Participation in the life and work of the department to assure integrated efficient services.
  • 1)Participates in providing overall site coverage.
  • 2)Works shifts as needed to provide 24 hour per day coverage, including weekends and holidays.
  • 3)Conducts chapel services and memorial services as scheduled.
  • 4)Serves on department, site, or system committees as needed.
  • 5)Submits required reports by the dates required.
• Participation in grand rounds, case conferences, teams meetings, identifying resolving ethical dilemmas in assigned areas.
  • 1)Participates in patient care planning, interdisciplinary team activities and development, staff and patient directed support groups, orients new team members.
  • 2)Conducts or participates in support groups for patients and families and/or the interdisciplinary team.
  • 3)Facilitates and encourages discussion and decision making related to medical-ethical dilemmas, such as, termination of treatment, organ donation, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, living wills and durable power of attorney, and ensures that religious/faith issues are addressed.
  • 4)Represents the values of religious communities to health care professionals and hospital associates.
• Support of the Advocate mission, values and philosophy in areas of clinical responsibilities.
  • 1)Interprets the Advocate mission and philosophy in primary areas of assignment/specialization and assist managers in development of goals and objectives to enhance implementation.
  • 2)Supports the hospital ministry of parish clergy with referrals, information, education, counseling, and consultation.
  • 3)Participates, where feasible, in community clergy associations.
  • 4)Serves, when possible, as guest pastor of area churches.
  • 5)Serves as resource to clergy, churches and community groups to enhance hospital community liaisons.
• Participation in educational initiatives and support groups for patients and families, hospital staff, community and church groups.
  • 1)Provides educational opportunities relating to health care concerns in their area of specialization to physicians, interdisciplinary team members, pastoral care colleagues and students, clergy, church and community groups.
  • 2)Facilitates and/or speaks at support groups at the hospital and in the community.
  • 3)Participates in critical incident stress management sessions, staff support sessions and debriefings.
• Maintenance of good standing and ecclesiastical endorsement through active participation in the life and work of one's faith group.
  • 1)Participates in mandatory faith group retreats and meetings.
  • 2)Complies with faith group requirements to maintain endorsement.

Education/Experience Required:

• M.A./M.Div. or equivalent. Ecclesiastical endorsement for chaplaincy.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Basic counseling skills, knowledge of grief process. Basic computer skills. Effective interpersonal skills--verbal and written. Utilization of critical thinking in timely decision making.
• A minimum of four units of CPE, ACPE. Certifiable by APC or NACC within in three years.

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Strong communication and human relation skills. Conflict and crisis management experience. Small and large group leadership skills. Available for on-call, varying shifts and weekend worship. 50 hours of work related Continuing Education must be submitted to the immediate supervisor each year at the time of chaplain's annual performance review. Ability to provide empathetic care and support to bereaved families. Resiliency and flexibility to work under stressful conditions in difficult situations. Ability to prioritize independently and respond to multiple simultaneous requests. Flexible hours. Some travel to the bereaved families homes.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Advocate Aurora Health is one of the 10th largest not-for-profit, integrated health systems in the U.S. with nearly 3 million patients served at more than 500 sites of care in Illinois and Wisconsin, including 28 hospitals. We're redefining the standard for care with world-class doctors and caregivers, innovative solutions, outstanding outcomes, and leading-edge research and clinical trials. Combined, Advocate and Aurora are recognized for clinical excellence in a variety of specialties. Advocate Aurora Health is one of the 10th largest not-for-profit, integrated health systems in the U.S. with nearly 3 million patients served at more than 500 sites of care in Illinois and Wisconsin, including 28 hospitals. We're redefining the standard for care with world-class doctors and caregivers, innovative solutions, outstanding outcomes, and leading-edge research and clinical trials. Combined, Advocate and Aurora are recognized for clinical excellence in a variety of specialties.