Chaplain - Full Time
About The Position
Wesley Woods community chaplains provide a unique intersection of church and older adult residential living. The community chaplain acts as a spiritual guide and pastor for the residents of Wesley Woods communities, offering a ministry of presence, prayer, worship, group study, fellowship, and pastoral care in a setting where people are aging and thriving with grace and dignity. In addition to being a pastor in the community, the community chaplain will connect local United Methodist churches (and other churches and faith communities as appropriate) in mission and ministry with residents and staff. The community chaplain will take the initiative to cultivate a culture of mission with older adults that invites local churches into a stewardship and mission relationship with Wesley Woods. Under the supervision of the Director of Pastoral Care and in coordination with residential staff (or Residential Administrator), the community chaplain will be part of a team effort to provide for the ongoing care of older adults who may need additional resources to remain in their homes. This includes a multi-faceted approach that combines excellent and attentive pastoral care in the Wesley Woods community, the stewardship and missional resources of local churches, and the strong work of the Foundation of Wesley Woods. Under the general supervision of the Residential Administrator or designee, the Chaplain implements the mission of Wesley Woods Senior Living by striving to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of residents, families and staff. Through consultation, the Chaplain contributes to the quality of life and spiritual growth of residents in the Wesley Woods retirement communities.
Requirements
- A Master of Divinity or equivalent degree.
- Ordination or endorsement by an acknowledged ecclesiastical body is required.
- Three years of experience in ministry with a demonstrated competence in pastoral care.
- Professional knowledge of medical ethics and ability to counsel and support residents, families, and staff in difficult situations.
- Experience in pastoral ministry with older adults in both church and hospital settings.
- Experience in cultivating, training and coordinating volunteers in a community or church setting.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal relational skills are required for participation in a team environment.
- Current CPR and/or First Aid will be required.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, and writing).
Nice To Haves
- ACPE Clinical Pastoral Education a plus.
- Experience in a retirement community preferred.
Responsibilities
- Carries out the goals of the pastoral care for Wesley Woods Senior Living
- Facilitates and provides pastoral and spiritual care and counseling for residents, families, and staff
- Participates in multi-disciplinary leadership team meetings and resident care plan meetings to enhance the continuity of care
- Plans and leads worship services in creative and ecumenical ways
- Regularly (as determined by goals and objectives) visits with residents/families in the community and in the hospital/rehab/hospice while daily giving priority to those in greatest need
- Supports residents and families at end of life, leads funerals/memorial services, and is available to support the families of deceased residents
- May provide consultation on ethical issues
- May provide individual and group counseling sessions and crisis intervention
- Co-leads monthly Caregiver Support Group for persons caring for someone with dementia
- Coordinates weekly spiritual life programs/activities by leading worship/programs and utilizing volunteers
- May teach or lecture by invitation; prepares and conducts workshops and discussion groups on topics related to pastoral care, spirituality, and aging
- Establishes positive working relationships with all members of the care team as well as with volunteers
- Keeps records as required
- Offers in-service programs to staff (as appropriate)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
