Staff Chaplain

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Is a member of the health care team who provides for the pastoral needs of patients, residents, families and staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1.  Bachelor’s Degree is required.  Courses in psychology and sociology desired; knowledge of counseling techniques, professional knowledge of theology and medical moral issues required.

2.  Minimum of two units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).

3.  Certification by National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) desired or ordination by a recognized religious body and endorsed by the proper ecclesiastical authority. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1.  Master of divinity degree from an accredited theological seminary or equivalent training desirable.

EXPERIENCE:

1.   Previous experience in parish or pastoral ministry in a hospital desired.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be construed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

1.  Assists patients, residents, families and staff to understand more fully life’s events as they relate to their spiritual and emotional well being.

2.  Offers prayers, support, reflection, spiritual counseling and guidance to patients, residents, families and staff of all different age levels.

3.   Assists patients and families in accepting death when recovery is not possible.

4.  Responds promptly to referrals from physicians and nursing staff; provides initial and follow-up visits accordingly.

5.  Sets appropriate priorities in ministering to patients, giving particular care to those in special needs and crisis situations.

6.   Fosters an ecumenical approach to hospital ministry by providing for specific needs of individual faith.

Ø  Keeps daily records of encounters with patients, families and staff.

7.   Exemplifies the caring mission of St. Joseph’s Hospital through compassion, hospitality, respect, trust and fairness to all.

8.   Ensures that the philosophy, mission and values of WVU Medicine are understood by those we work with and are integrated into our health care ministry.

9.   Participation in community projects for hospital and community well-being expected.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1.  Requires good physical and mental health.

2.  Requires considerable standing and walking.

3.  Requires good verbal and listening skills to counsel and advise patients, families and staff.

4.  Subject to normal stress as it demands the interaction with, concern and respect for an individual’s specific need and responsibilities.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Majority of work takes place in patient rooms, waiting rooms and the Emergency Room.

2.  There may be exposure to communicable diseases while attending to seriously or terminally ill patients.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1.  Knowledge of spiritual, physical, psychological and social needs of patients required.

2.  Knowledge of the relationships between spiritual and medical care required.

3.  Familiarity with hospital philosophy, mission, policies and functions of various services mandatory.

4.  Must have excellent interpersonal and telephone communication ski