Chaplain, Full or Part-Time (Sacramento)

POSITION TITLE: Chaplain REPORTS TO (TITLE): Director of Clinical Services PAY RANGE: $33.80 - $40.56/per hour Flexible position (24-32 hours per week--8 hour shifts) DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: The Chaplain provides spiritual care, emotional support, and ethical guidance to patients, families, and staff within an inpatient psychiatric hospital environment. Working as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Chaplain supports the organization's therapeutic philosophy by offering trauma informed, culturally sensitive spiritual services that complement clinical care. The Chaplain assists patients in exploring meaning, coping with illness, navigating crises, and accessing personal belief systems as part of holistic treatment. The role also supports staff well being, contributes to ethical decision making, and ensures compliance with standards related to patient rights, documentation, and spiritual care practices. Spiritual Care & Crisis Support Provide individualized spiritual assessments to identify beliefs, values, sources of meaning, and areas of spiritual distressOffer crisis support during acute psychiatric episodes, including suicidality, grief, trauma responses, or emotional dysregulationDeliver one‑on‑one spiritual counseling, reflective listening, and meaning‑centered interventionsFacilitate optional spirituality groups focused on mindfulness, hope, resilience, and grounding practicesSupport patients navigating psychosis, mood disorders, and complex trauma with non‑clinical but clinically aligned interventionsRespond to patient requests for spiritual guidance, prayer, meditation, or ritual support in accordance with hospital policySupport staff well‑being during crises by providing emotional grounding, spiritual presence, and post‑incident stabilization resources Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Treatment Support Collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and therapists to integrate spiritual care into treatment plansParticipate in interdisciplinary team meetings, providing updates on spiritual needs and patient progressSupport treatment goals by reinforcing coping strategies, emotional regulation, and meaning‑making aligned with clinical objectivesAssist with family meetings, offering spiritual guidance, grief support, and communication assistance during crisesProvide staff support, including debriefing after critical incidents, burnout prevention, and emotional/spiritual wellness resources Ethics, Patient Rights & Professional Standards Serve as a resource for ethical consultation related to patient autonomy, consent, cultural considerations, and end‑of‑life decisionsAdvocate for patient rights, including respect for religious, cultural, and non‑religious identitiesSupport processes involving patient grievances or concerns related to spiritual care or cultural respectEnsure compliance with hospital policies, Joint Commission standards, and DSH requirements related to spiritual services Documentation & Compliance Document spiritual assessments, interventions, and patient encounters in the medical record according to hospital policyMaintain accurate records of patient interactions, group participation, and spiritual care plansAssist with audits or reviews related to spiritual care documentation and complianceTrack patient needs, referrals, and follow‑up requirements in hospital reporting systems Requirements Knowledge and Experience Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent graduate theological degree from accredited institutions or equivalent academic preparationCompletion of Clinical Pastoral Education (minimum 2-4 units; psychiatric or trauma‑focused experience preferred)One year of experience providing spiritual care in healthcare, behavioral health, or crisis environmentsBoard certification or eligibility with APC, NACC, or equivalent preferredFamiliarity with trauma‑informed care, severe mental illness, and culturally competent spiritual practicesExperience supporting patients in crisis, including psychosis, suicidality, or acute emotional distressKnowledge of patient rights, ethical frameworks, and interdisciplinary treatment modelsHandle With Care certification required within the new employee orientation timeframe Skills And Abilities Maintains strict confidentiality and adheres to professional ethicsSensitivity and respect for diverse cultural, religious, and non‑religious backgroundsStrong written and verbal communication skills; effective communicator across clinical and spiritual contextsAbility to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teamsSkilled in crisis presence, de‑escalation, reflective listening, and emotional groundingStrong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain timely documentationDemonstrated ability to lead, influence, and motivate others in emotionally intense environmentsAbility to work in a fast‑paced, high‑acuity psychiatric settingProficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office applications Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, this position is frequently required to: Use standard office equipment and access, input, and retrieve information from a computerCommunicate effectively in person or via telephone with diverse populationsGive and follow verbal and written instructions with accuracy and attention to detailPerform complex mental functions; interpret laws, regulations, and policies; analyze complex informationSee details of objects at close rangeCoordinate multiple tasks simultaneouslyReach forward, up, down, and to the sideSit or stand for minimum periods of one hour at a time and move throughout the work area repeatedly. Lift up to ten (10) pounds Benefits Health Insurance Vision InsuranceDental Insurance 401K Retirement Plan Healthcare Spending Account Life Insurance (Supplemental life, term, and universal plans are also available) Short and Long-Term Disability PTO Plan with Holiday Premium Pay