Associate Chaplain

Description

The Associate Chaplain reports to and collaborates with the Lead Chaplain in delivering compassionate pastoral care, worship services, and spiritual and emotional support to residents, their families, and employees. This role primarily focuses on pastoral care, visitation, and advance care planning for residents in Health Care and Assisted Living. Works closely with the life enrichment and clinical teams. The Associate Chaplain also maintains relationships with local congregations and helps residents stay connected to their faith communities as needed.

Requirements

Qualification:

• Ordained and in good standing within a recognized Christian denomination.
• Ability to work effectively from an ecumenical and interfaith perspective.
• Master of Divinity or equivalent theological master’s degree required.
• Minimum of five years of pastoral or clinical experience; experience in long-term care or a CCRC strongly preferred.
• Board Certification by the Association of Professional Chaplains or equivalent credential preferred.
• Four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) preferred. Basic computer proficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to interact sensitively and effectively with older adults with varying cognitive and physical abilities.
• Ability to collaborate successfully with interdisciplinary team members.
• Willingness to take direction from and partner closely with the Lead Chaplain.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Creative, positive, organized, patient, and energetic approach to ministry.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to offer a calm, compassionate presence.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required. 

Essential Job Duties 

• Provide pastoral care, visitation, and emotional support to residents in Health Care and Assisted Living. Support Independent Living residents when the Lead Chaplain is unavailable.
• Provide grief support for bereaved residents. Provide advance care planning, when appropriate.
• Visit new Health Care and Assisted Living residents within one week of arrival.
• Prepare and lead chapel services, devotional programs, and special services under the direction of the Lead Chaplain. Prepare bulletins and PowerPoint slides for assigned services.
• Communicate with local congregations when residents experience transitions such as hospitalization or request clergy support.
• Maintain regular quarterly contact with all Health Care and Assisted Living residents. Provide sacraments as requested.
• Document all visits and interactions in the Chaplaincy Shared Drive and enter notes in the electronic medical record for Health Care residents.
• Share hospital visitation responsibilities and on-call rotations with the Lead Chaplain.
• In coordination with the Lead Chaplain, respond to resident deaths by contacting families, offering condolences, documenting required information, and encouraging families to reach out to their faith leader regarding funeral arrangements. When requested and as scheduling allows, preside over memorial services.
• Participate in the Chaplain’s Advisory Committee.
• Represent Sunnyside at community churches and attend off-campus memorial services when requested and schedule permitting.
• Attend Sunnyside events when invited to demonstrate support for residents and staff.
• Offer prayers and blessings for meetings or assemblies upon request.
• Complete a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education annually related to Chaplaincy or licensure/certification and maintain documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 Physical and Environmental Considerations: 

 This position operates in office spaces, worship areas, and resident activity rooms with typical lighting, temperature, air quality, and noise levels. Special events may involve varying environmental conditions depending on season and location. 

• Prolonged sitting and frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 lbs regularly and occasionally more than 30 lbs.
• Requires manual dexterity, clear hearing and vision, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions  

General hazards associated   with providing chaplaincy services in health care settings. Minimal risk when universal precautions and safety guidelines are followed.

Culture and Work Environment: Join a team you’ll be proud of at Sunnyside Retirement Community, where every team member is encouraged to S.H.I.N.E.: Service Before Self, Hospitality with Heart, Inspiring Excellence, Nothing Less Than the Best, and Enjoy Your Journey. 

Shine Program: The Sunnyside Communities’ staff are true professionals who shine in everything they do. Their dedication and commitment to providing the highest standards of quality service have given rise to our signature program- SHINE.

Employee Benefits and Perks:

• Growth opportunities
• A safe environment
• On-site training
• An engaging atmosphere
• Health insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• 401(k) Matching
• Vision insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Pet Insurance
• Access to our Wellness Center
• And More