Staff Chaplain BWH

Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston, Winter Garden (MA, FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare institution seeks a compassionate Staff Chaplain to provide spiritual care and support to patients and families from diverse backgrounds. This role involves assessing spiritual needs, developing care plans, and collaborating with the medical team to ensure holistic patient care. The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree in divinity or a related field, along with Clinical Pastoral Education. Join a dedicated team committed to fostering spiritual well-being and emotional support within a dynamic hospital environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in divinity, theology, or related field required.
• Three or more units of Clinical Pastoral Education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide pastoral care and spiritual support to patients and families.
• Document visits and consult with interdisciplinary teams on spiritual needs.

Skills

Cultural Competence

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Pastoral Identity

Education

Graduate degree in divinity or related field

Clinical Pastoral Education (3-4 units)

Job description

The primary role of the Staff Chaplain is to provide pastoral accompaniment and evidence-based spiritual care to patients and families of any religious tradition. Responsibilities include addressing issues related to diagnosis, treatment, crisis, end of life, and more. The Chaplain assesses patients' spiritual practices and values, integrating these into medical care plans, and supports patients and families through emotional and spiritual challenges during hospitalization. They communicate these needs to the interdisciplinary team and participate in team meetings, family discussions, and goals of care.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Gather and evaluate data on the patient's spiritual health, develop and implement a care plan, and provide encouragement and support during hospitalization. Empower patients to utilize their spiritual resources for healing. Provide consultation to the interdisciplinary team based on the care plan.
2. Document visits in the electronic medical record, including relevant spiritual needs and resources, ensuring confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
3. Consult with team members, identify referral opportunities, educate staff about spiritual care services, and advocate for patients' spiritual and emotional needs. Participate in care and family meetings.
4. Collaborate with the interfaith Spiritual Care team, participate in staff meetings, hospital committees, research discussions, and be available for on-call shifts, emergencies, and holidays.
5. Support staff through spiritual care, participate in hospital events, and seek continuous improvement in service delivery.
6. Train students and volunteers in pastoral care roles as needed.
7. Lead and participate in interfaith worship and hospital-wide faith services.
8. Engage in continuing education, professional development, and research related to pastoral care.
9. Adhere to ethical standards of professional organizations and hospital policies.
10. Provide culturally sensitive, patient-centered care respecting diverse backgrounds.
11. Develop and lead faith-specific and interfaith services as required.
12. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Educational Experience:

• Graduate degree in divinity, theology, religious studies, ministry, counseling, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Three or more units of Clinical Pastoral Education (preferably four units) from an accredited program.

Professional Experience:

• At least two years of hospital or relevant spiritual experience.
• Post-CPE experience in a Level 1 Trauma Center preferred.
• Eligibility for Board Certification within three years of employment and certification in good standing.

For ordained candidates:

• Endorsement from their ecclesiastical body for hospital chaplaincy.

Skills and Abilities:

Professional skills include clear pastoral identity, cultural competence, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to relate theology and sciences, organizational skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Personal qualities include a rooted spiritual life, hope, compassion, wisdom, resourcefulness, cooperation, and alignment with the hospital's mission and values.

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities.