Chaplain - Wentworth Douglass Hospital

Job Overview

FULL TIME - GREAT BENEFITS! The Spiritual Care Coordinator / Chaplain is a professional position responsible for the provision of spiritual care services to all WDH patients, families, and caregivers, acknowledging and respecting their beliefs, culture, and values. Our mission is to provide the best care for every person. We strive to give customized holistic care to individuals with chronic diseases and conditions as well as those who need short‑term care.

The Spiritual Care Coordinator / Chaplain will use theological and clinical training to help patients and families utilize beliefs and practices as coping resources. Chaplaincy care is grounded in initiating, developing, and deepening, and bringing to an appropriate close a mutual empathetic relationship with patient, family, and/or staff. After assessing the patient’s spiritual practices and values, the chaplain can help communicate these values to the patient’s interdisciplinary health care team.

The chaplain will work as a team member in accordance with the Hospital, Chaplaincy, and Palliative Care Missions and Vision statements.

• One year of related work experience required.
• Experience with computer systems required, including web‑based applications and some Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Access).
• Excellent communication and human‑relation skills.
• Self‑directed, flexible, and cooperative in fulfilling role obligations and ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

• Two years or more of hospital chaplaincy.
• Experience working with patients/families dealing with life‑threatening illness and death.
• Experience with database software or electronic medical record software.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited CHEA.
• Certification: 4 or more CPE units in a master’s degree in theology, philosophy, or psychology.
• Additional units of CPE.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Graduate diploma in a related field preferred.

• Commission to function in a ministerial capacity by a recognized faith group for ministry in a specialized setting.
• Board certification (APC, NACC, NAJC) preferred.

Demonstrates competency to act as a liaison between the hospital and community clergy, lay ministers, and congregations. Utilizes appropriate spiritual/religious community resources and serves as a liaison between WDH and community clergy directly involved with the patient/family. Assists in assessing the spiritual needs of patients and families and in providing spiritual care. Performs both independent visits with families and joint visits with clinicians when possible and beneficial.

Provides chaplaincy services to all patients and families to optimize quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering throughout the continuum of care. Participates in family meetings as needed. Documents care promptly in the patient’s medical record. Presents clinical/pastoral work in formal and informal settings. Develops and administers spiritual assessments, interventions, outcomes, and care plans to support the well‑being of the person receiving care.

Provides spiritual counseling and crisis intervention to meet psycho‑spiritual, religious, and existential needs of patients/families in collaboration with the IDT. Maintains a spiritual presence within the hospital. Is part of the interdisciplinary team, including palliative care. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams focusing on patients and families. Addresses personal, spiritual, emotional, and psychosocial issues through chaplaincy services. Provides consultation and education to the team on patient‑family management as appropriate.

Participates in supervision at a professional development level and serves as a mentor or training resource to less experienced staff. Supports an environment of idea sharing and feedback. Seeks opportunities and sets goals for own professional development. Learns from mentors. Delivers spiritual care that respects diversity and differences, including culture, gender, sexual orientation, and spiritual/religious practices. Participates in assessing,…