Hospice Chaplain

ABOUT VIKING HOSPICE CARE

Viking Hospice Care is a Medicare-certified, independently owned hospice agency providing end-of-life care throughout Greater Houston, including Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Brazoria Counties. We provide services in private residences, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities, and we are committed to the dignity and comfort of every patient we serve.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chaplain provides non-denominational spiritual care and support to hospice patients and their families, addressing spiritual, existential, and emotional needs throughout the hospice experience. This is a required interdisciplinary team role under CMS Conditions of Participation, serving patients and families of all faith traditions and belief systems — including those with no religious affiliation. This is a per diem position. You meet patients and families where they are — offering presence, listening, and meaning-making support tailored to each individual's beliefs and wishes.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Conduct initial spiritual assessments for newly admitted patients and develop individualized spiritual care plans Provide compassionate presence, active listening, prayer, meditation, or other practices consistent with each patient's wishes Support patients in finding meaning, peace, and comfort in the context of their illness and approaching death Address existential concerns including fear of death, life review, forgiveness, and reconciliation Support family members and caregivers throughout the patient's stay and into the bereavement period Facilitate or coordinate religious rituals, sacraments, or observances as requested Connect patients and families with their existing faith community or other spiritual care resources Participate in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings and contribute to holistic care planning Document all contacts, assessments, and interventions in Hospice Tools on the day of service

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Ordained minister, licensed clergy, or recognized spiritual leader with demonstrated pastoral training and experience Ability to provide spiritual care in a non-denominational, patient-centered manner across diverse faith backgrounds and belief systems, including those with no religious affiliation Comfort engaging with patients and families in end-of-life and grief settings Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish trust quickly in emotionally sensitive situations Reliable personal vehicle and ability to travel throughout Greater Houston Smartphone capable of running the Hospice Tools mobile app (iOS or Android) Preferred Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent graduate-level theological education Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) from an ACPE-accredited program Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) through the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) or equivalent Prior experience as a Chaplain in a Medicare-certified hospice, hospital, or palliative care setting Familiarity with Hospice Tools or a comparable hospice EMR Bilingual in English and Spanish Experience providing bereavement support and grief counseling to families following patient death

Work Location:

On the road