Staff Chaplain
About The Position
Provides pastoral care for the hospital. Assesses and addresses the spiritual/religious needs of patients, families/significant others, and staff members in assigned areas. Attends interdisciplinary patient care rounds and responds to referrals and codes. Provides direct care and counseling particularly to those in crisis. Facilitates the ministry of community clergy to their in-hospital members. Collaborates with other disciplines and participates in appropriate interdisciplinary teams and committees including Cancer/Hospice IDT; Critical Incident Stress Management Team, YNH Emergency Preparedness Committees as assigned. Educates and supports patients, family, staff and community in matters related to spirituality and health. Participates in worship opportunities (holidays, memorials, special occasions, etc.). Completes documentation within GH guidelines and JCAHO requirements.
Requirements
- College and seminary (Master of Divinity) or equivalent degrees.
- No minimum requirement beyond Clinical Pastoral Education requirements
- Ordained or endorsed by a recognized religious tradition.
- Certified by the National Association of Professional Chaplains, National Association of Catholic Chaplains or National Association of Jewish Chaplains; or obtainable within three years.
- Relates competently to all age groups in a variety of demographic settings with diverse religious, cultural and racial backgrounds.
- Has a functional knowledge of pastoral role in institutional setting and of principles/practices of major faith groups.
- Functions effectively with all disciplines interpreting issues regarding spirituality, providing spiritual counsel and care for specific needs especially to those in crisis.
Responsibilities
- Provides pastoral care for patients and families/significant others responding to referrals and codes. Facilitates role of community clergy to their members and provides education/consultation for hospital and community.
- Represents Spiritual Care Services in the wider community and Yale New Haven Health System as assigned.
- Assists in coordinating participation of local clergy and the religious community (as well as appropriate agencies, e.g. Red Cross) in education, certification (as appropriate), and spiritual support services related to the needs of the hospital community.
- Provides spiritual/emotional support, care and counseling to staff on an ongoing and 'per need' basis; promoting employee morale and encouraging excellence in service to patients, loved ones and others.
- Performs administrative and other duties as a participant in the life of the Department of Spiritual Care, representing chaplaincy in relevant hospital and community activities/committees and boards. Serves on various committees and patient care teams as requested, providing accurate documentation of assessment, plans/goals and statistics. Contributes to productivity and efficiency of department.
- Participates in worship opportunities including special occasions (memorials, funerals, weddings, baptisms, etc.) for patients, families and staff.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span, possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, to provide the care needed as described in the unit's/area's/department's policies and procedures.
- Maintains professional affiliation especially with denomination and Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). Furthers professional growth through continuing education. Contributes time and expertise to community and religious organizations.
