Hospital Chaplain – Spiritual Care & Ethics Support

Advocate Health; Cornelius (NC); Sur place; USD 55 000 - 75 000; Plein temps

Description du poste

Major Responsibilities

Responsible for delivering a person-centered ministry of spiritual care, support, and sacraments for patients, families, physicians, and hospital personnel.

• Provides spiritual care services, consultation and support to patients, families, physicians, and hospital personnel as assigned and in accordance with department policies.
• Facilitates sacramental ministries such as Holy Communion, Baptism, Confession and Absolution, Sacrament of the Sick and such rites.
• Responds to Codes Yellow, Codes Blue, deaths and other emergencies or crises.
• Provides spiritual care and support to hospital personnel experiencing the death of a patient or a critical incident in relation to patient, family or staff.
• May assist families with their needs in relation to the patient's health care needs so they are enabled to provide supportive care to the patient; assist family members in understanding procedures surrounding a death and in contacting family or significant persons.
• Promotes patient safety by reporting of issues through established channels and participating in safety initiatives.

Assisting patients and families communicate wishes of care through Advance Directives. Identification of complex issues related to medical ethics through identification and clarification of ethical dilemmas.

• Responds to requests and referrals for information and assistance with health care Advance Directives, such as Power of Attorney for Health Care.
• Assists patients and families in completing Advance Directives and documenting them in the medical record.
• Identifies complex issues related to medical ethics and refers to Senior Staff Chaplain or Medical Ethicist for assistance in follow up and resolution.
• Collaborates with Senior Staff Chaplains in participating in patient advance care planning, patient family goals of care meetings, interdisciplinary team activities and development, staff and patient directed support groups.

Participation in the life and work of the Mission and Spiritual Care department to assure integrated efficient services.

• Participates in providing overall site coverage.
• Works shifts as needed to provide 24 hour per day coverage, including weekends and holidays.
• Conducts chapel services and memorial services as scheduled.
• Serves on department, site, or system committees as needed.
• Submits required reports by the dates required.

Support of the Advocate Mission, Values and Philosophy in areas of clinical responsibilities.

• Interprets the Advocate Mission, Values, and Philosophy in primary areas of assignment/specialization and assist managers in development of goals and objectives to enhance implementation.
• Supports the hospital ministry of community clergy with referrals, information, education, counseling, and consultation.
• Participates, where feasible, in community clergy associations.
• Serves, when possible, as guest speaker at area houses of worship.
• Serves as resource to clergy, houses of worship, and community groups to enhance hospital community liaisons.

Maintain good standing and ecclesiastical endorsement through active participation in the life and work of the faith community.

Education/Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from an accredited college or university.
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent master's degree program required.
  • If using an equivalent degree, a letter from a recognized certifying agency is required confirming that theological education standards for certification have been met:
    • Association of Professional Chaplains (APC)
    • National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC)
    • Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE)
    • Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC)
• Four (4) successfully completed units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
• Ecclesiastical endorsement from the candidate's religious faith community.
• Member in good standing with their sponsoring faith community.
• One (1) to three (3) years of clinical chaplaincy experience.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate 24 hour on-call coverage including evening and night shifts.

Ability to work designated shifts, weekends, and holidays.

May be exposed to hazardous materials and life‑threatening diseases.

May be in contact with aggressive or agitated patients.

Knowledge of techniques to manage patients is a must.

May be involved in restraining patients.

Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment.

If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.