Associate Chaplain

Henry-Ford-Health-2; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Henry Ford Health in Detroit seeks an Associate Chaplain to provide compassionate spiritual care to patients and families while collaborating with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

The role includes conducting patient visits, addressing spiritual and emotional concerns, and supporting care during crises in the Emergency Department and critical care units. Education includes CPE and a theology-related degree, with ministry experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Clear, compassionate communication with patients and families.
• Ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Experience providing spiritual care during crisis moments.
• Ability to document assessments and interventions for patient records.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate spiritual care to patients and families.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to support holistic care.
• Respond with presence during codes and crisis situations in ED and critical care.
• Document spiritual care assessments and interventions in medical records.
• Honor diverse faith traditions and facilitate religious rituals as requested.
• Participate in weekend and on-call duties to ensure coverage.

Skills

Compassionate communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Crisis counseling

Documentation of care

Education

Bachelor's degree in theology or pastoral ministry

One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education

Two years of ministry experience preferred

Job description

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve.

Headquartered in Detroit, Henry Ford Health is helping shape the future of healthcare through the transformative Future of Health: Detroit initiative, a $3 billion investment that is redefining our academic healthcare campus and advancing innovation, research, education, and community impact.

Our work is grounded in purpose, collaboration, and belonging. We empower team members to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're caring for patients, supporting operations, conducting research, or driving new solutions, you'll be part of a team united by a shared mission: delivering exceptional care, advancing health outcomes, and building healthier communities for all.

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Manager of Spiritual Care, the Associate Chaplain provides compassionate spiritual care to patients and families while serving as a vital member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. In this meaningful role, you'll support patients, families, and staff during their most vulnerable moments, making a profound difference in their healing journey. Associate Chaplains conduct patient visits during their designated shifts, bringing presence, comfort, and spiritual support to those in need.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assess and thoughtfully address the spiritual and emotional concerns of patients, families, and healthcare colleagues, providing compassionate support tailored to individual needs.
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to ensure holistic, patient-centered care that honors each person's spiritual journey.
• Respond with compassion and presence to codes and crisis situations in the Emergency Department and critical care units, providing spiritual support during critical moments.
• Document spiritual care assessments and interventions thoroughly to ensure continuity of care and contribute to the patient's comprehensive medical record.
• Honor and facilitate religious rituals and practices as requested by patients and families, respecting diverse faith traditions and beliefs.
• Participate in weekend and on-call duties to ensure continuous spiritual care coverage for our patients and families.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education

Bachelor's degree in theology, Pastoral Ministry or related field.

Two years of relevant ministry experience preferred

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES:

Further Clinical Pastoral Education preferred