Hospital Chaplain/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky HealthCare in Lexington, KY seeks a full-time staff chaplain to provide direct patient care, address spiritual needs, and offer interfaith pastoral support in a large hospital setting.

Responsibilities include conducting worship services, counseling staff, coordinating pastoral care, and ensuring sacraments are available; candidates should have a Master of Divinity or Theology and ACPE training, with board certification or eligibility and endorsement by a religious body.

Qualifications

• Master of Divinity or Master of Theology required.
• Four ACPE units (Clinical Pastoral Education) required.
• Endorsement by a religious body as a chaplain and Board Certification or eligible.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and pastoral support.
• Perform spiritual assessments and address interfaith needs.
• Provide sacraments or arrange provisions; oversee worship services.
• Counsel and educate staff; coordinate pastoral care activities.

Education

Master of Divinity

ACPE 4 units

Religious endorsement

Board Certified or eligible

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

Board Certified or Eligible

Physical Requirements

Requires occasional handling of objects up to 25-50 pounds, standing, walking and sitting for long periods of time.

Shift

Primarily Thursday and Friday 4pm-12am and Saturday and Sunday 8pm-8am, including some days, evenings, nights and holidays.

Job Summary

University of Kentucky HealthCare (UK HealthCare) is currently seeking a full-time staff chaplain. The chaplain will provide direct patient care, make spiritual assessments, prioritize pastoral care needs, provide sacraments or make provisions for such and address interfaith needs. Other responsibilities will include, preparing and providing services of worship, sensitive to the interfaith community; providing counsel, support and educational opportunities for staff. This position will be primarily located in UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Requires general understanding of basic skills (reading, writing, and math). Requires knowledge and skills such as maintaining records and files, general office work and interpersonal skills. Requires knowledge and skills of a professional area within health care typically obtained through experience or a four-year college degree.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Master of Divinity or Master of Theology and a minimum of one year experience in a clinical setting; four units of Clinical Pastoral Education from an ACPE accredited training center; endorsement by a religious body as a chaplain and Board Certified or eligible for certification through the Association of Professional Chaplains ( APC ), National Association of Catholic Chaplains ( NACC ), or National Association of Jewish Chaplains ( NAJC ) required. Master of Divinity preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/17/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

• * Are you a board certified member of The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), or National Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC)?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Eligible
• * How many certified units of ACPE training have you received (include current unit in process)?
  • 0
  • 1 unit
  • 2 unit
  • 3 unit
  • 4 unit
  • More than 4 units
• * Please describe your experience in pastoral care within a healthcare setting.

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter