Instructor/Assistant Professor - Department of Patient Counseling

Virginia; Stafford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a dedicated faculty member to join the Department of Patient Counseling. This role focuses on developing spiritual care professionals, teaching courses, and providing compassionate care to diverse populations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in healthcare chaplaincy and a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. Join a vibrant community that values innovation, respect, and the holistic development of students in their professional journeys.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in spiritual care, preferably healthcare chaplaincy.
• Experience in trauma-informed care at Level I academic medical center.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in Master of Science and Graduate Certificate programs.
• Provide spiritual care to patients and families, respecting individual dignity.

Skills

Trauma-Informed Care

Spiritual Care

Clinical Mentorship

Educational Technology Adaptation

Cultural Competency

Education

Master of Divinity

Relevant Master's Degree

Job description

About Virginia Commonwealth University

We are the university for Virginia. We know that the unique backgrounds and experiences of the VCU community are what drive the university forward. Together, we’re forging a future that is built by us. Here, artists and engineers, doctors and designers come together to reimagine the human experience and tackle the problems of tomorrow.

VCU dates to 1838 with the formation of the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College, whose mission was to educate physicians in central Virginia and which was later renamed Medical College of Virginia. In 1968, Richmond Professional Institute merged with the Medical College of Virginia to become what is now known as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Located in downtown Richmond, the state capital of Virginia, VCU enrolls more than 28,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate programs across its urban campuses: the downtown Monroe Park and MCV campuses in Richmond; the Rice Rivers Center in Charles City, Virginia; satellite locations in Fairfax, Virginia, and Abingdon, Virginia; and a campus in Doha, Qatar, for the School of the Arts.

Ignited by the energy of the city, we’re ready to lead industries - or disrupt them. We seek out the unexpected, the experimental, the never-been-tried. VCU is designated as a research university with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, garnering more than $500 million in sponsored research from federal and other agencies in FY2024. The National Science Foundation ranked VCU among the top 50 public research universities in the country, and we are one of only 69 public universities nationwide to be designated by the Carnegie Foundation as “Community Engaged” with “Very High Research Activity.”

This research enterprise, and the influence of having one of the nation’s top-ranked public graduate arts schools, ensures students receive unique educational experiences that equip them with a creative mindset that sets them apart.

VCU’s contributions in talent, innovation and entrepreneurialism, regional stewardship and local culture shape the economic impact and overall quality of life in the region. VCU as a whole generates more than $9 billion in economic activity. It is the largest employer in Richmond with more than 26,000 employees at VCU and VCU Health, and it supports approximately 58,000 jobs in Virginia. In addition, Virginia classifies VCU with a Tier III status - the highest possible status for universities and colleges - allowing VCU more flexibility in managing its operations to implement best practices and streamline processes. To learn about VCU’s finances, visit about.finance.vcu.edu.

VCU’s mission drives us to remain dedicated to the success and well-being of our students, patients, faculty, staff and community.

Welcome to VCU. A world unlike any other.

Summary

The Department of Patient Counseling is seeking a 12-month, non-tenure eligible, faculty member at the rank of Instructor/Assistant Professor to develop and equip spiritual care professionals and CPE students to provide evidence-based care to people of different backgrounds and value systems.

The faculty member reports to the Chair of the Patient Counseling Department.

Typical Duties

• Teach courses to students enrolled in the Master of Science and post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate educational programs including students in advanced training seeking Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) certification.
• Clinical preceptor for students enrolled in the Master of Science and post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate educational programs including students in advanced training seeking Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) certification.
• Work holistically with other disciplines and to promote and interpret the place of clinical spiritual care.
• Provide sensitive and competent spiritual care to patients, families, and staff in which the dignity of culture and the experience of each individual is valued.
• Promote a supportive environment of a caring community in which to develop students who are in the professional formation process.
• Promote the advancement of research literacy and evidence-based practice for health care chaplaincy.
• Respond to varying spiritual and cultural needs and practices.
• Educate staff, students, and community toward competency in spiritual care and awareness of spiritual issues in healthcare.
• Participate in professional and interprofessional education.
• Serve on department, college, and/or university committees.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Three or more years of professional experience in the area of spiritual care (healthcare chaplaincy).
• Two years of experience providing trauma-informed care in a Level I academic medical center.
• Master of Divinity degree, seminary degree, or discipline relevant master’s degree.
• Capacity to develop and adapt technology for educational and reporting purposes.
• Demonstrate a capacity to work with and adapt models of education related to educational goals of the institution.
• Board Certified Chaplain through APC, NACC, NAJC, or SCA.
• Two or more years of experience as a clinical mentor.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of professional experience in the area of healthcare chaplaincy (spiritual care).
• Three or more years of experience providing trauma-informed care in a Level I academic medical center.
• Fully Certified Educator (CE) by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
• Earned doctorate, PhD or DMin.
• Demonstrated history of scholarship/research/publication.
• Two or more years of experience as a CPE didactic presenter or evidence of educator/trainer experience in an academic medical center.
• Three or more years of experience leading a trauma service line.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not be used for any part of the application submission or process.

ORP Eligibility: Yes