Chaplain

Job Description Summary

The Chaplain provides compassionate, person-centered spiritual care to patients, families, and staff across diverse backgrounds and belief systems. Through presence, active listening, and reflective support, the Chaplain assesses and responds to emotional, spiritual, and existential needs in times of illness, loss, and transition. Spiritual care may include supportive visits, facilitation of meaning-making, prayer or ritual when desired, grief and bereavement support, and connection to spiritual or community resources. The Chaplain collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to promote holistic care and contributes to a supportive, healing environment. Grounded in respect, cultural humility, and professional training, the Chaplain offers a steady, compassionate presence to all who seek comfort, understanding, or connection.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide timely, compassionate, and person-centered spiritual care to patients, families, and staff, informed by spiritual assessment, consults, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Offer supportive presence through active listening, reflection, and interventions such as meaning-making, grief support, prayer or ritual (as desired), and facilitation of spiritual or emotional expression.
• Proactively round in assigned care areas to build relationships, identify emerging needs, and support holistic care in partnership with team members.
• Document spiritual care encounters in the electronic health record to ensure continuity, clarity, and confidentiality of care.
• Participate fully in interdisciplinary rounds, committees, and team meetings, contributing a spiritual care perspective to patient care planning.
• Deliver inclusive, culturally responsive, and interfaith spiritual care that honors diverse beliefs, values, and practices, including those who do not identify with a religious tradition.
• Respond with presence and skill in urgent or high-acuity situations (e.g., crises, significant clinical changes, end-of-life), supporting patients, loved ones, and staff.
• Support and educate staff in recognizing and responding to spiritual and emotional needs, particularly in times of stress, loss, or transition.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful team environment through clear communication, professionalism, and shared accountability.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, quality improvement initiatives, and reflective practice to strengthen clinical and spiritual care competencies.
• Demonstrate adaptability and openness in learning and utilizing evolving technologies, systems, and care practices within the organization.
  
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education (Preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Counseling, or a related field
• Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent degree from an accredited institution preferred
• Completion of at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

Experience

• One to three years of experience in chaplaincy, pastoral care, or a related setting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships and provide compassionate support across diverse populations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, families, staff, and community faith leaders
• Commitment to inclusive, culturally humble care that respects all belief systems, including secular perspectives
• Ability to function effectively within an interdisciplinary team and navigate complex clinical environments
• Emotional intelligence, reflective capacity, and comfort working with grief, loss, and ethical or existential concerns