Chaplain
Department: M&G
Job Status: Full Time – 40hrs/week
Reports To: President & CEO
Position Supervises : Spirituality volunteers, mentors ministers
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, flexibility with day and evening hours necessary. Primarily in person position.
POSITION SUMMARY
Volunteers of America, Dakotas is called by the Gospel to guide people to live healthy and fulfilling lives. This role is responsible for maintaining Volunteers of America Dakotas as a ministry and keeping the organization and programs Gospel-inspired. The chaplain will provide spiritual care for staff and participants through prayer, guidance, small groups, and mentorship.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENT(S)

We are looking for someone who develops connections and authentic relationships with people of varying backgrounds. Our programs serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses, or addiction; those experiencing homelessness; and individuals who have criminal justice involvement. The person in this position needs to be approachable, relatable, and non-judgmental with a commitment to the Volunteers of America, Dakotas Kingdom Calling:

Reaching out to help those whom we are called to serve achieve their full potential, Volunteers of America, Dakotas demonstrates God’s love by:

Guiding people with behavioral health needs

Uplifting children, youth, and families

Supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Strengthening those struggling with homelessness

This role will support the culture of Volunteers of America, Dakotas through mentorship with staff and participants.

Spirituality Support

1. Mentor/pray for employees and participants in programs.
2. Organize Holiday Worship Service events.
3. Organize and lead Bible Studies for participants of Volunteers of America, Dakotas programs including:
   1. Veterans
   2. Behavioral Health programs including New Start, CJI and Heisler Outpatient
   3. CHOICES program
   4. Axis 180
4. Visitation to staff and participants after/during illness or life crisis.
5. Hold open office hours for staff to debrief stressful events or life crises.

Staff Ministry Development

1. Assist the Lead Minister of Volunteers of America, Dakotas, and mentor new minister candidates each year and supporting the application process.
2. Supervise, support, and guide ministers and any ministry volunteers consistent with agency expectations, policies, and procedures.
3. Offer monthly staff Bible study or book group to promote spiritual growth.

Administrative

1. Monitor and answer emails, phone calls, and our spiritual prayer crisis line.
2. Create a weekly reflection to be shared with all staff.
3. Share reflections at meetings as requested.
4. Collaborate with National Office Ministry staff and serve as liaison for Dakota’s affiliate.
5. Maintain accurate records of ministers, constituent members, etc and submit annually to the National Office.
6. Submit Ministry Plan annually to National Office after approval from Lead Minister.
7. Build relationships and network with area churches and ministries.

Responsible for other duties as assigned due to the expansion or modification of agency services or operations. This role will start with an exclusive focus on internal ministry and may include 25% outreach focus in the future in areas aligned with Volunteers of America, Dakotas Kingdom Calling as additional ministers and any ministry volunteers are developed for ministry support.

POSITIONS QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in ministry or theology. Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum five years’ experience in an administration/management position and supervision or five years’ experience in human service or pastoral role.

Skills: Possess strong organizational and presentation skills, ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with staff, volunteers, community groups, churches, pastors, and the public. Requires consistent exercise of discretion and judgment in the performance of duties. Requires strong professional boundaries and ethics.

Certifications & Licenses: Licensed or Commissioned as Minister, ability to become ordained.

Other Requirements: Must be able to work flexible hours, possess reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Ability to Stand, Walk, sit, manually manipulate, reach outward and above shoulders, speak, climb, crawl, squat, kneel, and bend on a daily basis
2. Capability to Lift, carry, push or pull up to 10 lbs on an occasional basis.

Volunteers of America, Dakotas promotes to employ and advance in employment individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, and to treat qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of their physical or mental disability.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor