JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Chaplain (Part-Time) Job Code: 610

Status: Exempt Grade: 725

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the O. Wayne Rollins Director of Pastoral Care and in coordination with the Community Administrator, the chaplain will be part of a team effort to provide the ongoing care of older adults who may need additional resources. This would include a multi-faceted approach that combines excellent and attentive pastoral care in the Wesley Woods community, the stewardship and mission resources of local churches, and the support of the Foundation of Wesley Woods.

Wesley Woods community chaplains provide a unique intersection of church and older adult residential living. The community chaplain acts as a spiritual guide and pastor for the residents of Wesley Woods communities, offering a ministry of presence, prayer, worship, group study, fellowship, and pastoral care in a setting where people are aging and thriving with grace and dignity.

In addition to being a pastor in the community, the community chaplain will connect local United Methodist churches (and other churches and faith communities as appropriate) in mission and ministry with residents and staff. The community chaplain will take the initiative to cultivate a culture of the mission with older adults that invites local churches into a stewardship and mission relationship with Wesley Woods.

Key Responsibilities

• Goals - Carry out the goals of pastoral care for Wesley Woods Senior Living.
• Establish – Build positive working relationships with all members of the care team as well as with volunteers.
• Participate – Partake in multi-disciplinary leadership team meetings and resident care plan meetings to enhance the continuity of care.
• Facilitate - Provide pastoral and spiritual care and counseling for residents, families, and staff.
• Coordinate – Organize weekly spiritual life programs/activities by leading worship/programs and utilizing volunteers.
• Visitation - Regularly (as determined by goals and objectives) visit with residents/families in the community and in the hospital/rehab/hospice while daily giving priority to those in greatest need.
• Support – Support residents and families at end of life; lead funerals/memorial services and be available to support the families of deceased residents.
• Counsel - May provide individual and group counseling sessions and crisis intervention for residents and staff.
• Cultivate – Create missional connections with local clergy and churches.
• Record Keeping - Keep records as required.
• Program Management - Offer in-service programs to staff (as appropriate).
• Performs - Additional responsibilities assigned as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master of Divinity or equivalent degree.
• Ordination or endorsement by an acknowledged ecclesiastical body required.
• Three (3) years of experience in ministry with a demonstrated competence in pastoral care.
• ACPE Clinical Pastoral Education a plus.
• Professional knowledge of medical ethics and ability to counsel and support residents, families, and staff in difficult situations.
• Experience in pastoral ministry with older adults in both church and hospital settings.
• Experience in cultivating, training and coordinating volunteers in a community or church setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal relational skills are required for participation in a team environment.
• Experience in a retirement community preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and tasks. Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, and writing).

Working Conditions

Normal office environment in a geriatric retirement facility. May be required to travel for day activities off-site and to visit other communities.

Additional Information

This position will generally work 30 hours per week, including Sunday; however, the position requires a willingness and flexibility in working hours when necessary to fulfill job responsibilities including occasional evening or weekend work. The employee is subject to personnel policies and procedures prescribed for all employees.

Note: Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above, but these items are subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

EEO/AA Statement

Wesley Woods does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran/Reserve/National Guard status.

The above statements are intended to generally describe the work being performed by people in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the personnel so classified. Based on established department or facility standards, employees may not perform all the duties listed in this job description.