Hospice Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the significance of Hospice Coordinators has never been more critical.

As the field of palliative care progresses, there is an increasing demand for compassionate and skilled individuals who can manage, enhance, and safeguard our end-of-life care system.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Hospice Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or merely intrigued by the nuances of hospice coordination,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Hospice Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Hospice Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Hospice Coordinators work in healthcare facilities and are primarily responsible for coordinating the delivery of hospice services and facilitating communication between patients, their families, and the healthcare team.

They also ensure that patients receive quality end-of-life care in accordance with their individualized care plans.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the needs of patients and their families and developing individualized care plans
• Coordinating with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure delivery of hospice services
• Providing emotional support and counseling to patients and their families
• Monitoring patients’ condition and adjusting care plans as needed
• Ensuring services are provided in accordance with federal, state, and agency regulations
• Facilitating communication between patients, their families, and the healthcare team
• Organizing and participating in hospice team meetings
• Documenting and maintaining accurate records of patients’ care, condition, progress, and concerns
• Assisting in the training and supervision of hospice care staff
• Collaborating with community resources and organizations to enhance the quality of hospice services

 

Hospice Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and organized Hospice Coordinator to join our team.

The Hospice Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the care of patients facing terminal illnesses.

The Hospice Coordinator’s duties include assessing patient needs, coordinating care with the interdisciplinary team, providing emotional support, and ensuring compliance with hospice policies and regulations.

Our ideal candidate is a registered nurse with hospice care experience and has a deep understanding of patient advocacy, medical ethics, and end-of-life care.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patient needs and develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team
• Coordinate care services from various healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and social workers
• Monitor and document patient’s condition and update care plans as necessary
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families
• Ensure compliance with hospice policies, procedures, and regulations
• Facilitate regular team meetings to review patient care
• Educate patients and their families about the hospice process and end-of-life care

 

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse license
• Proven work experience as a hospice coordinator or in a similar role
• Knowledge of hospice care and end-of-life process
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care
• Ability to coordinate and manage care services
• Certification in hospice and palliative care nursing (CHPN) is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hospice Coordinator
• Work Environment: Primarily in a hospice or hospital setting. Some travel may be required for patient home visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Hospice Director or Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hospice Coordinator Do?

A Hospice Coordinator plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry, primarily working in hospice care facilities.

Their primary responsibility is to ensure a high quality of end-of-life care for patients in the terminal stage of their illnesses.

They work closely with a team of healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, and spiritual advisors to develop and implement personalized care plans for each patient.

The Hospice Coordinator assesses the needs of each patient, coordinates the delivery of various services such as pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and spiritual guidance.

They also oversee the administrative aspects, such as scheduling, documentation, and compliance with healthcare regulations.

Additionally, they play a significant role in communication, acting as a liaison between the patient, their family, and the medical team.

They provide necessary information about the patient’s condition, progress, and any changes in the care plan.

They may also be involved in bereavement support for families, helping them cope with the loss of their loved ones.

This involves arranging counseling sessions, support groups, or other resources to aid in the grieving process.

Their ultimate goal is to ensure the patients spend their final days with dignity, comfort, and peace.

 

Hospice Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A Hospice Coordinator should possess a combination of technical and soft skills, as well as industry knowledge, to manage and oversee hospice care services effectively, such as:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to deal effectively with patients, families, and caregivers, and to work harmoniously with the interdisciplinary hospice team.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills to coordinate and supervise the care provided to terminally ill patients and their families.
• Understanding of the principles of death and dying, as well as the principles of palliative care, to support patients and their families during this challenging time.
• Ability to make appropriate decisions during emotional and stressful situations, demonstrating emotional resilience.
• Detail-oriented and able to maintain accurate records regarding patient care, condition, reaction, and progress.
• A compassionate and empathetic approach towards patients and their families, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Experience in nursing, social work, counseling, or a related field, as well as a good understanding of medical terminology, treatments, and medicines commonly used in hospice care.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to identify, assess and resolve any issues related to patient care or team dynamics.

 

Hospice Coordinator Experience Requirements

Hospice coordinators are typically required to have a background in nursing, social work, or a related healthcare field, as well as several years of experience in hospice or palliative care.

Entry-level Hospice Coordinators may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through a nursing job or social work position with exposure to end-of-life care.

They can also gain relevant experience through internships or volunteering in healthcare settings.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of hospice care, including pain management, end-of-life care planning, and communication with families and medical staff.

They usually possess strong coordination and organization skills essential for managing the interdisciplinary care team.

Those with over 5 years of experience, and especially those with managerial experience, are often suitable for senior-level Hospice Coordinator positions.

These professionals typically have a wealth of experience in managing staff, coordinating care, and communicating effectively with patients and their families.

They may also have a background in developing and implementing hospice care programs and policies.

Furthermore, professional certifications related to hospice and palliative care can enhance a Hospice Coordinator’s credentials.

For example, Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) or Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (CHPSW) designations are highly valued.

 

Hospice Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

To become a Hospice Coordinator, one typically requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, social work, healthcare administration, or a related field.

They need to possess a Registered Nurse (RN) license or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.

The exact licensure requirement can vary depending on the specific role and the state in which they plan to work.

Before becoming a Hospice Coordinator, candidates often gain experience in nursing or healthcare administration.

This helps them to develop the necessary interpersonal, administrative, and leadership skills required for the role.

In some cases, a master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field may be beneficial, especially for those aspiring to leadership positions within hospice care.

Continuing education is essential for Hospice Coordinators to stay updated with the latest developments in palliative care.

They may also decide to get certified by a recognized institution such as the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses (NBCHPN).

This certification requires ongoing education and can enhance a Hospice Coordinator’s credibility and job prospects.

Furthermore, knowledge in medical software, pain management, symptom control, and counseling is crucial for this role.

 

Hospice Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Hospice Coordinator earns an average salary of $64,860 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation may vary based on factors such as years of experience, certifications, size of the hospice facility, and the geographical location.

 

Hospice Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Hospice Coordinator need?

A Hospice Coordinator should have strong organizational and communication skills, as they will be coordinating between various healthcare providers, patients, and their families.

They should have a solid understanding of medical terminologies and the ability to multitask.

Compassion and empathy are also key skills, as they will often be working with individuals at the end of their lives and their families.

 

Do Hospice Coordinators need a degree?

While some roles may not require it, a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or a healthcare-related field is often preferred for a Hospice Coordinator role.

However, most importantly, candidates should have relevant experience in a healthcare setting, specifically in hospice or palliative care.

They should also have certain certifications, such as the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification.

 

What should you look for in a Hospice Coordinator resume?

In a Hospice Coordinator’s resume, look for experience in a similar healthcare or hospice setting.

They should have a demonstrated ability to work well with a team and communicate effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers.

Certifications related to hospice and palliative care are also a bonus.

 

What qualities make a good Hospice Coordinator?

A good Hospice Coordinator is compassionate, patient, and has excellent communication skills.

They should have a strong ability to handle stress and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.

They should also be detail-oriented and have strong problem-solving skills to handle the complexities of coordinating care for multiple patients at once.

 

How challenging is the role of a Hospice Coordinator?

The role of a Hospice Coordinator can be challenging, as it involves managing the care of individuals at the end of their lives.

This requires a high level of emotional resilience and the ability to navigate complex medical and logistical issues.

However, it can also be a highly rewarding role, providing comfort and support to patients and their families during a difficult time.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an in-depth look at the meaningful work of a hospice coordinator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about coordinating care.

It’s about bringing comfort, dignity, and peace to those at the end of their life’s journey, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive hospice coordinator job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for creating detailed listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every act of care contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s make a difference. Together.

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