Position Title: pastoral care
Job Definition and General Description:
Pastoral care is the ministry of care and counseling provided by pastors, chaplains and other religious leaders to members of their church, congregation or persons within a faith-based institution. This can range anywhere from home visitation to formal counseling provided by pastors who are licensed to offer counseling services. This is also frequently referred to as spiritual care.
Education and Training Requirements in Job description for pastoral care:
Training:
1. Knowledge of and support for the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Facilities
2. Cooperative relationship with persons of varying faith traditions or of no tradition
3. Training in public speaking (bilingual where required)
4. Certification by an appropriate clinical pastoral agency and ongoing advanced training in theology, management, or clinical or pastoral skills
5. Two years of clinical pastoral experience in a healthcare setting
Education:
1. The director has experienced formal training within a management or curriculum setting.
2. Minimally, a bachelor's degree is required. Ideally, a graduate degree in a related field is appropriate.
The core responsibilities of the position:
1. Establishing a working and reporting relationship with the diocesan office
2. Consulting with administration, especially in the areas of policy formation and changes within pastoral care services
3. Evaluating pastoral personnel (including volunteers) and services
4. Incorporating pastoral care into the ongoing organizational life of the facility
5. Accepting daily pastoral care responsibilities when required
6. Representing the institution pastorally to the local community, including public speaking and attendance at social gatherings
7. Conducting educational programs regularly for the staff, including programs for the medical staff
8. Providing the human and fiscal management of the department
9. Attending and participating in department head meetings
10. Ensuring that adequate worship services are available to the patient/resident/client population
11. Hosting area church leaders and, when possible, being involved within the area ministerial council
12. Overseeing the staffing, development, evaluation, and education of members of the pastoral care team
13. Maintaining a process of theological reflection
14. Implementing the institution's mission and philosophy as it relates to the pastoral care department
15. Annually developing the departmental goals and program objectives in discussion with members of the pastoral care team
16. Implementing a continuum of pastoral services for patients/residents/clients and staff