CHAPLAIN JOB DESCRIPTION

The Chaplain provides spiritual and pastoral care to patients, families, and staff across healthcare settings, serving as a member of the interdisciplinary care team. This role develops and implements individualized spiritual care plans, responds to crises and end-of-life situations, and maintains documentation in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.

As the Chaplain, you assess and address the spiritual and emotional needs of patients, families, and staff across inpatient, emergency, and end-of-life settings, ensuring that pastoral care is integrated into the broader plan of care. You operate as a full member of the interdisciplinary team, collaborating with nurses, case managers, and physicians while providing on-call coverage and liaison services to community clergy and faith organizations.

Career Impact: Completing a CPE residency and earning board certification through APC or NACC positions a chaplain among a credentialed clinical specialty cohort recognized across academic medical centers and health systems.

Business Impact: Patients navigating terminal diagnosis, traumatic injury, or end-of-life decisions achieve measurably better psychosocial outcomes when a trained chaplain is embedded in their care team, reducing family conflict and improving advance directive completion rates.

Growth Opportunity: Experience in acute hospital chaplaincy opens pathways to Clinical Pastoral Education supervisor roles, pastoral care department leadership, and research contributions on spiritual care outcomes within healthcare institutions.

• Develop spiritual care plans in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team based on patient and family spiritual traditions and assessment results.
• Provide appropriate spiritual care and initiate interventions necessary for resolving care plan issues.
• Conduct spiritual assessments as part of the interdisciplinary team and implement individualized plans of care.
• Respond to urgent situations including medical emergencies, Trauma Activations, Code Blue calls, and deaths as requested.
• Provide comfort and support to patients, families, and friends, including calming support to individuals in distress.
• Assess and respond to spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs, including crisis interventions, ethical concerns, and bereavement.
• Support families and staff during time of patient death and provide best practice for end-of-life and miscarriage bereavement care.
• Conduct and facilitate religious services, spiritual visitations, and outreach programs.
• Act as liaison between the organization and local clergy, congregations, and religious institutions.
• Attend and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to care plan development.
• Educate staff on how to assess and address spiritual and emotional needs of patients and caregivers.
• Provide on-call coverage including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the patient care record in accordance with organizational standards.
• Comply with all state, federal, and local government regulations, including HIPAA.

• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Divinity, or related field; Master's degree in Divinity, Theology, Religious Studies, or equivalent preferred.
• Ordination or endorsement by a recognized religious or spiritual body.
• Minimum one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE); four units preferred.
• Board Certification or eligibility for certification with the Association of Professional Chaplains, National Association of Catholic Chaplains, National Association of Jewish Chaplains, or equivalent body.
• One to two years of chaplaincy or pastoral care experience, preferably in a healthcare setting.
• Demonstrated ability to minister with persons of diverse cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively in crisis situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in electronic medical record (EMR) or electronic health record (EHR) systems preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation where field-based coverage is required.

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, reflecting the linguistic diversity of many acute care patient populations.
• Experience conducting or contributing to research projects examining spiritual care outcomes within clinical settings.
• Familiarity with advance directive instruments including POLST, DNR orders, and Power of Attorney for Health Care documentation.
• Prior experience coordinating or supervising a Clinical Pastoral Education intern or residency program.

• Advance directive completion rate among patients receiving chaplaincy consultation, reflecting timely care-goals facilitation.
• Documented spiritual care plan initiated within 24 hours of admission for flagged patients, measuring responsiveness.
• On-call response time to trauma activation and Code Blue requests, measured against department SLA.
• CPE student evaluation scores submitted per rotation cycle, reflecting supervisory effectiveness.
• Accreditation audit findings attributable to chaplaincy documentation, targeting zero deficiencies per review period.
• Typical tools: Electronic health record platforms (commonly Epic or Cerner); documentation and scheduling systems used within clinical departments.

• Base Salary Range: $52,000 to $72,000 annually, varying by setting and market
• Bonus: performance or merit-based adjustments of 2 to 5 percent annually
• Equity: not typically offered in healthcare settings
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage standard for full-time employees
• PTO: 15 to 22 days annually, plus recognized holidays
• Common Perks: Continuing education reimbursement, CPE supervision support, and employee assistance program access

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment contingent on a successful background check, including criminal history review and drug screening consistent with healthcare regulatory requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Chaplain owns the full arc of spiritual care for patients and families enrolled in Company programs, developing care plans with the interdisciplinary group and acting as liaison to local clergy and congregations. Working alongside nurses, volunteers, and care teams, the Chaplain delivers documentation-supported interventions that uphold regulatory compliance and advance the Company's pastoral mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop spiritual care plans in conjunction with the interdisciplinary group based on patient and family spiritual traditions and assessment results.
• Provide appropriate spiritual care and initiate interventions necessary for resolving care plan issues.
• Implement the spiritual care plan through personal contact and enlistment of volunteers, local clergy, or other counselors as appropriate.
• Monitor implementation of the spiritual care plan and reassess as needed.
• Maintain documentation reflecting timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and clarity of goal, assessment, and plan.
• Act as liaison between the Company and local clergy and congregations in interpreting the Company mission and programs.
• Attend and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and assist in developing care plans.
• Comply with all state, federal, and local government regulations and Company policies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Divinity or related field from an accredited seminary or institution; Master's degree preferred.
• Ordination or commissioning from a body recognized by the Endorser's Conference or Veterans Administration, obtained within 12 months of hire.
• One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, or in process within six months of employment.
• Documentation of good standing with faith group or professional affiliation with no ethical charges current or pending.
• Health care experience preferred.
• Previous experience working with an EMR or EHR system preferred.
• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance per Company policy.
• Ability to travel and access any home, hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility.

Embedded within the hospital care environment, the Chaplain provides spiritual counseling and support in accordance with patient, family, and interdisciplinary team member beliefs and desires. Working closely with coordinators, nurses, and clinical staff, the Chaplain delivers pastoral services across surgical, emergency, and end-of-life settings to strengthen spiritual sensitivity throughout the organization.

Core Functions

• Provide pastoral care services to patients in various situations, including surgical procedures, end of life issues, and traumatic accidents.
• Provide comfort and support to patient families and friends, including calming support to angry or distraught individuals.
• Assess and respond to the spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs of those counseled, including crisis interventions, ethical concerns, and bereavement.
• Respond to urgent situations including medical emergencies and deaths at the request of coordinators, nurses, and family.
• Conduct religious services in the hospital chapel and provide spiritual visitations and outreach services.
• Provide spiritual care using an interdisciplinary approach and document visits and interventions according to organizational standards.
• Work with hospital staff to enhance sensitivity about spiritual concerns for patients and families experiencing terminal illness and loss.
• Maintain medical and personal patient information confidential.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Theology, Spirituality, Pastoral Ministry, or equivalent.
• Ecclesiastical endorsement from the chaplain's respective denomination or faith tradition.
• Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) certification or College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP) certification.
• Completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education recognized by ACPE or CPSP preferred.
• One year of related experience preferred.
• Experience ministering in an acute healthcare setting preferred.

Reporting to hospital leadership, the Chaplain provides spiritual support and counseling to hospital patients, families, and staff in a culturally competent manner as a member of the interdisciplinary patient care team. Partnering with Medical Center committees, local congregations, and chaplain interns, the Chaplain ensures accreditation compliance and advances the quality of spiritual care across all patient populations.

Primary Duties

• Provide spiritual support and counseling to patients, family members, significant others, and staff.
• Interact daily with staff and interdisciplinary team members to formulate and evaluate patient care needs.
• Provide documentation in the patient care record and assure accreditation compliance of the chaplaincy service.
• Conduct in-service training for staff regarding providing spiritual support and services for patients as requested.
• Serve on Medical Center committees as required by hospital policies or as requested.
• Coordinate, supervise, and evaluate lay volunteers, chaplain interns, and the ecumenical interfaith chaplaincy program as needed.
• Serve as liaison between the Medical Center, local congregations, and religious institutions as needed.

Skills and Qualifications

• Graduate theological degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Certification or certification-eligible with the Association of Professional Chaplains, CPSP, National Association of Catholic Chaplains, or Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains.
• Four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) completed.
• Ordained or endorsed for health care chaplaincy by a recognized religious or spiritual body.
• Demonstrated ability to minister with persons of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

Sitting at the intersection of pastoral ministry and community outreach, the Chaplain delivers one-on-one spiritual care, groupwork, and Christian ceremonies according to the rites of The Salvation Army. Operating across AOD, housing services, and management teams, the Chaplain builds faith pathways and supports staff and residents in connecting to spiritual communities within and beyond the organization.

Duties

• Provide spiritual and pastoral care, including one-on-one pastoral conversations and groupwork, encouraging individuals in their personal faith journey.
• Collaborate with local corps and mission expression personnel to create faith pathways and opportunities to connect to faith communities.
• Provide a pastoral response to those impacted by critical incidents in conjunction with specialist formal debriefing.
• Conduct and facilitate Christian ceremonies and services according to the rites of The Salvation Army.
• Establish and maintain productive links with other faith expressions to support people transitioning into other faith communities.
• Assist staff and management in understanding The Salvation Army theology, mission, and culture.
• Attend and contribute to management meetings and actively engage in recruitment and induction processes of staff.

Experience and Qualifications

• Diploma of Chaplaincy or willingness to obtain.
• Training in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and theological studies.
• Previous or current chaplaincy experience or relevant experience in a similar position.
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of The Salvation Army.
• Valid and current driver's license.

Consistent spiritual and emotional well-being across patient populations depends on the Chaplain, who delivers assessments, targeted interventions, and accurate documentation while mentoring Clinical Pastoral Education students in clinical ministry. Based within a multi-disciplinary hospital setting, the Chaplain serves on specialty committees, leads research into emotional and spiritual care outcomes, and provides staff support with referrals to EAP as appropriate.

Accountabilities

• Provide spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and staff, including assessments, appropriate interventions, and accurate documentation.
• Collaborate with staff in the development, coordination, and implementation of actions to address spiritual and human needs.
• Provide guidance and resources to the multi-disciplinary team regarding the spiritual and emotional needs of those they serve.
• Serve on multi-disciplinary committees representing the specialty of spiritual care.
• Design, conduct, and share in research projects that highlight the emotional and spiritual care of patients.
• Support and mentor Clinical Pastoral Education students providing clinical ministry within their departments.
• Provide emotional and spiritual support for staff individually and collectively, focusing on care-related stress and making referrals to EAP as appropriate.

Background and Experience

• Master's degree in Religious Studies, Theology, Divinity, or related field.
• One year of experience in ministry.
• Chaplain certification issued by the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc (BCCI), National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), or National Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) within three years.
• Minimum four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) granted by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE).
• Strong background in functional theology and ability to apply it in a pastoral manner.
• Knowledge of behavioral sciences including personality development, interpersonal relationships, trauma, loss, and grief.
• Ability to work calmly in crises.
• Ability to communicate and document efficiently using electronic media.

As the Chaplain, this role assesses spiritual and emotional needs through daily interdisciplinary care conferences and home visits, developing individual care plans for patients and caregivers across home health settings. The interdisciplinary team relies on this work to ensure spiritual concerns are documented, communicated to physicians and case managers, and addressed through staff education and continuing education programs on topics including advance directives and bereavement.

Activities

• Participate in interdisciplinary care conferences to assess the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and caregivers, including psychosocial issues and adjustment to illness or disability.
• Initiate visits with patients and families through daily rounds and responses to special requests to address spiritual and emotional needs.
• Provide consultation services to develop individual plans of care addressing patients' and caregivers' spiritual and emotional needs.
• Provide appropriate input regarding spiritual and emotional issues to case managers, caregivers, and physicians.
• Educate field and office staff on how to assess and address spiritual and emotional needs of patients and caregivers.
• Develop and present orientation and continuing education programs regarding spiritual care, advance directives, and bereavement for employees.
• Support families and staff during time of patient death as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Theological Studies or Master of Divinity from an accredited school, or equivalent.
• Certification by NACC or APC, or eligibility for certification.
• Completed four units (1,600 hours) of appropriately accredited Clinical Pastoral Education.
• Ecclesiastical endorsement or certification by a professional certifying agency.
• Demonstrated ability to work with patients at end-of-life and with the elderly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work closely with a wide range of professionals on a multi-disciplinary team.

Chaplain delivers spiritual care to patients, families, and staff across multiple health locations, responding to Trauma Activations, Code Blue calls, and on-call rotations at the Emergency Department. The work directly supports HIPAA-compliant documentation of all pastoral services while ensuring families and staff receive faith-based comfort during patient deaths and acute trauma events.

Key Deliverables

• Assess patient and family spiritual needs and assist them in using their faith to deal with illness, trauma, and stress.
• Initiate visits with patients and families through daily rounds and responses to special requests to address spiritual and emotional needs.
• Provide care to all patients, families, and staff at various health locations as directed.
• Support families and staff during time of patient death as appropriate.
• Respond to Trauma Activation and Code Blue calls as able and appropriate.
• Serve on-call for trauma activations at the Emergency Department for off-hours when volunteer coverage is unavailable.
• Document patient and family services provided and ensure HIPAA compliance.

Professional Experience

• One year of chaplain experience.
• Ordination or endorsement by a recognized religious body required.
• Completion of one unit of an approved Clinical Pastoral Education program preferred.
• Previous experience in pastoral care in a health care setting preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office and ability to operate printer, fax machine, and pager.

The Chaplain owns the planning, coordination, and facilitation of religious services for youth in secure detention, conducting spiritual assessments as part of an interdisciplinary team and providing crisis care, bereavement support, and advanced directive guidance. Working alongside clinical staff and home parishes, the Chaplain delivers on-call coverage across nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure continuous pastoral presence for patients, families, and associates.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual care and crisis visits to patients, families, and associates.
• Conduct spiritual assessments as part of an interdisciplinary team and implement a plan of care.
• Communicate with home parishes and provide best practice for end-of-life care and miscarriage bereavement care.
• Support goals of care discussions and completion of advanced medical directives, including Power of Attorney for Health Care and POLST and DNR forms.
• Provide on-call coverage including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Theology or related field; Master's degree in Divinity or related field preferred.
• Board Certification preferred.
• Two to four units of Clinical Pastoral Education preferred; one unit or equivalent required.
• Two years of hospital-related experience preferred.
• Must be in good standing with faith organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Embedded within a seasonal Processing Center environment, the Chaplain provides daily devotions, evangelistic support, and prayer facilitation for volunteers, associate staff, and full-time staff throughout the operation. Working closely with Processing Center management and ministry leadership, the Chaplain maintains prayer infrastructure and contributes to briefings that advance the spiritual mission of the Operation Christmas Child program.

Core Functions

• Host daily devotions for all associate staff during processing season.
• Provide spiritual support, care, compassion, and encouragement to volunteers, associate staff, and full-time staff.
• Provide evangelistic and pastoral support and create prayer time during each break.
• Maintain the prayer wall and prayer boxes in each Processing Center.
• Attend daily briefings with the Processing Center Management Team.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong Christian witness and a heart for volunteers, children, and the ministry.
• Management experience preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and public speaking skills.
• Strong work ethic, high level of self-motivation, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to be strategic with time and resources and work well as part of a team.