Chaplain - Long Term Care

THE ROLE
The chaplain is a full member of the healthcare team who provides for the pastoral needs of patients/residents/clients, families, and staff. The chaplain, through professional training and certification, assists patients/residents/clients to understand more fully life's events as they relate to their spiritual and emotional well-being. From the resident's life experience, the chaplain may offer prayer or reflection.

Reports To: Director of Programs

RESPONSIBILITIES

The chaplain, through her or his daily ministry:

• Carries out the goals of the pastoral care department
•  Facilitates the celebration of the sacraments as appropriate to his or her clerical status
•  Organizes worship services in creative and ecumenical ways
•  Offers religious and spiritual guidance to residents, staff, and FAMILIES
•  Regularly (as determined by goals and objectives) visits with all residents while daily giving
   priority to those in greatest need
• Provides palliative care to residents and families as needed
•  Is available to serve the families of deceased residents as required by follow-up guidance
• Is responsible to plan memorial services within the home as required
•  Participates in committees and resident conferences to enhance the continuity of care
   to residents
•  Establishes positive working relationships with all members of the health team as well as with the volunteers
•  Keeps records as required
•  Offers in-service programs regularly to staff
•  Initiates and maintains communication with area clergy through consultation, notification of a parishioner’s admission and discharge, and educational programming

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 1 year progressive related experience
• A bachelor's degree is required.
• The chaplain has completed a curriculum of theological classes and displays skills and competencies in pastoral care.

• Certification by an appropriate clinical pastoral agency
• One year of pastoral experience
•  Ability to articulate the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Facilities
•  Ability to lead and coordinate prayer
•  Ability to facilitate group process