Pastoral Counselor

Pastoral Counselor

Under the supervision of the Director of Student Affairs and Enrollment at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) in Berkeley, CA, the position's primary responsibility will be to carry out the mission and vision of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary by providing spiritual care to students. The position performs spiritual assessments, provides spiritual/pastoral support and makes referrals to meet the needs of the student.

Provide spiritual care for students, through spiritual direction or pastoral care for 5 – 10 hours per week. Make time to be a regular presence during online worship services and in-person campus events – Life and Learning Together Week (orientation), intensive classes (Fall and January), TEEMWeeks (three times per year), and Commencement. Lead at least one Spiritual Care Group, meeting every other week via Zoom, for first year students.

Communicate with students in virtual platforms throughout the semester to invite spiritual wellness. Respond to student crises as needed and directed. Be present at student meetings or committee meetings when asked by students, staff, or faculty. Be able to lead check-in groups after significant events. Meet monthly with the Spiritual Care Team to listen and check-in with one another, share any common threads that are coming up in student life on campus, and consider how the Team senses God's movement on campus.

Refer students to additional help– from the PLTS administration, therapists (including Cal Lutheran counseling resources), recovery groups, etc. – when needed, and walk with them through that process. Be available for consultation and input on spiritual formation practices on campus, including input on spirituality days and regular spiritual rhythms on campus. Perform other duties as assigned.

Principles and practices of providing pastoral care and spiritual direction, especially online. Seminary policies, procedures, mission, and vision. Departmental operations, procedures, specific rules and precedents. Dynamics of student life and issues in a seminary setting. Excellent customer service protocol. Principles of group facilitation and coordination. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Microsoft Office software, Google Suite, and Zoom.

Provide spiritual care/direction in an online format. Provide care that is trauma-informed and sensitive to diverse life experiences. Determine appropriate action within defined guidelines. Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to effective team work. Integrate therapeutic framework into Christian theology. Provide spiritual assistance and guidance to others. Cope with conflicting perspectives. Interact effectively with individuals of different backgrounds. Serve and care for others.

Any combination equivalent to:
Master's degree in Divinity and six months of experience providing pastoral care in a parish, Christian college, practical ministry, seminary, or other related experience.

Certified in Spiritual Direction. Experience in providing pastoral care or spiritual direction in higher education.

None

Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; communicate to exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by email; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files. Primarily online with periodic in-person expectations.

$35-$40