Job Type: Ministerial

Reports to: Director of Porta Caeli House

Position Description

The Hospice Caregiver serves in a supportive role and acts as an advocate for the guest and their family. The Hospice Caregiver provides personal care and administers medication in alignment with the hospice plan of care, while also offering emotional and spiritual support to the guest and their circle of family and friends. All responsibilities are carried out following organizational and program policies and procedures, and in a manner that reflects the values of Catholic Social Teaching. 

Extending Christ’s love to those in need through compassionate end-of-life care, when dying at home is not an option. 

Ministerial

• As a ministerial representative of CCEOK, it is expected that both professional and social behavior be aligned with the ethical and moral standards of the Catholic Church
• Pray daily for the needs of the poor; opportunities include personal prayer, daily Mass, and/or adoration
• Willingness to learn how to articulate Catholic teaching with a commitment to its application in the job function
• Execute duties in a Christ-like manner with love and compassion following the values and principles of the program, Catholic Charities and Catholic Social Teaching

GUEST CARE 

• Provide quality end-of-life (EOL) care and support to the guest and their family as directed by the Porta Caeli House in compliance with the hospice agency’s plan of care, the guest’s preferences, and the policies of Porta Caeli House (PCH)
• Offer guidance and education to help the guest and their family prepare for the guest’s declining condition and eventual death
• Provide routine personal care as requested by guest/family/guest’s caregiver in accordance with the mission of PCH and the hospice plan of care
• Meeting guests’ needs requires frequent bending, stooping, lifting, pulling, and pushing to assist guests with activities of daily living. All care is provided to consistently ensure the guest’s comfort and includes: 
  • Turning and repositioning in bed every 2 hours 
  • Transferring to chair or commode 
  • Assisting with ambulation, with or without another person or assistive device 
  • Providing incontinence, elimination, and hygiene care 
  • Assisting with feeding and drinking 
  • Administering medication   
• Admission criteria allows for guests weighing up to 250 lbs. Most guests are confined to their beds and unable to assist with repositioning, brief or linen changes, or other movement. Caregivers will have the support of  teammates or hospice staff, but must be able to move and transfer guests frequently, using proper body mechanics and techniques, without the use of lift devices
• Implement the hospice agency’s prescribed plan of care by evaluating the guest throughout the shift and addressing needs in a timely manner
• Anticipate guest needs, including pain and symptom management as well as psychosocial and spiritual concerns, while promptly reporting any variances or concerns to the hospice agency
• Administer and maintain accurate accountability of all narcotic medications (thorough training provided)
• Work in an environment with exposure to blood, body tissues and fluids, airborne contaminants, and other hazardous waste materials, while using proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as provided
• Perform post-mortem care (bed bath after guest has passed)

COMMUNICATION 

• Act as a liaison to the hospice agency and advocate for guests admitted to PCH, working collaboratively with hospice physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other professionals to ensure the highest quality end-of-life care
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of care and medication administration within the electronic system, in accordance with PCH policies
• Manage communication needs, including answering phones, directing calls, responding to emails and text messages, and engaging with Viva Engage posts
• Provide knowledge and guidance to volunteers as directed by PCH administration
• Perform administrative tasks such as printing and copying of needed documents
• Notify the Clinical Coordinator or On-Call Administration of guest concerns, household issues, or changes in staffing assignments
• Use the Paycor scheduling app to request or trade shifts, clock in/out, and approve timesheets
• Use the Viva Engage app to stay current on program updates

HOSPITALITY 

• Greet guests, families, visitors, volunteers, and teammates in the spirit of Christ
• Perform housekeeping tasks such as frequent disinfection, cleaning, dusting, moving furniture, sweeping, mopping, laundering, washing and drying, and disposing of waste and recycling
• Prepare meals and ensure proper food storage (food handler training provided on the first day)
• Prepare coffee and maintain the hospitality station
• Perform other related duties as requested or required

LEADERSHIP 

• Demonstrate personal integrity in attendance, punctuality, and performance
• Remain flexible and cooperative in fulfilling role obligations, taking personal responsibility for one’s role within the organization and its impact on program success
• Provide input, feedback, and innovative ideas to continually improve practices. 
• Initiate and collaborate on work activities alongside team members, frequently adjusting priorities while maintaining strong observation and communication skills
• Possess and maintain good physical stamina and mental health. Duties require regular sitting, standing, walking, lifting, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, reaching overhead, and crouching
• Cope effectively with family emotional stress and grieving
• Complete assigned trainings, either in-person or online
• Attend all staff meetings (six per year)
• Obtain Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant Certification (paid by CCEOK)
• Train new caregivers, host shadow interviews, and provide guidance to nursing students and volunteer caregiver assistants
• Learn and understand the admissions process

FULL-TIME STATUS 

• Full-time schedules require three 12-hr shifts per week, including every other weekend
• Required to work holidays that fall on regularly scheduled shifts (paid time and a half)
• Ability to trade shifts among co-workers with supervisor’s approval

PRN STATUS 

• Must work at least 12 hours per month. This minimum is subject to change, based on program needs
• If unable to accept and work 3 or more consecutive shift requests, employment may be reevaluated due to inactivity
• Must be willing to work some holidays

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION 

• Must be 18 years or older
• High school diploma or GED required
• CNA or LPN is beneficial, but not required
• Some college is beneficial, but not required
• Must be able to use a computer and type 30 WPM
• Physician’s health clearance including a negative TB skin tests