Chaplain

Bluestem Communities Management•McPherson, KS

About The Position

The Cedars is seeking a full-time Chaplain to provide compassionate spiritual care and emotional support to residents, families, and staff in alignment with Bluestem Communities’ Christian mission and values. The Chaplain fosters an inclusive, respectful environment for people of all faith backgrounds and supports holistic well-being through spiritual leadership, counseling, advocacy, worship, grief support, and opportunities for spiritual growth throughout aging and life transitions. The role includes resident visitation and pastoral care in healthcare, assisted living, and independent living settings; worship services and spiritual programming; bereavement support; collaboration with families, staff, local clergy, and community faith organizations; and administrative responsibilities. The Chaplain maintains 24/7 on-call availability for spiritual care needs, crises, and end-of-life situations as required.

Requirements

Seminary degree or another graduate degree in the field of caring ministry.
Ministerial credentials in good standing within a recognized ecclesiastical body.
At least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education or three years of pastoral ministry.
Ability to listen well and be an active listener.
Ability to offer a calm presence in complex situations.
Understanding or working knowledge of Anabaptism and/or familiarity with Mennonite and Church of the Brethren history, values, and theology.
Agreement with Bluestem Communities’ mission and core values.
Experience and ability to plan worship services in a Christian context and facilitate access and support for residents of other faith traditions.
Ability to demonstrate initiative and leadership.

Responsibilities

Build relationships with residents through regular visitation and compassionate presence.
Provide spiritual and emotional support to residents in healthcare, assisted living, and independent living settings.
Offer pastoral care during illness, grief, crisis, transitions, and end-of-life situations.
Support people of diverse faith traditions and spiritual backgrounds respectfully.
Support residents and families during difficult conversations and care transitions.
Maintain 24/7 on-call availability for resident spiritual care needs, crises, and end-of-life situations as required.
Plan, coordinate, and lead regular worship services and special faith-based events.
Facilitate Bible studies, prayer groups, devotional gatherings, and spiritual enrichment opportunities.
Coordinate religious holiday services and community remembrance events.
Recruit, schedule, and support volunteers for worship, music, and visitation ministries.
Encourage resident participation in spiritual life programming.
Provide grief support and pastoral counseling to residents, families, and staff.
Lead or coordinate funeral, memorial, and remembrance services as requested.
Facilitate bereavement and caregiver support groups as needed.
Maintain a calm, compassionate presence during emotionally challenging situations.
Connect residents, families, staff, local pastors, and community faith organizations.
Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and resident advocacy efforts.
Collaborate with other Bluestem chaplains and leadership teams to support organizational goals.
Participate in committees, including ethics and dementia care initiatives.
Build relationships with community churches and faith leaders.
Maintain accurate records and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Attend leadership meetings and contribute to departmental planning and decision-making.
Complete required training and maintain professional development.
Follow organizational policies, safety procedures, and ethical standards.
Perform additional duties assigned by leadership.