Chaplain - Per Diem

Cayuga Health System•Ithaca, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is primarily responsible for providing spiritual care that supports the well-being of medical center patients, loved ones and staff. Core duties include pastoral visitation with patients and staff, support in complex medical decision making process, and connecting individuals to appropriate clergy or other community resources. All chaplains are expected to be collaborative members of the healthcare team who offer a calm presence of respectful support and generous hospitality to all.

Requirements

Theological Degree from an accredited seminary.
Endorsement by appropriate religious community (may include ordination, or endorsement as chaplain).
Maintains "good standing" with religious community, denomination, or clerical body.
Previous hospital chaplaincy experience is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to relate to persons across differences. (religion, race, class, culture, ability, etc.)
Demonstrated ability to provide effective pastoral care and support in times of crisis and decision-making.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able to speak and hear clearly.
Able to sit, walk, or stand for long periods of time (4-8 hours) while accessing a variety of patient care areas.
Position requires repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., typing, use of computer) and may require light lifting and carrying items (occasionally delivering books or other materials to patients).
Capable of providing on-call presence over a 24 hour period at least monthly.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education is strongly preferred, with possible accommodation if candidate agrees to enroll in an approved unit of CPE within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide timely response and support to patients and families in crisis.
Ensure confidential and timely notification of appropriate clergy as directed by patient/loved ones.
Provide or make referral for requested spiritual support for patients who are not affiliated with a specific religious community.
Provide inclusive, interfaith, and non-sectarian spiritual care to patients and families.
Serve as a resource person to patients and loved ones in times of complex medical decision making.
Assist with funeral services or other rites and rituals for patients upon request and as available.
Work with local clergy and faith communities to provide continued of spiritual care upon request.
Positively represent Cayuga Medical Center in the workplace and in our community.
Document visits appropriately in the electronic medical record, and notify incoming chaplain about particular concerns or acute patient-care needs.
Seek to enhance and improve the delivery of chaplaincy services to the community.
Participate in chaplain staff meetings as scheduled, and respond to scheduling needs as they arise.
Serve as a backup for Director of Spiritual Care and Staff Chaplain as available.
Attend annual educational event(s) to enhance knowledge and skill as a spiritual caregiver.
Educate department directors and CMC staff on issues relating to chaplaincy services and spiritual care.
Exhibit flexibility and willingness to assume other appropriate responsibilities not noted above.