Position Summary

The Chaplain reports to the Director of Pastoral Care & Education and assists with issues of faith and spirituality in the healing process; provides crisis intervention; visits with patients, families and staff; makes spiritual assessments and offers pastoral intervention as necessary.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities Includes the Following:

Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors Assesses patient and family spiritual needs and assists families in using their own faith and beliefs in dealing with illness, trauma and stress. Visits newly admitted patients and patients with special requests in assigned area; follows up with patients from previous visits when appropriate. Educates staff regarding value and efficacy of spiritual care as part of the holistic approach to healing. Provides crisis intervention as necessary. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively with all age groups of patients served by the Department of Pastoral Care. Helps and supports family use their own faith system in coping with issues around death and dying. Maintains a positive working relationship between the Department of Pastoral Care & Education and Medical Staff, Nursing Staff and other departments. Provides spiritual and pastoral support in such a way as to accomplish the objectives of both the department and the organization; functions in a manner that reflects the mission, vision and values of White Plains Hospital. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

 Level of knowledge acquired through the completion of a Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Theology, Master of Pastoral Counseling, or similar degree or certificate from an accredited school of theology.

 

Must be certified or eligible for certification by an accredited chaplaincy association. If board certification eligible, must obtain certification within two years of hire. Alternatively, board certification is waived if the chaplain is ordained as clergy for at least 3 years and has worked at least 1000 clinical hours in hospital pastoral care under the supervision of a certified chaplain.

Core Competencies

Strong Communication Skills (verbal and written) & Leadership Ability Basic Computer Skills Empathy & Compassion Maintains a calming presence in stressful situation Analytical ability to assess spiritual needs Problem Solving Skills Ability to work as part of a team Plans and leads ritual, worship services, etc., as appropriate