Chaplain in Loma Linda, California at Loma Linda University Hospice

Schedule: Full-time

Compensation: Starting compensation range of $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 annually. Exact compensation will be determined by experience, education, licensure/certifications, and location, in accordance with applicable laws.

Position Overview

The Chaplain is responsible for providing timely, compassionate, and high-quality spiritual care services to patients, families, and caregivers. This critical role ensures spiritual support is seamlessly integrated into the patient's plan of care, operating with clinical excellence and emotional intelligence. The Chaplain acts as a key interdisciplinary team member, driving spiritual assessment compliance, community outreach, and effective coordination with spiritual counselors. This position requires deep ownership over patient outcomes and adherence to hospice philosophy.

Key Responsibilities

Spiritual Care Provision & Compliance

• Execute timely and comprehensive spiritual assessments for all patients, families, and caregivers in the hospice program to meet identified spiritual needs.
• Drive the integration of spiritual support into the Individualized Plan of Care through active participation in comprehensive assessments.
• Deliver direct spiritual care and counseling to patients, families, and caregivers with empathy and professionalism.
• Ensure all spiritual care services, utilization records, and related activities are accurately maintained for quality assurance, program development, and policy compliance.
• Document direct services and ongoing communication with community chaplains and spiritual counselors thoroughly and promptly.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Program Development

• Serve as an authoritative liaison and provide critical support to community chaplains and spiritual counselors.
• Lead recruitment efforts for community chaplains, spiritual counselors, and spiritual care volunteers by actively developing community contacts and providing hospice education to congregations.
• Actively participate in patient care conferences and Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings, ensuring spiritual needs are addressed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by actively participating in quality performance assessment teams and activities.

Specialized Services

• Coordinate and provide funeral or memorial care services for patients upon request.
• Develop and implement periodic memorial services designed to meet the spiritual needs of personnel, volunteers, and community clergy working with the hospice team.
• Oversee and mentor spiritual care volunteers when assigned to patients, family members, and caregivers.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

• Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology (BD, or MDiv, or equivalent theological degree).
• Minimum of one (1) year of demonstrable experience in hospice, palliative, home health, or a relevant clinical setting.
• Proven capacity to integrate seamlessly and contribute effectively as a core member of the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).
• Demonstrated comfort and professional effectiveness in dynamic, interfaith, and multi-cultural settings.
• Expert ability to engage and collaborate respectfully with individuals from diverse lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.
• Capacity to establish and maintain strong professional networks with community clergy and congregations to support recruitment and outreach efforts.
• Deep foundational knowledge of and unwavering commitment to the hospice philosophy of care.
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and maintaining timely, compliant clinical documentation.
• Current CA driver’s license with proof of auto insurance.
• Willingness and capacity to travel frequently throughout the assigned service area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual proficiency

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform job duties across a variety of settings, including patient homes, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient environments.
• Regular standing, walking, and driving between patient visits or work locations.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching while providing care or completing assessments.
• Ability to lift or assist with moving equipment up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation; additional support or equipment may be used for heavier transfers.
• Sufficient hand dexterity to complete clinical tasks such as documenting in electronic systems
• Visual and hearing ability to safely assess patients and communicate clearly with patients, families, and team members.
• Ability to respond appropriately in urgent or emergency situations
• Comfort working in a range of home environments, including exposure to pets, smoke, and varying indoor/outdoor conditions.
• Regular use of computers, tablets, and mobile devices for documentation, communication, and virtual meetings; ability to sit for extended periods while completing electronic charting and administrative tasks.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel within the service area.
• Ability to manage the physical and emotional aspects of working in end-of-life care.

Loma Linda University Hospice is dedicated to a patient-first mission, ensuring compassionate, high-quality care that supports patients and families through every stage of need. Loma Linda University Hospice’s culture is defined by data-driven excellence, operational transparency, and a steadfast commitment to its core values of Dignity, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence and Partnership. Loma Linda University Hospice was created in 2026 through a joint venture between Loma Linda University Health and Kara Health.

Loma Linda University Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. All employment decisions are based on job requirements, individual merit, and business needs.