HSE West and North West is seeking a compassionate Pastoral Care Worker for our North West Hospice Specialist Palliative Care Service in Sligo. This permanent opportunity offers meaningful work supporting patients and families during challenging times and the chance to make a profound difference in end-of-life care.
About the Role
As a Pastoral Care Worker, you’ll provide essential spiritual and emotional support within our specialized palliative care team at North West Hospice. You’ll offer pastoral care services to patients, families, and staff while working collaboratively with our multidisciplinary healthcare team. This role reports to the Operational Lead and is integral to our holistic approach to palliative care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide pastoral care and spiritual support to patients, families, and bereaved relatives
- Facilitate religious services and spiritual practices according to individual beliefs and traditions
- Collaborate closely with medical staff, nurses, and social workers in treatment planning
- Conduct pastoral assessments and develop appropriate spiritual care plans
- Support families through the bereavement process with compassionate guidance
- Maintain accurate records of pastoral care interventions and patient interactions
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to multidisciplinary care planning
Essential Qualifications
- Education: Recognized qualification in Theology, Pastoral Care, or related spiritual care field
- Experience: Minimum 2 years in pastoral care, preferably in healthcare or hospice settings
- Certifications: Healthcare Chaplaincy certification or equivalent pastoral care qualification
- Skills: Exceptional interpersonal communication and active listening abilities
- Requirements: Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transport
- Personal Qualities: Deep empathy, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resilience
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced pastoral care certifications or continuing education credentials
- Experience with bereavement counseling and grief support programs
- Knowledge of diverse religious traditions and spiritual practices
- Healthcare experience in palliative or end-of-life care settings
- Additional training in counseling, psychology, or social work
Benefits & Opportunities
- Competitive salary according to HSE Grade 6403 pay scale with annual increments
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package
- Professional development opportunities including specialized palliative care training
- Supportive work environment with experienced multidisciplinary team
- Meaningful work making a direct impact on patient and family wellbeing
- Flexible arrangements with both full-time and part-time positions available
- Career progression opportunities within HSE’s extensive healthcare network
About North West Hospice
North West Hospice provides specialist palliative care services across the region, offering expert medical care, emotional support, and spiritual guidance to patients and families. Our dedicated team creates a compassionate environment where dignity, comfort, and quality of life are prioritized. As part of HSE West and North West, we serve communities across Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Galway.
Apply Now
Ready to join our compassionate care team? This position closes on September 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
Apply directly through our recruitment portal: Submit Your Application Here
Questions about this role? Contact Nuala Ginnelly, Operational Lead, at 071-9143317 or [email protected]
A panel may be formed from this campaign for current and future vacancies across our North West Hospice Specialist Palliative Care Service. Both permanent and specified purpose contracts available.
