Catholic Chaplain; Casual

Catholic Chaplain

Amherst College invites applications for the Catholic Chaplain position. The Catholic Chaplain is a part-time, casual, non-benefited position. The expected range for this position is $ per hour.

The Catholic Chaplain serves a vital function in the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) within the division of Student Affairs by supporting our Catholic community, which includes students, staff, faculty, alumni, parents, and families. The Chaplain provides a welcoming ministry to a diverse student population and College community, and takes appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce by participating in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

The role centers student support and advising, while sacramental leadership is provided in collaboration with visiting clergy and local partners. The position primarily requires weekday work hours, participating in some evening and weekend programs at times to be determined based on the Chaplain's and students' availability, as well as the high holidays. Flexibility and availability for select additional evening and weekend programs (e.g. panels, vigils, Baccalaureate) is expected.

This is an in-person and on-campus position. 13 hours/week during the academic year.

Programs:

• Provide Catholic religious, holiday, and cultural programming on campus and make all reasonable efforts to accommodate the religious and spiritual needs of Catholic students, as well as faculty and staff
• Support and attend student-initiated programs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Advocate for and advise on the ongoing development of Catholic resources on campus
• Seek out and share opportunities from local, regional, and national organizations for immersive Catholic experiences.

Advising:

• Advise Catholic student organizations including leadership development and mentoring of student leaders
• Develop strategies for contacting and serving uninvolved/under-involved students
• Provide one-on-one and group spiritual counseling and pastoral care to students navigating faith, doubt, identity, or belonging within a pluralistic campus context; and, when time allows, to faculty and staff by request
• Serve the campus community in times of crisis

Administrative:

• Hold regular office hours
• Attend regularly scheduled Religious & Spiritual Life staff meetings, OICR team meetings, and Student Affairs division meetings.
• Communicate in a timely manner with students and staff, balancing weekly hours between on-campus commitments and responsive attention to communications
• Consult with the Director of Religious and Spiritual Life on matters related to policy, crisis response, and institutional representation
• Stay current with trends in chaplaincy by maintaining membership in the Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education (ACSLHE) or comparable organizations.

Required

• Bachelor's degree
• Trained in the Catholic tradition and able to facilitate Catholic study, prayer, and gatherings
• Organizational and pastoral care skills
• Ability to teach Catholic tenets and provide a welcoming ministry to a diverse student population and the College community
• Previous professional work and/or volunteer experience, preferably in a Catholic organization and/or working with college-age adults
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently, while also appreciating supervision and teamwork
• A commitment to creating an inclusive, vibrant, and pluralistic Catholic community
• Ability to effectively engage students at all levels in Catholic life and to serve as a resource in a pluralistic setting
• Ability to work flexible hours to engage students and attend events
• Strong oral, written, and non-verbal communication skills
• An ability to manage logistics and multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
• Creative problem-solving.
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks

Preferred

• Master's degree in divinity, ministry, or theology or equivalent pastoral experience.
• Experience working in higher education chaplaincy or student affairs settings

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.