This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of patients, families, and staff. Chaplains are members of the interdisciplinary care teams and participate in the provision of holistic care.Job DutiesAssesses and cares for the spiritual/emotional needs of patients, families, and staff.Documents patient/family assessments in the clinical records.Participates in creating a plan of care in collaboration with the inter-disciplinary care team.Plans and leads worship services.Leads prayer with patients, families, or with staff.Provides community education on Advance Directives or pastoral care related topics.Provides/facilitates Sacramental support to the patients (including assisting the Catholic priest chaplains in providing the Eucharist, as needed).Offers to contact local clergy if necessary or requested by patient/family.Department Specific DutiesThe chaplain assigned to the Palliative Care Team attends team meetings and conducts palliative care consults.Participates in Pastoral Care staff meetings and staff education.Carries the on call cell phone in rotation with the other chaplains and overnight as needed.Facilitates discussion regarding end of life wishes and notarizes Advance Directives.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesDemonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Functions effectively under stress or in crisis situations.Facilitates ethical consensus and decision making with patients, families, and staff.Helps others discover meaning in amidst suffering, grief, and loss.Has a working knowledge of the Ethical & Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services.Maintains confidentiality of all hospital and patient information as required by hospital policy.Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to the interdisciplinary philosophy.Relates to persons of diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs.Engages actively in one’s educational and professional development.Professional ExperienceTwo years clinical chaplaincy experience preferred.EducationA Master’s degree in theology, divinity, religious studies, or pastoral ministry preferred. The department requires CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) 4 units within a required time (in consultation with department manager) upon hiring.Licensure, Certification, RegistrationCertification by National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), or Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) or actively working to acquire within a required time by the department (in consultation with the department manager).A practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church preferred.Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse & Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training required. Employee must submit certification of completed training prior to start or transfer date.Current valid driver's license, valid auto insurance, and own transportation required.
