The following is a sample job description to help better understand the role of a Chaplain…
Position Summary
The Staff Chaplain provides pastoral/spiritual care for patients/residents, their loved ones, and the healthcare staff. The chaplain will have responsibility to ensure that religious and spiritual needs of patients/residents and their loved ones are met in areas to which they are assigned. The Staff Chaplain will report to __________.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
The Staff Chaplain functions as an integral member of the healthcare team with the following essential job accountabilities.
- Participates in delivering and arranging for appropriate pastoral/spiritual care to patients/residents, their loved ones and healthcare staff in specific areas of the institution or to particular faith groups as assigned.
- Actively participates in the delivery of pastoral/spiritual care.
b. Responds to requests for pastoral/spiritual care in a timely manner.
c. Participates in the offering of worship opportunities.
d. Participates in the meeting of ritual and sacramental needs. - Supports an interdisciplinary approach to pastoral/spiritual care.
- Participates in team meetings and rounds.
b. Serves on institutional committees as appointed.
c. Promotes an interdisciplinary approach to pastoral/spiritual care among all chaplains. - Participates in maintenance of proper administrative procedures for the Department in accordance with institutional policy.
- Assists in the coordination of clergy and pastoral visitors from the religious community.
b. Keeps records of pastoral/spiritual activities to communicate with other members of the Department and administration.
c. Participates in the department’s plan for continuous quality improvement. - Contributes to the wider community through publication, teaching and research.
- Authors and co-authors materials relevant to spiritual care and pastoral education.
b. Participates in teaching on a regular or periodic basis as invited.
c. Participates in research relevant to the field. - Participates in programs and administrative activities of the institution.
- Participates in monthly staff meetings.
b. Participates in regular professional development activities and supervision.
Qualifications:
Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) and in good standing with a professional chaplaincy organization.
Working Conditions:
- Some direct contact with patients/residents with communicable disease using acceptable universal precautions.
- Substantial times spent with patients, their loved ones, staff and students, which requires a high degree of spiritual sensitivity, emotional energy and mental alertness.
- Must have mobility through the healthcare institution’s facilities, which are handicapped accessible.
- Must have ability to handle stress associated with ministering to patients/residents and their loved ones who experience pain, suffering, death and grief.
