Chaplain

Country Meadows Retirement Communities•Upper Macungie Township, PA

4d•$24 - $26

About The Position

At Country Meadows, spiritual well-being is considered an important part of caring for the whole person. The Chaplain provides a compassionate ministry of presence, builds meaningful relationships with residents, families, and coworkers, and offers spiritual guidance, attentive listening, and support through significant moments, changes, and transitions. The role is woven into daily campus life through personal visits, conversations, worship, spiritual life groups, celebrations, and community connections. The Chaplain works with campus teams to integrate spirituality into daily living and promote overall well-being. This is a full-time position with a scheduled 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday. The Chaplain must be available to work at least one Sunday per month and various religious holidays or observances as needed.

Requirements

A degree in ministry or a related field from an accredited institution, preferably a Master of Divinity (M.Div.); alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with additional specialized ministry training.
Recognition, certification, or endorsement from a recognized religious body.
Ordination, licensure, or endorsement for ministry within a recognized faith tradition, with authorization to perform pastoral duties.
Ability to build trusting relationships with residents, families, and coworkers and provide compassionate spiritual care.
Strong communication, attentive listening, preaching, teaching, and pastoral care skills.
Ability to serve individuals respectfully without imposing personal beliefs and to support residents from a variety of backgrounds.
Compassion for and commitment to working with older adults, including individuals living with dementia or memory impairment.
Dependability and flexibility, with the ability to remain emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually present across all levels of care.
Comfort using technology for communication and administrative responsibilities.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for off-campus responsibilities.
Authorization to lead worship and administer communion services through an established relationship with a church or other recognized religious organization.
Availability to work at least one Sunday per month and various religious holidays or observances as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing ministry in an ecumenical or interfaith setting.
Chaplaincy training or experience, such as Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), pastoral counseling, or similar preparation.
Ministry experience in parish, healthcare, or long-term care settings.
Experience working with older adults, including those living with dementia or memory impairment.

Responsibilities

Provide pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and individualized support to residents, families, and coworkers through visitation, attentive listening, and relationship-building.
Support residents and families through significant health changes, life transitions, and end-of-life needs, including bereavement care and hospital visitation when appropriate.
Lead weekly ecumenical worship services, religious holiday and holy day observances, Celebration of Life services, and other spiritual gatherings.
Help residents remain connected to their individual faith practices by coordinating with local clergy, faith communities, and other spiritual resources.
Develop and lead spiritual life programming, including devotions, discussion groups, reflective practices, music and hymn programs, fellowship opportunities, and resident support groups.
Create opportunities for connection and spiritual well-being across all levels of care, including programming that supports residents experiencing aging, health concerns, and adjustment to long-term care.
Advocate for residents’ spiritual, emotional, cultural, and religious needs and contribute spiritual-care insight as part of the interdisciplinary campus team.
Collaborate with Dynamic Living and campus leadership to integrate spirituality into resident programming, daily campus life, and overall well-being.
Provide spiritual and emotional support to coworkers, including during crisis, grief, and workplace stress.
Coordinate spiritual life services and programming, support coworkers and volunteers involved in spiritual care, and participate in campus and organizational meetings and education as needed.