Chaplain Coordinator Pediatric Bereavement

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.

• 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.
• Develop/obtain and update resources and supplies to be shared with bereaved families at the time of death and during bereavement follow-up care.
• 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.
• 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.).
• Provide leadership and collaborate with the Advocate Children s Hospital Pediatric Bereavement Committee to plan, coordinate, and participate in events such as the Service of Remembrance.
• Assist pediatricians and hospital medical staff in preparing for and meeting with families to review autopsy results.
• Develop and implement tools to facilitate a successful bereavement support program, including a system for tracking families, anniversary dates, and planning for memorial services.
• 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.
• 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 input on the services and support provided.

Deliverance of a holistic ministry of pastoral care and sacraments for patients, families, physicians and associates. Provides pastoral care services, consultation and short-term counseling to patients, families, physicians, and associates as assigned and in accordance with department policies. Provides or facilitates sacramental ministries. Responds to codes and other emergencies or crises. 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 relation to their medical care, diagnosis and treatment plan.

Assists families with their needs in relation to the patient s illness so they are enabled to provide supportive care to the patient, including understanding procedures surrounding death and contacting families or other significant persons. Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating in safety initiatives.

Participation in the life and work of the department to assure integrated efficient services. Participates in providing overall site coverage. Works shifts as needed to provide 24 hour per day coverage, including weekends and holidays. Conducts chapel services and memorial services as scheduled. Serves on department, site, or system committees as needed. Submits required reports by the dates required.

Participation in grand rounds, case conferences, teams’ meetings, identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas in assigned areas. Participates in patient care planning, interdisciplinary team activities and development, staff and patient directed support groups, orients new team members. Conducts or participates in support groups for patients and families and/or the interdisciplinary team. 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.

Represents the values of religious communities to health care professionals and hospital associates.

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. Certified by APC or NACC within three years.

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…