Chaplain Resident/Full-time/Mercy South

About the Role

A Chaplain Resident is enrolled in Mercy Hospital's Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program, designed for individuals seeking certification as professional chaplains or advanced training in spiritual care. Through intensive ministry practice and reflection with peers, chaplain-mentors, preceptors, and Certified Educators, CPE residents develop and refine skills for spiritual care in traditional, non-traditional, and institutional settings. The program is accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE, Inc.), recognized nationally by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Residents provide spiritual care to patients, families, hospital personnel, and the broader community. Duties and responsibilities align with Mercy’s mission, values, and service standards.

Requirements

• Graduate theological degree or equivalent training in progress or completed (required for board certification as a chaplain).
• Enrollment in Mercy Hospital Springfield’s Clinical Pastoral Education Residency Program, including:
  • Completed CPE application.
  • Admission interview to assess readiness for CPE.
  • Acceptance by an ACPE-accredited CPE center.
• Experience in a pastoral or ministry setting.

Skills and Knowledge

Demonstrated ability and potential for growth in:

• Adapting to Mercy’s culture.
• Reflecting on experience.
• Active listening.
• Self-disclosure.
• Ethics and values, including a theological framework.
• Compassion across cultural, religious, age, and other differences.
• Service orientation.
• Relationality, including working within systems.

Computer skills:

• General competence (e.g., navigating screens, drop-down menus).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and email.
• Ability to enter data into pre-existing databases.
• Using search engines to find information.

Equipment used: fax, copier, pager, phone system.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Divinity or equivalent accepted by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC).
• Prior completion of one unit of CPE or equivalent.

Benefits

Mercy offers the following benefits for team members working 32+ hours per pay period:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition support.
• Matched retirement plans.

Additional perks include joining a collaborative team, opportunities for professional growth, and contributing to healthcare innovation through compassion and technology.