Job Summary
The Chaplain provides emotional, spiritual, and pastoral support to patients, families, and hospital staff during times of illness, crisis, or transition. As a member of the interdisciplinary care team, the Chaplain facilitates spiritual care services tailored to individual needs and preferences, regardless of faith tradition or belief system.
This role also serves as a resource for employee wellness and supports a culture of compassion and holistic care throughout the organization.
Essential Functions
- Provides spiritual and emotional support to patients and families facing illness, grief, end-of-life care, and crisis situations.
- Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and collaborates with the care team to support the holistic needs of patients.
- Offers crisis intervention and spiritual counseling to patients, visitors, and staff during times of trauma, loss, or significant stress.
- Provides spiritual care in a respectful and inclusive manner, honoring cultural and religious diversity.
- Facilitates rituals, prayer, blessings, or sacraments as requested by patients or families.
- Assists with advance care planning conversations, end-of-life discussions, and bereavement support in collaboration with clinical teams.
- Supports employee well-being through spiritual debriefings, routine staff rounding, and availability for one-on-one conversations.
- Maintains relationships with local faith communities and clergy, coordinating community visits or spiritual services when appropriate.
- Documents spiritual care encounters in the electronic medical record according to policy.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Master of Divinity or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited theological institution required
- Minimum of one (1) year of residency preferred
- 0-1 years of experience providing spiritual care in a healthcare, hospice, or crisis setting required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of spiritual and emotional needs related to illness, trauma, loss, and end-of-life care.
- Ability to provide respectful, compassionate care across diverse faiths, cultures, and belief systems.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with patients, families, staff, and community clergy.
- Crisis intervention and active listening skills.
- Familiarity with electronic documentation and confidentiality standards.
- Understanding of ethical principles related to patient rights, dignity, and spiritual autonomy.
Licenses and Certifications
- BCC - Board Certified Chaplain through a recognized chaplaincy organization (e.g., APC, NACC, NAJC) required
- Completion of at least four (4) units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) preferred