Chaplain

Country Meadows Retirement Communities•Upper Macungie Township, PA

4d•$24 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

At Country Meadows, we believe spiritual well-being is an important part of caring for the whole person. Every resident brings a lifetime of experiences, relationships, traditions and stories, and our Chaplains have the privilege of getting to know them and becoming a meaningful part of their lives. As a Chaplain, you’ll provide a compassionate ministry of presence – building relationships with residents, families and coworkers and offering spiritual guidance, attentive listening and support through life’s meaningful moments, changes and transitions. Your ministry will be woven into everyday life on our campus – from personal visits and meaningful conversations to worship, spiritual life groups, celebrations and supportive community connections. You’ll collaborate with our campus teams to help integrate spirituality into daily living and promote overall well-being. By taking the time to listen, connect and simply be present, you’ll help affirm life through meaningful relationships and foster the meaning, purpose and connection that contribute to each resident’s spiritual well-being.

Requirements

Degree in ministry or a related field from an accredited institution, preferably a Master of Divinity (M.Div.); or a bachelor’s degree with additional specialized ministry training.
Recognition, certification or endorsement from a recognized religious body.
Ordained, licensed or endorsed for ministry within a recognized faith tradition and able to perform pastoral duties.
Genuine 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 the spiritual needs of residents from a variety of backgrounds.
Compassion for and commitment to working with older adults, including individuals living with dementia or memory impairment.
Dependable, flexible and able to remain emotionally, intellectually and spiritually present across all levels of care.
Comfortable using technology for communication and administrative responsibilities.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for off-campus responsibilities.
Must be authorized to lead worship and administer communion services through an established relationship with a church or other recognized religious organization that grants such authorization.

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 compassionate pastoral care, spiritual guidance and individualized support to residents, families and coworkers through regular 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.
Serve as the campus spiritual leader by leading 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 as appropriate.
Develop and lead meaningful 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 times of 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.