Chaplain

Job Function Summary:

Involves the facilitation and nurturing of personal religious rituals and spiritual practices for patients, their families, staff, faculty, allied health students (as applicable), and other health care team members. Provides spiritual care and emotional support, including exploration of issues that are of meaning and value and / or issues causing moral or spiritual distress to patients, their families, staff, and others. Serves as a bridge to patient's religious community or congregation and to appropriate clergy or religious / spiritual leaders. Offers education and fosters conversation and clarification on cultural, ethical, religious, and other topics / dynamics that can affect patient care, family interactions, and staff performance.

 

Generic Scope:

Professional who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments / projects / tasks of moderate scope and complexity; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action.

 

Custom Scope: 

Applies acquired skills and experience as a spiritual care specialist to respond to the spiritual needs of patients and their families, faculty, staff, allied health students (as appropriate), and other health care team members.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Req / Pref Working knowledge of the clinical environment, and of the counseling and behavioral practices used in providing spiritual care to patients and family members. Req Working knowledge of a variety of religious and spiritual traditions, and of giving appropriate spiritual care in a multi-faith clinical setting. Req Working knowledge of the ethical and confidentiality issues involved with clinical chaplaincy. Req Flexibility and adaptability to remain calm, and deal effectively with changing situations involving crises and stress. Req Interpersonal skills and ability to work with and accept people of diverse beliefs, cultures, ethnicities, ages, and health conditions, as well as with colleagues on an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Req Organizational, prioritization, and decision-making skills. Req Written and verbal communications skills, computer proficiency, and working understanding of medical records. Req Working knowledge of spiritual assessment models, solid spiritual assessment skills, and the ability to communicate, verbally and in writing, spiritual assessments of patients and families to the health care team. Req Ability to establish connections with key persons quickly and function well in crisis / trauma situations, demonstrating compassion, flexibility, sensitivity, and command when needed. Req Excellent spiritual care judgment and triage skills. Req Two (2) or more years of directly related experience Req Education Req / Pref Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / Req Master's degree in theology, divinity, religious studies, or its equivalent in relevant training / experience. Pref Completion of at least 1 unit and preferably 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education, accredited by the ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education. Req Licenses Req / Pref Endorsement, ordination, commissioning or official recognition by one’s affiliation group to function as a professional chaplain. Maintains good standing in the affiliation group. Pref Certifications Req / Pref Eligible for certification with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), Neshama: the Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC), or the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) preferred Pref

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as https://www.ucsf.edu/about/mission-and-values . In addition to , UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available https://diversity.ucsf.edu/ . Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.