SLH Spiritual Care Coordinator at Alameda Health System – San Leandro, California

SUMMARY: Under direction, The SLH Spiritual Care Coordinator provides religious, spiritual and emotional support to patients, their loved ones, and staff; also plans, conducts, and coordinates spiritual and religious activities hospital-wide. Performs related duties as required.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in
this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties
listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

1. Assesses and counsels employees, patients, and family members on moral, spiritual, domestic, and personal problems. Meets with patients and employees upon request, for private spiritual counseling.

Administers the sacraments and performs religious rites, or arranges for appropriate religious leader to do so. Visits patients routinely to provide spiritual counseling and guidance, and collaborates with the healthcare team in assisting patient to make personal adjustments.

2. Performs the duties of Chaplain in other religious matters. Maintains a supply of religious literature; prepares chaplain activity reports.

3. Collaborates with other hospital programs and community agencies with which patients/families are involved. Provides liaison work between AHS facilities and social organizations as appropriate; may speak before such organizations concerning the work and purpose of AHS. Consults with hospital staff regarding hospital ministry. Collaborates with members of the hospital care team in identifying and addressing spiritual issues. Acts as a liaison between patient, family, and hospital staff during times of spiritual crisis, e.g. illness, dying, lengthy or difficult surgery.

4. When required, supervises other workers. Supervises the volunteer Eucharistic minister.

5. Consults with and keeps Department Leader informed of activities, needs and problems related to patients, families, hospital staff and volunteers. Evaluates patient needs for spiritual guidance and counseling and initiates or recommends individual programs and services to meet those needs and refers patient/family to community spiritual support as needed. Provides monthly statistics of activities to Department Leader.

6. The Coordinator will communicate a schedule of availability including when in the building and how to reach a chaplain when not on site.

7. Participates on special projects as directed/requested, including representing the hospital at interfaith meetings, community events etc. as requested.

8. Completes medical chart documentation for all patient and family visits; notes specific religious rites performed by outside clergy such as "the anointing of the sick."

9. Is a member of the Bioethics Committee and other committees as deemed appropriate.

10. Participates actively in daily interdisciplinary rounding in medical/surgical units; rounds regularly in ICU (either as part of team or independently). Participates in family conferences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Completion of theological studies for ordination from an accredited theological school and equivalent to graduation from college with a minimum of 12 semester units in counseling, psychology or related field; AND Ordained Clergy status.

Board certified Chaplain through appropriate professional organization, or certification-eligible.

Minimum Experience: Completion of one or a combination of the following: 1). Twelve months or four quarters of an approved full-time resident clinical pastoral training program; 2). The equivalent of one year of in-service training in case work, counseling and guidance, or experience on the clinical staff or classification committee in a facility such as a mental hospital or guidance clinic.

Preferred Experience: One year prior experience as a chaplain.

Preferred Licenses/Certification: Membership in a National Professional Chaplain Organization.

Preferred Licenses/Certification: 4 CPE units preferred, Good standing in your faith tradition as evidenced by ecclesiastical endorsement.

Pay Range $42.08-$51.35
The pay range for this position reflects the base pay scale for the role at Alameda Health System. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, departmental equity, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the operational needs of the organization. Alameda Health System also offers eligible positions a generous comprehensive benefits program.