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There are jobs- and there are careers. The chance to do the kind of work that adds up to something meaningful. The opportunity to challenge, learn new skills and the prospect of being surrounded by smart, motivated, compassionate people. That’s the kind of work you can expect at HSK. Join us!
Hospice of Southern Kentucky is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. Questions? Reach out to our HR Department at 270-746-9300.
Job Title: Home Hospice R.N.
Years of Experience: 2 years in Nursing preferred
Education Level: Licensed to practice in KY
FLSA Status: Exempt and Non-exempt
FTE Status: Full-Time
Reports to: Nursing Supervisor
JOB SUMMARY
The R.N. is a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), working under the general direction of the ADCS, Director of Clinical Services and Medical Director to provide skilled nursing assessment, planning, and care to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families. She/he identifies patient/family needs, and provides direct care in accordance with physician’s orders and the patient’s individual plan of care. He/she must have a current RN license to practice in the state of KY.
ROLE
The RN is the case manager of the patients care, establishing the plan of care with direct input from the other members of the IDG, the physician, the patient and family/CG. He/she helps establish the written patient record, directs other clinical staff with patient care, maintains contact with the patient’s physician for condition changes and/or medications, and reports to the DCS as warranted.
RESPONSIBILITES (not limited to)
– To assume primary responsibility for patient/family assessment, care planning, implementation and evaluation of the nursing process.
– To initiate communication with the physician, hospice staff members, and other agencies as needed to coordinate care and use of resources for the patient and family/caregivers-
To maintain regular communication with the Assistant DCS or Director of Clinical Services, especially for unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.
– To maintain regular communication with the attending physician or medical director concerning patients and their families/caregivers.
– To obtain data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporate data into the care plan.
– To maintain up-to-date patient records so that problems, plan, action, and goals, are accurate and clearly stated and reflect changes, as they occur.
– To seek input from the team members and families regarding the patient plan of care, to obtain additional knowledge and support.
– To accept responsibility for coordinating physical care of the patient by teaching primary caregivers and employed caregivers on providing direct care.
– To attend IDT meetings and facilitate discussion of issues for full staff review, consultation, and evaluation.
– To supervise and document the home health aide every fourteen (14) days.
– To assume the role of associate nurse when responding to patients/families of other staff nurses during on-call time, or as requested by the Assistant DCS and/or the Director of Clinical Services to fill patient/family needs during the absence of other staff nurses.
– To share in providing 24-hour, seven-day a week on-call coverage to patients/families.
– To provide appropriate support at time of death.
– To participate in agency and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of hospice care.
– To demonstrate familiarity with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of the State and Federal bodies which aid in determining policies.
– To maintain confidentiality of patient and families at all times.
– To promote hospice care and philosophy in community, as the situation arises.
– To evaluate potential patients for hospice care in an alternative setting.
– To comply with accepted professional standards and principles.
– Other duties as assigned.
RESULTS
Quality patient and family care is the primary focus of the care of the hospice nurse. The nurse promotes patient comfort and symptom control, to increase the quality of the final days of life for their patients. These patients learn to trust their nurse and depend on him/her to achieve comfort and quality of life. He/she is a strong patient advocate, and assists with completing last wishes/plans of the patient.
REQUIREMENTS
This position requires a current RN license to work in the state of Kentucky. It is preferred that the RN have two (2) years of experience as a nurse, with a year preferably in an acute care setting. Hospice or home health experience is a plus. This position requires the ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and their families, the ability to cope with patient/family emotional stress and tolerant of varying lifestyles, cultural and religious beliefs. He/she must be able to exercise judgment and discretion in confidential matters and be willing to work closely with other professionals in a team setting.
RELATIONSHIPS
The RN is the manager of the patient care team, under the direction of the DCS and physician/Medical Director. However, for quality patient/family care, he/she must work closely and effectively with the other members of the team. These internal relationships are based on mutual trust and respect, with the focus on the patients and their families. He/she will, also, need to cultivate other internal relationships, with secretaries, management, volunteers, etc.
This position may require developing relationships outside the hospice staff, including vendors and other professional healthcare staff. The Hospice RN will be in the community eye and will need to promote and build these relationships. These external relationships will help increase the use of hospice care and knowledge of hospice throughout the community, therefore helping many more people.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, stretching or lifting, and full range of body motion. This position requires the ability to work under high stress conditions for long periods of time. Requires corrected vision, ability to hear normal range of voice, drive, and negotiate steps, walkways or housing not designed for handicap access. May require contact with individuals with communicable disease and body fluids. Occasionally, requires maneuvering items weighing over 100 pounds. Able to work in normal office environment, use office equipment, and prepare written reports.
Job Title: Registered Nurse
Experience: Preferred
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
FTE Status: Full time /Part Time and PRN
Education Level: Licensed to practice in KY
Reports to: Nursing Supervisor
Date: Revised January 2020
JOB SUMMARY
The R.N. is a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), working under the general direction of the Director of Clinical Services and Medical Director to provide skilled nursing assessment, planning, and care to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families. She/he identifies patient/family needs, and provides direct care in accordance with physician’s orders and the patient’s individual plan of care. He/she must have a current RN license to practice in the state of KY.
ROLE
The RN is the coordinator of the patients care, establishing the plan of care with direct input from the other members of the IDG, the physician, the patient and family/CG. He/she helps establish the written patient record, directs other clinical staff with patient care, maintains contact with the patient’s physician for condition changes and/or medications, and reports to the DCS as warranted.
RESPONSIBILITES (not limited to)
– To assume primary responsibility for patient/family assessment, care planning, implementation and evaluation of the nursing process.
– To initiate communication with the physician, hospice staff members, and other agencies as needed to coordinate care and use of resources for the patient and family/caregivers.
– To maintain regular communication with the Director of Clinical Services, especially for unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.
– To maintain regular communication with the attending physician or medical director concerning patients and their families/caregivers.
– To obtain data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporate data into the care plan.
– To maintain up-to-date patient records so that problems, plan, action, and goals, are accurate and clearly stated and reflect changes, as they occur.
– To administer medications and treatments as ordered by the physician.
– To seek input from the team members and families regarding the patient plan of care, to obtain additional knowledge and support.
– To accept responsibility for coordinating physical care of the patient by teaching primary caregivers and employed caregivers, and providing direct care.
– To attend IDT meetings and facilitate discussion of issues for full staff review, consultation, and evaluation.
– To participate in agency and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of hospice care.
– To demonstrate familiarity with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of the State and Federal bodies.
– To provide appropriate support at time of death.
– To maintain confidentiality of patient and families at all times.
– To promote hospice care and philosophy in community, as the situation arises.
– To evaluate potential patients for hospice care in an alternative setting.
– To comply with accepted professional standards and principles.
– Other duties as assigned.
RESULTS
Quality patient and family care is the primary focus of the care of the hospice nurse. The nurse promotes patient comfort and symptom control, to increase the quality of the final days of life for their patients. These patients learn to trust their nurse and depend on him/her to achieve comfort and quality of life. He/she is a strong patient advocate, and assists with completing last wishes/plans of the patient.
REQUIREMENTS
This position requires a current RN license to work in the state of Kentucky. It is preferred that the RN have two (2) years of experience as a nurse with a year preferably in an acute care setting. Hospice or home health experience is a plus. This position requires the ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and their families, the ability to cope with patient/family emotional stress and tolerant of varying lifestyles, cultural and religious beliefs. He/she must be able to exercise judgment and discretion in confidential matters and be willing to work closely with other professionals in a team setting.
RELATIONSHIPS
The RN is the manager of the patient care team, under the direction of the DCS and physician/Medical Director. However, for quality patient/family care, he/she must work closely and effectively with the other members of the team. These internal relationships are based on mutual trust and respect, with the focus on the patients and their families. He/she will, also, need to cultivate other internal relationships, with secretaries, management, volunteers, etc. Provides appropriate supervision and oversight to LPN’s and Aides.
This position may require developing relationships outside the hospice staff, including vendors and other professional healthcare staff. The Hospice RN will be in the community eye and will need to promote and build these relationships. These external relationships will help increase the use of hospice care and knowledge of hospice throughout the community, therefore helping many more people.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, stretching or lifting, and full range of body motion. This position requires the ability to work under high stress conditions for long periods of time. Requires corrected vision, ability to hear normal range of voice, drive, and negotiate steps, walkways or housing not designed for handicap access. May require contact with individuals with communicable disease and body fluids. Occasionally, requires maneuvering items weighing over 100 pounds. Able to work in normal office environment, use office equipment, and prepare written reports
Job Title: Hospice Aide
Years’ Experience: None
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
FTE Status: FT, PT or PRN
Education Level: CNA Training and Certificate
Reports to: Nursing Supervisor
Date: Revised June 2022
JOB SUMMARY
An important member of the IDT, the Hospice Aide provides care to the hospice patient at a vulnerable time. The patient depends on and puts great trust in this person. One of the goals of the position is to make the patient feel clean and comfortable.
ROLE
The Hospice Aide provides personal care, which includes bathing, dressing, hair care, and oral care, as the patient or caregiver desires. His/her assignment is planned and directed by the RN.
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES (but not limited to)
– Personal care: bathing in the shower, tub or from a basin, shave upon request
– Skin care: applying lotions and barrier creams, simple make up
– Hair care: shampooing and drying, combing, brushing, simple styling
– Oral care: brushing teeth, cleaning dentures, mouth care with swabs and chap stick
– Nail care: cleaning, applying polish per pt request
– Dressing patient, as directed by patient or caregiver
– ROM exercises, as directed by the RN
– Assist patient with ambulation, as directed by the RN
– Turning and positioning patient
– Feeding patient as needed
– Changing bed linens
– Straighten patient room
– Documentation of care provided
– Confidentiality
– Attend IDT meetings, when possible
– Maintain safe environment, reporting any concerns to the RN
– Other duties as assigned
Responsibilities DO NOT include: giving medications, discussing spiritual or psychosocial needs, getting involved in family decisions, nor sharing the aide’s own personal information or problems with the patient or family.
– Other duties performed are to assist with care for the facility:
– Removing dirty linen to linen cart
– Removing trash from patient rooms and public areas
– Straightening and cleaning the family kitchen, as needed
– Restocking linens and supplies in patient rooms
– Delivering food trays, on occasion
RESULTS
1. Patient will be neat and clean
2. Patient will be safe
3. Assistance for the family or caregiver
4. Well-kept facility
REQUIREMENTS (of Position)
1. CNA training
2. Time management and organization
3. Strong interpersonal skills
4. Good communication skills
5. Must be a team player
RELATIONSHIPS
During the bathing process our patients are exposed, which makes them feel vulnerable. This position requires tenderness and compassion to diminish these feelings, whenever possible. When the patient feels safe, they feel less vulnerable, developing trust in the Hospice Aide and the RN. The Hospice Aide is an important member of the team and needs to communicate with the team whenever there are changes in the patient’s condition or a decline in the patient’s abilities to assist with their own care. These findings are significant and may help justify the patient’s appropriateness for hospice care.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, stretching or lifting, and full range of body motion. This position requires the ability to work under high stress conditions for long periods of time. Requires corrected vision, ability to hear normal range of voice, drive, and negotiate steps, walkways or housing not designed for handicap access. May require contact with individuals with communicable disease and body fluids. Occasionally, requires maneuvering items weighing over 100 pounds. Able to work in normal office environment, use office equipment, and prepare written reports.
Job Title: Director of Human Resources
Experience: Minimum 3 yrs
FTE Status: Full time
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in H/R, Business, Health Care Admin, or related
Reports to: CEO
Date: Revision July 2025
JOB SUMMARY
A Director of Human Resources is responsible for overseeing HR management and department operations to adhere to organizational policies and procedures. Their duties include communicating between companies’ directors and employees, managing the HR department budget and coordinating with management to ensure compliance with HR laws and regulations.
ROLE
The Director of Human Resources oversees staffing policies, improves employee retention and motivates staff through creating employee wellness initiatives. Human Resources Director ensures compliance with industry regulations, keeps detailed records of job descriptions, schedules interviews for job candidates and conducts onboarding and new employee orientation. They field complaints from employees and use a structured system to respond to any issues within an organization. Human Resources Director also manages benefits administration, assists with payroll updates, and communicates with staff about policy changes.
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES
– Ensure Employee Files are up to date
– Identify, evaluate and solve hiring challenges with effective recruitment methods
– Ensure evaluations and anniversary tasks are completed and submitted in a timely manner
– Ensure all employees are compliant with Hospice of Southern Kentucky’s policies and procedures
– Respond to employee’s grievances and disputes as well as support employee development.
– Handle any workman’s comp insurance issues
– Resolve any unemployment claims
– Evaluate and Coordinate employee benefits
– Identify staffing needs and help to maintain healthy turnover ratio
– Create and maintain job descriptions and organizational chart
– Design and direct training programs.
– Help maintain structured new hire orientation and Orient and train all new hires to policies and procedures.
– Present policies and organizational H/R updates to Board Personnel Committee
– Maintain Employee Handbook compliant with all current rules and regulations.
– Provide guidance to HSK supervisors on all personnel matters
– Organize and Chair Employee Recognition Committee and all recognition events
– Other Duties as assigned
RESULTS
1. Efficient flow and dissemination of information
2. Positive image in the community
3. Compliant practices and policies
4. Employee files are compliant, up to date, and survey ready at all times
REQUIREMENTS (of Position)
1. Positive demeanor and speaking skills
2. Good communication and listening skills
3. Proficient computer skills
4. Excellent organization skills with attention to detail
5. Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality
6. Strong leadership and managerial skills to oversee the HR department and work with all employees within Hospice of Southern Kentucky
7. Knowledge of labor regulations, Medicare regulations, and HR practices.
RELATIONSHIPS
The Human Resources Director will plan, lead, direct, develop, and coordinate the policies, activities, and staff, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the organizations mission and talent strategy. They will work closely with each manager to ensure compliance and appropriate demeanor for each staff member. They will provide employee recognition for each employee and ensure equal opportunity for all employees.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, stretching or lifting. This position requires the ability to work under high stress conditions for long periods of time. Ability to hear normal range of voice, drive, and negotiate steps, walkways or housing not designed for handicap access. May require contact with individuals with communicable disease. Able to work in normal office environment, use office equipment, and prepare written reports.
Job Title: Social Worker
Years of Experience: 1 year in healthcare
FLSA: Exempt
FTE Status: Full time, Part time and PRN
Date: Revision June 2022
Educational Level: Master’s Degree in Social Work Or Bachelor’s Degree (Supervised by a MSW)
Reports to: Ancillary Services Manager
(Effective this revision: Social Workers hired before 2008 have been ‘grandfathered in’ prior to the new regulation.)
JOB SUMMARY
The Social Worker is a vital member of the IDT to assess the psychosocial needs of the patient or family. He/she works closely with the Spiritual Counselor/Chaplain to plan care for the patient/family unit to meet these needs. He/she, also, works closely with the nurse to evaluate the need and benefits of medications to assist with psychosocial issues.
ROLE
The Social Worker is responsible for the provision of direct case work and support services to the patient/family unit within the hospice program of care. The Social Worker will provide evaluation of psychosocial problems and define social service goals for alleviating such problems.
The Social Worker connects patients/families with appropriate community resources that might help. He/she may help coordinate assembling paperwork or attending meetings with these community resources, as appropriate. This position, also, assists patients/families to make long range care plans when needed.
RESPONSIBILTIES (not limited to)
– To provide psychosocial assessment, direct case work service and support to the patient/family unit
– To participate in the preparation, evaluation and execution of the interdisciplinary plan of care to assure high quality social services, with the aims of continuity and comprehensiveness of care are accomplished.
– To maintain appropriate documentation in the hospice patient chart.
– To assist in developing and coordinating relations between hospice and outside medical/health care and social services; assist patient, family and staff in utilizing community resources.
– To attend interdisciplinary team meetings and facilitate discussion of issues relating to the psychosocial component of hospice care.
– To participate in professional liaison with other professional health care and social service agencies on the local, regional and state levels.
– To have knowledge of the process of dying and bereavement.
– To have knowledge and basic understanding of the psychosocial needs of the terminally-ill patients and their families.
– To have knowledge and basic understanding of the interpersonal dynamics operative with the working relationships of an interdisciplinary health care team.
– To assess patient/family ability to meet financial obligations and offer appropriate resources and activate as indicated.
– To evaluate patient’s insurance coverage and options.
– To assist in discharge planning from hospice service when care is no longer appropriate.
– To assist with bereavement follow-up services as appropriate.
– To communicate with supervisor regarding caseload.
– Other duties as assigned.
RESULTS
1. Meeting regulatory requirements
2. Quality patient and family psychosocial care
3. Effective IDT
4. Grief support to patients/families
5. Grief support to staff
REQUIREMENTS
1. Time Management and organizational skills
2. Excellent interpersonal skills
3. Excellent listening and communication skills
4. Basic computer skills
5. Attention to detail and follow-through
6. A team player
7. Compassion
RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships are a main focus of the social worker in hospice care. His/her goal is to assist the patient and family to achieve a sense of psychological comfort during an extremely difficult journey, which requires a trusting relationship with these families. His/her team members depend on him/her to develop and maintain these relationships. As the team works together with patients and families, they grow together forming their own bond.
He/she develops relationships with many community resources, as they reach out to provide benefits to their patients/families. The Social Worker is in the public eye and has many opportunities for educating others regarding the benefits of hospice care.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, stretching or lifting, and full range of body motion. This position requires the ability to work under high stress conditions for long periods of time. Requires corrected vision, ability to hear normal range of voice, drive, and negotiate steps, walkways or housing not designed for handicap access. May require contact with individuals with communicable disease. Able to work in normal office environment, use office equipment, and prepare written reports.
Job Title: Chaplain
Experience: Grief counseling/Spiritual counseling
FLSA Status: Exempt/Non-exempt
Date: Revision June 2022
Reports to: Ancillary Services Manager
FTE Status: Full time, Part time and PRN
JOB SUMMARY
The Chaplain will coordinate and provide spiritual support to patients and families admitted to Hospice of Southern KY. He/she must respect the belief system of these families, and be the liaison to the spiritual community, when needed. This position is important to the IDT, in part due to the support it gives other team members.
ROLE
Spiritual needs for terminally ill patients and their families are very important to some. The Chaplain may provide this support, with respect to the belief system of the patient and family. There may be a need to obtain local clergy or other spiritual advisers, with permission of the patient. He/she completes a spiritual assessment taking into account other stress, mental or psychosocial issues with the patient or family.
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES (including but not limited to)
– Provide spiritual support derived from a spiritual assessment
– Build and maintain relationships with community clergy to assist with patients varying belief systems
– Attend meetings and communicate with IDT
– Support other team members
– Assist with funeral arrangements, performing final services if needed
– Document care provided
– Assist with bereavement care
– Perform as a religious resource for staff
– Can be “on-call” during evenings and weekends for grieving families
– Other duties as assigned
RESULTS
1. Death with dignity for hospice patients
2. Grief and spiritual support to patients and families
3. Grief support for staff
4. Working relationships with community clergy
REQUIREMENTS (of Position)
1. Time management and organization
2. Working knowledge of community clergy, or the ability to find community support
3. Excellent interpersonal skills
4. Excellent communication skills
5. Excellent listening skills
6. Ability to respect and support belief systems different than their own
7. Must be a team player
8. Compassion
RELATIONSHIPS
Compassionate relationships are foundational for this position. Patients and families are the main focus but co-workers and community resources are, also, very important. The IDT relies on the Chaplain to help pull families together as the patient declines, and to help the patient reach the spiritual level they desire. As he/she assists patients/families, the team develops its own bond. This position requires contact with the local religious community as a resource and to present hospice education, when needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, stretching or lifting, and full range of body motion. This position requires the ability to work under high stress conditions for long periods of time. Requires corrected vision, ability to hear normal range of voice, drive, and negotiate steps, walkways or housing not designed for handicap access. May require contact with individuals with communicable disease and body fluids. Occasionally, requires maneuvering items weighing over 10 pounds. Able to work in normal office environment, use office equipment, and prepare written reports.