Staff Chaplain

Staff Chaplain - Per Diem Rotation - BWH Spiritual Care Services

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides spiritual support to patients of all ages, families, and hospital staff by initiating pastoral visitation to patients, and through requests and referrals. Provides sacramental care (anointing of the sick, baptisms, funerals, weddings, etc.) as appropriate. Participates in family meetings as appropriate.
2. Enters all appropriate patient contact information into the patient's medical chart and into the BWH computer system.
3. Consults with other health care professionals in order to enhance patient care.
4. Participates in team meetings regarding patient care as is appropriate.
5. Functions as a member of the interfaith Chaplaincy team and maintains a close working relationship with members of the department (employees and volunteers). Has scheduled on-call during nights, weekends, and holidays as needed and is available on short notice for emergencies.
6. Leads interfaith worship when on-call.
7. Participates in continuing education opportunities to enhance skills and keep abreast of developments in spiritual care and health care; maintains membership in national professional Chaplaincy organizations.
8. Helps train students and volunteers for on-call responsibilities and other departmental responsibilities.
9. Performs other duties as required or assigned.
10. Overnight and weekend hours are expected.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Educational:

Graduate degree from an accredited seminary, theological school or pastoral ministry program and/or training and endorsement by a specific faith tradition.

Four units of Clinical Pastoral Education from an accredited ACPE or NACC training program.

Certification:

Certification, or in the process of certification, as a chaplain by a national Chaplaincy organization (APC, NACC, NAJC, CASC) preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Experience:

At least one year's experience in hospital Chaplaincy preferred; preferably in a large teaching hospital

Professional:

Clarity of pastoral identity and role in a nonsectarian institutional setting

Knowledgeable about ministry to the sick and to persons of diverse religious, educational and cultural backgrounds

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to work well as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Ability to relate theology, behavioral sciences, and understanding of persons to help minister to patients/families in their struggles

Good organizational and computer skills

Personal:

Compassion for the sick and their families

Maturity and ability to function under stressful conditions

Resourcefulness and cooperation in relationship with others

Commitment to personal and professional growth