Chaplain (Per Diem)

White Plains Hospital Job Description

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:

1. Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors
2. Assesses patient and family spiritual needs and assists families in using their own faith and beliefs in dealing with illness, trauma and stress.
3. Visits newly admitted patients and patients with special requests in assigned area; follows up with patients from previous visits when appropriate.
4. Educates staff regarding value and efficacy of spiritual care as part of the holistic approach to healing.
5. Provides crisis intervention as necessary.
6. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively with all age groups of patients served by the Department of Pastoral Care.
7. Helps and supports family use their own faith system in coping with issues around death and dying.
8. Maintains a positive working relationship between the Department of Pastoral Care & Education and Medical Staff, Nursing Staff and other departments.
9. 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.
10. 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

Physical/Mental Demands/Requirements & Work Environment

• May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be exposed to are listed in the hospital’s SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data base and may be accessed through the hospital’s Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access). A copy of the SDS data base can also be found at the hospital switchboard, saved on a disc.
• Must be able to move about the department and hospital constantly while attending to needs of patients, visitors and staff.
• Requires continuous communication with patients, staff and visitors of all educational levels and faith groups.
• Requires frequent use of computers and other office equipment.
• Must be able to rapidly assess and respond to situational needs of patients, staff and visitors.
• Must be able to adapt to a high stress environment with frequent interruptions.

Primary Population Served

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The responsibilities and tasks outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of White Plains Hospital.