Chaplain

Shift/Status: Part-time, Days

Coordinates the provision of spiritual care throughout the hospital for patients, families and staff. Develops, implements and evaluates the spiritual plan of care through a spiritual assessment. Educates staff in the provision of spiritual care. Coordinates and collaborates with multi-disciplinary team members to facilitate comprehensive and integrated holistic care of patients and families (to include clinical ethics). Documents patient care concerns and interventions. Contributes to hospital committees. Offers expertise in cultural/faith diversity, advance care planning, major life transitions, end of life medical decision-making, and grief processes. Works in a multi-staff and culturally diverse setting.

Provides spiritual support and/or counsel to patients and their family members. Work with staff, clergy and community groups to enhance their sensitivity to the spiritual concerns of patients/families experiencing terminal illness and loss.

Performs liturgical assignments to include annual memorial services, conduct or make arrangements for funeral or memorial services when requested. Develop and maintain a resource group of clergies to whom specific aspects of spiritual care may be delegated. Provide educational programs for community clergy, religious and lay representatives as resources allow. Complete Bereavement assessments according to procedural guidelines and manage the bereavement services program utilizing professional staff and volunteers as appropriate to the service or events. Plans, implements and supervises bereavement group events and oversees the volunteer component of the bereavement services. Conduct the bereavement section of the interdisciplinary team conference. Develop and implement new bereavement programs, services, educational programs and materials for patients/families, staff and the community on loss, grief and coping with bereavement. Ensures the bereavement care plan includes the supportive services to help meet patient/family needs in bereavement according to regulatory requirements. Provides in-service education and other education opportunities for staff on assigned clinical units and other areas as needed and required. Supports holistic healing for patients by providing appropriate information/assistance to local faith community leaders to facilitate their timely access to meet patient requests.

Plans care based on the assessment, evaluates patient progress, and revises care to attain expected outcomes. Assesses patient/family learning needs, plans and provides education and evaluates the effectiveness of teaching in achieving desired outcomes. Develops assessments that consistently reflect physical, psychological, socio-cultural, spiritual and cognitive needs as well as functional abilities. Identifies and responds appropriately to ethical issues in patient care; provides care in a non-judgmental manner that respects patient diversity and acknowledges patient rights. Responds to the bereavement needs of patients, families, physicians, and staff and provides appropriate bereavement assessment, services, and referral as needed. Responds to crises in a timely and provides appropriate crisis intervention assessment, services, and referral as needed. Conducts regular rounds on assigned clinical areas to connect with staff and assess patient, family and staff needs. Conducts religious or spiritual rites and services as needed/requested or refers to requested faith tradition to provide faith specific support.

Engages in regular interdisciplinary review of ethics consultations via the hospital ethics committee review process. Documents ethics consultations and interventions according to guidelines of the Sentara Center for Healthcare Ethics. Achieves certification as Ethics Consultant according to requirements set by Sentara Center for Healthcare Ethics; Supports Palliative Care team in the provision of focused goals of care discussions and family meetings. Conducts new employee orientation regarding services of the Chaplaincy Services Department as needed. Provides in-service education and other education opportunities for staff on assigned clinical units and other areas as needed and required.; Provides education for community clergy and community congregations as needed and required. Participates in department educational offerings for associate chaplains and CPE students. Actively participates as member of the ethics consultation services of the Clinical Ethics Committee as assigned. Provides CISM interventions as needed or requested for staff.

Certification by national healthcare chaplain certifying organization, preferably the following:

• APC (Association of Professional Chaplains) or

• CPSP (College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy) or,

• Neshama AJC (Association of Jewish Chaplains) or

• NACC (National Association of Catholic Chaplains) or

• SCA (Spiritual Care Association) Certification within 3 years of employment or

• If not a preferred organization, candidate/employee must show that organization is aligned with Common Qualifications and Competencies for Professional Chaplains.

Bachelor's Degree in one of the following, Divinity, Theology or seminary or equivalent course of study particular to faith. Ordination not required.

Education

• Bachelor's Level Degree (Required)

• Bachelor's Degree in one of the following: Divinity, Theology or seminary or equivalent course of study particular to faith. (Required)

• Ordination not required.

• Master's Level Degree in Divinity or Master's or Doctoral level degree in theology or related disciplines from an accredited college, university, or seminary or equivalent course of study particular to the candidate's faith tradition (Preferred)

• Successful completion of four (4) units of Clinical Pastoral Education.

• Endorsement and/or letter of support affirming candidates suitability for hospital chaplaincy from appropriate leadership within candidates spiritual tradition.

Certification/Licensure

Certification by national healthcare chaplain certifying organization, preferably the following:

• APC (Association of Professional Chaplains) or

• CPSP (College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy) or,

• Neshama AJC (Association of Jewish Chaplains) or

• NACC (National Association of Catholic Chaplains) or

• SCA (Spiritual Care Association) Certification within 3 years of employment or

• If not a preferred organization, candidate/employee must show that organization is aligned with Common Qualifications and Competencies for Professional Chaplains.

Experience

• 2 years of experience (Required)

Keywords: Chaplain, Chaplaincy, Patient Advocacy, Divinity, Spiritual Care, Pastor, Minister, Support.