Staff Chaplain BWH

Brigham and Women's Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
10 Vining Street (Show on map)
May 02, 2025
The primary role of the Staff Chaplain is to provide pastoral accompaniment and evidence-based spiritual care to patients and families of any and no religious tradition. Issues requiring spiritual care include concerns surrounding diagnosis, surgery, treatment options, substance use disorder, crisis intervention, rehabilitation, and end of life, among others. The Chaplain develops an assessment of the patient's spiritual practices/values and integrates these values into the patient's medical plan of care. The Chaplain supports the patient and their loved ones as they navigate any spiritual and/or emotional challenges that may arise during hospitalization and communicates these challenges to the interdisciplinary care team as appropriate. Chaplains are involved in all aspects of spiritual care including but not limited to team meetings, family meetings, and goals of care discussions. Chaplains also provide staff care during times of duress and change. PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1.Gather and evaluate relevant data pertinent to the patient's spiritual health and develop a plan of care to promote the well-being of the patient based on an established spiritual assessment tool. The Staff Chaplain will implement the plan of care to provide encouragement, support and accompaniment during the patient's hospitalization. Integral to care is empowering patients to embrace their spiritual/religious sources of strength to promote healing. Based on the plan of care, the Staff Chaplain will provide consultation to the patient's interdisciplinary team as appropriate. 1.Document patient visits in The Brigham Family's electronic medical record system by including information relevant to the patient's spiritual needs/goals and resources for coping. The documentation recognizes regulatory guidelines regarding patient confidentiality while providing the interdisciplinary team with information about relevant spiritual, emotional, and relational dynamics that affect the patient's care and disposition. 2.Consult with members of the interdisciplinary team as appropriate, and remain alert to referral opportunities for patients in need. Demonstrate knowledge of the services provided by Spiritual Care and educate members of the interdisciplinary team of the presence of patient-related spiritual, religious or emotional issues. Support team members in their care of the patient and advocate for the spiritual, emotional, and religious needs of the patient and/or loved ones. Participate in team and family meetings regarding patient care, as appropriate. 3.Function as a member of the interfaith Spiritual Care team and maintain a close working relationship with members of the department (employees and volunteers); participate in staff meetings, hospital committees, Spiritual Care research discussions,and other activities as required or assigned. Be available for on-call night and weekend shifts, and holidays as needed. Be available on short notice for emergencies. 4.Participate in providing care for the organization's staff in ways that are consonant with The Brigham Family's values and mission. This includes participating in events for patients, family members, loved ones and colleagues, as appropriate. Create opportunities to enhance the delivery and quality of spiritual care by focusing on continuous improvement. 5.Participate in training programs for Clinical Pastoral Education students, Field Education students, Pastoral Visitors and Eucharistic Ministers according to departmental need and skill. 6.Share in the planning and leadership of interfaith worship as well as programs linking the department with the hospital community. 7.Participate in continuing education opportunities to enhance skills and keep abreast of developments in pastoral care and health care; participate in local and national professional Chaplaincy organizations, as appropriate. Practice evidence-based care including the ongoing evaluation of new practices and, when appropriate, contribute to and/or conduct research. 8.Adhere to the Common Code of Ethics of the Association of Professional Chaplains and the Code of Ethics espoused by The Brigham Family. 9.Model and collaborate with the Spiritual Care Department and The Brigham Family in respecting and providing culturally sensitive and competent patient-centered care. 10.Develop and lead unit-wide and hospital-wide faith-specific and interfaith services, as needed. 11.Performs other duties as required or assigned. Educational Experience: A graduate degree in divinity, theology, religious studies, ministry, counseling or a related field suitable for hospital chaplaincy from an institution accredited as a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Three or more units of Clinical Pastoral Education from an accredited ACPE or NACC training program. Four units preferred. Professional Experience: Two or more years of work experience in a hospital setting or two years of relevant spiritual, ministry, pastoral or congregational experience. Two years of work experience post-CPE in a Level 1 Trauma Center. Eligible for Board Certification by a recognized national body (APC, NACC, NAJC, etc.) within three years of start date and Board Certified in good standing with a recognized National Body (APC, NACC, NAJC, etc. ) within three years of start date. For the ordained: Endorsement for hospital Chaplaincy from the ecclesiastical body to which the candidate belongs. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Professional: Clarity of pastoral identity and role in a nonsectarian institutional setting Knowledgeable about ministry to the sick and to persons of diverse religious, educational and cultural backgrounds Excellent interpersonal skills including reflective listening, a nonjudgmental presence, a collaborative nature, and a reservoir for empathy. Ability to work well as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team in a large, complex Level 1 Trauma Center Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing while respecting confidentiality, hospital policy, and regulatory requirements Ability to relate theology, behavioral sciences, spirituality and life issues to minister to patients/families coping with a range of healthcare challenges Excellent organizational skills including meeting deadlines, managing the demands of an on-call schedule, and responding to the needs of patients and staff in a timely manner Lifelong learner, open to discussion and feedback, and willing to seek guidance and direction as needed Personal: A spiritual life rooted in the disciplines of prayer and reflection A disposition grounded in hope Compassion for the sick and their families Wisdom, maturity and an ability to function under stressful conditions Resourcefulness and cooperation in relationship with others A desire to promote goodwill and well-being among patients, families, and staff Commitment to personal and professional growth Support of the vison, mission and values of The Brigham Family The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.