Priest Chaplain / Spiritual Care / Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Roman Catholic Priest chaplain ("the priest chaplain") provides spiritual care to patients, families and associates reaching across religious and cultural boundaries. Further, the priest chaplain provides ethical and spiritual guidance to patients and families to help them make informed treatment choices. Furthermore, the priest chaplain promotes a spiritual environment within the hospital by providing sacraments (i.e., Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick), as well as by presiding at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in an agreed upon schedule (at least three times a week).

The above ministry goals are accomplished by the priest chaplain visiting patients in assigned areas, providing follow-up ministry as needed, taking spiritual care calls, inviting other priests to visit the members of their parishes, making appropriate notations and keeping required professional expertise and skills updated.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

ENDORSEMENT:

• Roman Catholic Priest in good standing, as shown by a letter of suitability from both the bishop from the diocese where the priest is incardinated and the Archbishop of Santa Fe, NM.
• Written endorsement from the VP of Mission Integration at CHRISTUS Health System Office.

EDUCATION:

• Masters in Divinity (M.Div.) or related field from an accredited university or seminary.

EXPERIENCE: 3 years of chaplaincy experience in a hospital or hospice ministry.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSES:

• 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE approved).
• The priest chaplain must seek and become Board Certified by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) within two years of hire.

SKILLS: The priest chaplain

• Possesses a deep understanding of Ethical and Religious Directives (ERDs) for Catholic Health Care Services.
• Demonstrates honesty and integrity in all relationships in a consistent manner.
• Exhibits an ability to work in a stressful environment.
• Employs excellent oral and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Acquires knowledge about department policies and procedures and follows them.
• Shows basic working knowledge of a computer, printer, telephone, etc.

NATURE OF SUPERVISION:

Responsible to: Director or Manager of Spiritual Care

ENVIRONMENT:

• Bloodborne pathogen: B.
• Occasional exposure to activities and infectious diseases in patient care areas.
• Subject to irregular hours (i.e., on-calls and weekends).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to handle emergency and crisis situations.
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable standing and walking.
• Hearing and visual acuity within normal limits.
• May be required to occasionally lift/carry objects more than 25 pounds.
• May require lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 20 lbs.