Associate Chaplain

Akron Children's Center•Akron, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Summary: The Associate Chaplain provides compassionate, culturally sensitive, and developmentally appropriate spiritual and emotional support to pediatric patients, their families, and hospital staff. This role supports the Spiritual Care team by responding to spiritual care needs as they arise, offering a calm, supportive presence during times of crisis, grief, or uncertainty. The Associate Chaplain serves individuals and families of all faith traditions and belief systems, fostering a healing environment consistent with the hospital's mission and values.

Requirements

Minimum of one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) accredited by ACPE or equivalent organization.
Must obtain a total of four (4) units of ACPE-accredited CPE or equivalent within two years of hire.
Endorsement or credentials from a recognized faith tradition (ordination, commissioning, or authorization to serve).
Demonstrated ability to provide spiritual support to people of diverse cultures, faith traditions, and worldviews.
Strong interpersonal, listening, and crisis intervention skills.
Bachelor's degree in theology, religious studies, pastoral care, or a related field required.
At least one unit of CPE completed prior to hire.
Commitment to completing four total units of CPE within two years.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in pediatric, hospital, hospice, or healthcare chaplaincy preferred.
Experience in pediatric or hospital chaplaincy preferred.
Strong communication and teamwork skills across all organizational levels.
Proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Epic or similar EMR systems.
1 year of relevant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and staff during assigned hours, including crisis response, grief support, and end-of-life care.
Respond promptly to spiritual care requests, trauma activations, and code events.
Offer prayers, rituals, or spiritual practices as requested and appropriate, respecting all faiths and belief systems.
Serve as a compassionate presence during times of stress, loss, or decision-making.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team to ensure spiritual care is integrated into holistic, family-centered care.
Maintain professional ethics, confidentiality, and sensitivity to diverse spiritual and cultural perspectives.
Participate in shift handoffs and communication with day staff to ensure continuity of care.
Provide chaplaincy support across all hospital areas, including emergency, intensive care, and inpatient units.
Demonstrate awareness of the physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs of pediatric patients and families.
Other duties as assigned.