Spiritual Counselor (Chaplain / Bereavement / Pastoral Care / Ministry)

Overview:

At Augusta Health, your work matters - and so do you. Whether you're delivering direct patient care, supporting operations, or innovating behind the scenes, every role contributes to our mission of promoting wellness and healing through compassionate service. We offer more than just a job - we offer a purpose-driven career in a nationally recognized, independent health system located in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley.

Learn more about career opportunities on our Careers Page.

Our team members thrive in a supportive culture that values collaboration, integrity, and excellence. With opportunities across clinical and non-clinical areas, Augusta Health is a place where your skills make a difference, and your growth is a priority.

Why Join Augusta Health?

We believe in taking care of the people who care for our community. That’s why Augusta Health offers a comprehensive and thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports your well-being, career development, and work-life balance. Whether you're launching your career or bringing in years of experience, we provide the tools, resources, and encouragement to help empower you to reach your full potential - personally, professionally, and financially.

Explore our Benefits, current Hiring Incentives, and our Taking Care of Us initiative - which embraces Belonging , Respect , Inclusion , Diversity , Growth , and Equity ( B.R.I.D.G.E. ) - to see how we invest in our team members and culture.

Total Rewards & Benefits: ( may vary by position ):

• Comprehensive insurance package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plans and financial wellness support programs.
• Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling to promote work-life balance.
• Career development programs including clinical ladders, shared governance, and advancement opportunities.
• Personalized onboarding with dedicated preceptors and ongoing educational support.
• Tuition reimbursement and access to onsite childcare.
• Free onsite parking, 24/7-armed security for your safety, a Health Fitness Reimbursement Program, and an onsite credit union and pharmacy.
• Competitive pay with shift/weekend differentials.
• Employee discounts at the cafeteria, gift shop, pharmacy, and local entertainment venues (i.e., movie tickets).

Full details are available on our Benefits Page.

Job Summary:

The Spiritual Counselor's primary function is to provide spiritual support to the hospice patients and their families. The spiritual counselor is responsible to provide an assessment of the patient’s and family’s spiritual needs and to provide counselling to meet those needs. Facilitate visits by local clergy, pastoral counselors, or other individuals who can support the patient’s spiritual needs at their request. Participates as a core member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT).

This position plays a critical role in supporting Augusta Health’s mission and advancing departmental goals through measurable performance indicators and service excellence. This position contributes to a collaborative, patient-centered environment and helps drive outcomes aligned with organizational priorities.

Essential Job Duties:

• Hospice Spiritual Counselor Duties:
  • Assess the Hospice patient and support system to identify spiritual needs as evidenced by the Plan of Care (POC), documentation in the clinical record, and IDT conference. Provide support for the spiritual needs of the patient/family.
  • Attend IDT meetings and participate in the patient care planning process.
  • Participate in the Quality Assessment Performance Improvement process as required.
  • Use effective interpersonal relations and communication skills facilitates the use of these skills by other team members to achieve desirable outcomes.
  • Meets mandatory continuing education requirements of the Hospice.
  • Demonstrates commitment, professional growth, and competency by maintaining a working knowledge of public and private eligibility standards and requirements.
  • Promotes the Hospice’s philosophy and policies to ensure quality of care.
  • Demonstrates understanding of coordination and continuity of care by collaborating with the IDT.
  • Accept assignments that are consistent with education and competence to meet the needs of the patients/families.
  • Make reasonable efforts to facilitate visits by local clergy or other members of religious/spiritual organizations/individuals per request.
  • Provide a range of spiritual services including active listening, presence, prayer, readings, music, engage sacred texts and other interventions as appropriate.
  • Document all spiritual care rendered as well as significant contacts with patients/families, their ministers, and other community spiritual providers.
  • Documentation is completed according to AH Hospice standards and policies.
  • Communicate significant information regarding patient and family spiritual care, changes, and updates to the interdisciplinary team.
  • Spiritual support may include bereavement, funerals, and services requested by families.
  • Spiritual support includes education/support to our community, facilities we serve, as well as our team members.
  • The spiritual counselors assist with planning and implementation of the annual hospice memorial service.
  • Participate in Volunteer/Team Member Training and orientation of new team members when requested.
  • Participation in on call rotation to meet the needs of the patients/families.
  • Perform other duties as requested.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Licensure/Certification: None.
• Experience: Significant pastoral experience including clinical work with community and end of life patients.
• Driver's License: Yes
  • To drive an Augusta Health Vehicle, must also be 21 years old and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) must be approved by Risk Management.
• Eligibility to work in the United States and meet Virginia state employment requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Theological education appropriate for ordination by candidate’s denomination (Ex: MDIV; Certificate in Religious Studies).
  • Satisfactory completion of 1-2 units of clinical pastoral education or equivalent postgraduate training in ministerial counseling or related field is preferred.
• Licensure/Certification: Ordained or licensed in ministry.
• Experience:
  • At least one-year pastoral experience in a healthcare institution or hospice.
  • Three years of parish experience.
• Prior experience in a hospital, healthcare system, or related service-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with Augusta Health’s systems, workflows, or organizational culture is a plus.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of major religious traditions, denominations, beliefs and practices preferred.
• Working knowledge of spiritual and religious resources in the communities we serve.
• Must have ability to comfortably and effectively support patients/families and team members with diverse belief systems and faith traditions.
• Continued education in pastoral counseling annually, if required.
• Good interpersonal skills.

About Augusta Health:

Augusta Health is an independent, nonprofit, mission-driven health system located in Fishersville, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. We offer a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services, including Augusta Medical Center-a 255-bed facility-and Augusta Medical Group, which operates 40 practice locations and four urgent care centers. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care makes Augusta Health a leading employer and healthcare provider in the region.

Discover more about our history, values, and community impact on our About Us Page.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Augusta Health recruits, hires, and promotes qualified candidates for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran or military discharge status, and family medical or genetic information.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace in accordance with federal and Virginia state employment laws.

Exceptional care, small town hospitality Nestled in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Augusta Health is among the finest nonprofit community hospitals in America. Augusta Health opened in 1994 to continue a tradition of personalized care with small-town hospitality that began with predecessor hospitals in Staunton and Waynesboro. Today, our highly trained physicians and staff use state-of-the-art technology to provide top quality care with warmth and compassion. We offer many amenities so patients and families can be comfortable and close during difficult times. View Our Mission, Vision & Values. If you are a resident of Augusta County, Staunton, Waynesboro, or surrounding areas, you can benefit from a variety of programs we host to promote good health. If you are a dedicated healthcare professional, you will find exciting career opportunities at Augusta Health. Quick Stats for 2023 Licensed for 255 beds 124 Medical/Surgical 14 Intensive Care Unit 18 Labor and Delivery 4 Pediatric Non-traditional, Non-acute services 28 bed psychiatric unit 17 bed skilled nursing unit 8 bed rehab unit Largest local private employer Employees: 2,375+ Active Physicians: 225 APPs: 87 Volunteers: 290 Service Area: 200,000 AH Urgent Cares: 5 AH Practices: 49