HOSPICE CHAPLAIN SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Oct 03, 2025 - The Hospice Chaplain possesses a theological education appropriate for chaplaincy, four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), and is board-certified or eligible for certification within a set timeframe by a recognized professional chaplaincy organization. This role requires proven experience providing spiritual care in healthcare settings, particularly to the terminally ill and bereaved, and proficiency in crisis intervention, grief counseling, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The chaplain also has interpersonal communication skills, respect for diverse beliefs and cultures, and the ability to guide medical decision-making in a manner consistent with patients' values.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Hospice Chaplain Resume
  • Spiritual Assessment
  • Care Documentation
  • Program Development
  • Bereavement Counseling
  • Service Facilitation
  • Religious Services
  • EMR Documentation
  • Quality Monitoring
  • Spiritual Counseling
  • Care Planning
  • Active Listening
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Community Liaison
  • Grief Support
  • Faith Outreach
  • Team Collaboration
  • Staff Support
  • Nonjudgmental Presence
  • Communication Skills
  • Emotional Support

Summary of Hospice Chaplain Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Religious Studies with 2 years of Experience

  • Possess a Theological education appropriate for chaplaincy 
  • Possess endorse or attestation of good standing in a faith tradition
  • Certification eligible by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, or Association of Professional Chaplains, the National Association of Jewish Chaplains, or Spiritual Care Association/Healthcare Chaplaincy Association, or the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education
  • Current Basic Life Support certification for hospice chaplains and Basic Life Support for all other chaplains.
  • Ability to assist others in medical decision making consistent with their values and belief system.
  • Crisis counseling skills and/or experience required for addressing and processing trauma situations.
  • Ability to integrate and utilize a variety of modalities in healing, i.e., guided meditation, music thanatology, etc.
  • Ability to be computer literate and proficient in MS Office

2. BA in Theology with 1 years of Experience

  • Possess four units of ACPE Certified CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) 
  • Experience in Health care chaplaincy (or equivalent setting) and Acute care experience 
  • Knowledge of and ability to interpret the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
  • Ability to appropriately articulate his/her spiritual perspective and integration while remaining respectful of the perspective of others.
  • Be able to integrate experience and reflection into pastoral ministry.
  • Ability to interact with faith community leaders of diverse denominations and faith traditions.
  • Ability to work effectively with patients who have widely varying physical, emotional, cultural, and religious/spiritual needs, which bring meaning to their lives and their experiences as patients.
  • Have Electronic Medical Record experience and Commitment to continuing education.

3. BA in Philosophy with 4 years of Experience

  • Possess four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Certification and Accreditation, or the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education (CAPPE). 
  • Be able to provide Education, training, and/or experience in patient counseling with skill in dealing with ethical, religious, and spiritual dimensions of illness, loss, bereavement, and other areas relevant to ministry in the clinical setting.
  • Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.
  • Superior skills in interpersonal communication, including training in crisis intervention.
  • Ability to network with community clergy and congregations.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy of care.
  • Previous health care experience
  • Strong interpersonal skill with active listening

4. BS in Psychology with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience providing spiritual care services in a health care setting.
  • Experience providing services to the terminally ill and/or bereaved.
  • Ability to perform Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers upon hire/transfer.
  • Possess four units of Clinical Pastoral Education Program (CPE).
  • Knowledge of the spiritual, emotional, and general care needs of patients and their families at the end of life.
  • Ability to demonstrate Proficiency in the delivery of emotional, spiritual, grief counseling, and support group services with individuals and groups at the end of life and in the grief process.
  • Provides customer-focused service.
  • Can lead groups and teams effectively.
  • Demonstrates skill in public speaking.

5. BS in Human Services with 2 years of Experience

  • Ability to participate collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
  • Well-developed peer mentoring and development skills. 
  • Ability to assist and mentor clinicians and volunteers in the provision of emotional/spiritual support in their daily practice.
  • Excellent listening and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to serve within a health care setting as a chaplain.
  • Ability to work as a member of a hospice interdisciplinary team.
  • Board-certified Pastoral Counselor.
  • Knowledge of diverse religious and cultural practices, health care ethics, grief and bereavement counseling techniques with hospice families, and excellent work organization skills.
Relevant Information
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