Full time Chaplain Nursing Home

The Mission of Bethany of the Northwest is “a call to ministry to serve the long and short term care needs of individuals in a loving family environment and enhance the quality and dignity of life with a focus on independence and self-determination.” The motivation for this mission is a belief in the value of all people prompted by love for God and one’s neighbors.

Bethany is a not-for-profit corporation of 32 Lutheran member congregations from a variety of denominational expressions, whose faith and life is centered in Jesus Christ. Bethany of the Northwest is pan-Lutheran at a local level through its member churches, at the national level Bethany is organizationally and administratively aligned with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Bethany is a certified Social Ministry of the ELCA and is also a member of Lutheran Services of America (LSA) as an ELCA affiliate. This national alignment with the ELCA is related to the history of Bethany and the denominational makeup of the Bethany member churches.

These congregations envision Bethany as a Ministry of the Church. Throughout Bethany’s history, these congregations, together with other ecumenical partners, have given spiritual and financial support to helping Bethany fulfill its mission. The relationship between Bethany of the Northwest and our Lutheran & ecumenical Partners is an essential ingredient in resourcing spiritual care services to nurture the wholeness and wellbeing of the people we serve.

The role of the Chaplain for Bethany of the Northwest is envisioned as a Rostered Pastor position with responsibility for Word and Sacrament Ministry among the residents, providing (or providing for through other spiritual care resources) the spiritual care of residents, clients and staff throughout the Bethany system. The Chaplain will provide spiritual support through the Bethany facilities. The Chaplain will preside at worship, plan, coordinate, counsel and provide spiritual care services in accordance with the teachings and guidelines of the Church and current applicable federal, state and local standards and regulations which govern Bethany of the Northwest. The Chaplain must have completed Clinical Pastoral Education by ACPE.

Although Bethany’s ministry and mission are identified with the Lutheran tradition, the Chaplain’s role is not one of proselytizing, but of extending the presence and power of God’s love to residents, their families, and staff, with sensitivity to their own religious or spiritual orientation.

Schedule: 40 hours per week schedule to be agreed between facilities

Pay Rate: $60,000 to $65,000 per annum DOE and certification

Benefits available:

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Life Insurance and short-term disability coverage
• 403b and 403b matching.
• EAP Employee assistance program
• Local commute
• Flexible spending account
• Paid Sick leave
• Paid time off
• 7 Paid holidays plus one personal of your choice
• Longevity bonuses
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• The Perks at Work program employee discounts

Spiritual Care Functions:

1. Provide direct spiritual care to residents/patients, their families, and Bethany staff at various facilities, units of Bethany of the Northwest, as assigned.
2. Share Sunday Worship leadership duties by rotation; preach the Word and administer the Sacraments for residents, their family members, and employees.    
3. Lead spiritual enrichment such as (but not limited to) religious worship or devotional services, memorial services, prayer groups, etc. 

Personnel Functions:

1. Collaborate with Spiritual care team to create a comprehensive spiritual care program to fully support the residents and staff of all Bethany facilities.

2. Serve as counsel to staff and employees as needed.

3. Develop and maintain a good working rapport with personnel within the organization to assure that the religious programs and activities can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.

Staff Development:

1. Provide and participate in counseling, discussion groups and other sources of information for resident care as required.

2. Collaborating with Director of Spiritual Care, plan and conduct in-service training on spiritual care of residents, religious services available, etc.

3. Attend and participate in workshops, seminars, etc., to keep abreast of current changes in the health care field, as well as to achieve and maintain professional certification and status.

Full Job Description available on request

Specific Requirements:

• Candidates and their national endorsing body must understand and agree to this as a ministry on an ecumenical ministry team, where pulpit and table fellowship between every ordained minister on the Chaplain team is a requirement of the position. 
• Must have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in spiritual care ministry or related work.
• Must be a Graduate of an accredited seminary or school of theology (BD, MDiv or equivalent theological degree).  Have experience working with death and dying, individuals/family/caregivers.
• Must be oriented to health care practices and procedures.
  • Clinical Pastoral Education by ACPE – Associate 2 units, Staff/Sr Staff 4 units
  • Chaplain Certification by APC – Associate: ACC w/in 3 years. Staff: BCC w/in 3 years.
  • Clinical Chaplaincy experience in multiple contexts preferred 
• Must be willing and able to minister to and work with individuals (residents, staff, and chaplain colleagues) of different genders, sexual orientations, ethnic, racial, cultural and faith traditions.
• Must have a working knowledge and understanding of cultural and religious diversity, (see page 5 Statement of Diversity). Interfaith, multicultural, and anti-racism training is a plus.
• Must have the ability to work as member of an interdisciplinary group
• Must have the ability to network with community clergy and congregations.
• Have knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy of care.
• Healthcare experience preferred.
• Must be computer literate and competent with Microsoft Office tools.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state or organization requirements and is in good working order.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Salary : $60,000 - $65,000