Resident Chaplain

Baptist Health • Birmingham, AL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chaplain Resident is a full-time participant in an accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, providing spiritual care to patients, families, and team members while engaging in structured clinical training, theological reflection, and professional formation. Under the supervision of an ACPE Certified Educator, the Resident integrates theory and practice through direct patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and reflective learning in a hospital setting. This role supports the organization’s mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ through holistic, patient-centered care.

Requirements

• Meets eligibility requirements for admission to an ACPE-accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program
• Completion of ACPE application process and interview
• Ability to function effectively in a clinical, high-stress healthcare environment
• 0 – 2 years’ experience.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of at least one unit of ACPE CPE
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution with theological coursework
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological degree
• Demonstrated commitment to pastoral ministry and spiritual care
• Ordination, commissioning, or endorsement by a recognized faith group

Responsibilities

• Participates in a structured Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) residency program designed to develop competence in clinical spiritual care, pastoral identity formation, and professional chaplaincy
• Provides compassionate spiritual care to patients, families, and team members across assigned clinical areas
• Conducts spiritual assessments and develops appropriate care plans reflecting spiritual, emotional, cultural, and religious needs
• Documents spiritual care encounters in the electronic medical record in a timely and professional manner
• Responds to routine referrals, crisis situations, trauma alerts, and end-of-life care needs
• Participates in on-call rotation, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency response
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members, including physicians, nurses, and allied professionals
• Participates in patient rounds, care conferences, and ethics discussions as appropriate
• Consults with staff on spiritual, ethical, and emotional concerns
• Provides emergency and after-hours spiritual care support
• Assists with chapel services, devotions, memorials, and hospital-wide events as assigned
• Demonstrates respect for diverse spiritual, cultural, and religious perspectives while aligning care with the hospital’s faith-based mission
• Maintains reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with Baptist Health policies, the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Maintains compliance with all Baptist Health policies and procedures.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
• Participates fully in ACPE-accredited CPE curriculum and educational activities
• Completes verbatims, case studies, and clinical reflections
• Integrates theology, behavioral sciences, and clinical practice in care delivery
• Develops a personal philosophy of ministry and pastoral identity
• Completes a specialty project or research paper during the residency year
• Participates in weekly individual and group supervision with an ACPE Certified Educator
• Receives and incorporates feedback to improve pastoral effectiveness and self-awareness
• Completes self-evaluations and unit evaluations in alignment with ACPE standards
• Demonstrates growth in interpersonal, intrapersonal, and pastoral competencies
• Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Adheres to ACPE Standards and Code of Professional Ethics
• Demonstrates cultural humility and respect for diversity
• Engages in appropriate self-care practices

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan w/matching
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (up to 5 weeks to start)
• Life Insurance
• Extended Leave Plan (ELP)
• Family Care (childcare, elder care, pet care)
• Educational Benefits including tuition reimbursement & monthly payments to help pay down any graduated school debt

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level