Mercy Retirement and Care Center - Chaplain (Part Time)

Responsibilities

• Offer pastoral presence, plan and lead liturgical and sacramental celebrations.
• Facilitate educational and supportive activities enhancing spiritual well-being.
• Ensure compassionate care while respecting the dignity of all individuals.
• Collaborate with colleagues in team planning, shared decision-making, and mutual support.
• Provide individualized spiritual, emotional, and psychosocial care through regular resident visits.
• Aid new residents with spiritual orientation and emotional adjustment to community life.
• Deliver spiritual care programming tailored to the Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing neighborhoods.
• Document all pastoral care interactions in accordance with Care Center and Assisted Living charting guidelines.
• Serve as a contributing member of interdisciplinary care teams by sharing relevant insights that promote holistic care.
• Provide educational opportunities on religion, spirituality, ethics, and related topics that enrich the lives of residents.
• Coordinate funeral and memorial services as needed.
• Support program growth by recruiting, training, and mentoring pastoral volunteers and resident ministers.
• Visit residents who are hospitalized or transferred to higher levels of care and provide family support when requested.
• Maintain confidentiality of all verbal and written resident information and communicate appropriately with the care team.
• Promote the mission of Mercy Retirement and Care Center within the broader church and community.
• Provide short-term spiritual and emotional support to staff, including active listening, grief and crisis care, mindfulness support, and referrals to HR or other resources as appropriate.
• Participate in the ongoing work of the Spiritual Care Services department.
• Promote the Mission, Vision and Values of Elder Care Alliance and Transforming Age in all areas of responsibility, and demonstrate commitment to Culture of Excellence and strategic goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with advanced study in theology, spirituality, pastoral counseling, or a closely related field, Master’s degree preferred.
• Four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in chaplaincy or a related pastoral care profession.
• Training and experience in individual counseling and group facilitation.
• Certification or certification-eligible through NACC, ACPE, or another recognized professional pastoral care organization.
• Current First Aid certification in accordance with Title 22 regulations.
• Flexibility in schedule, occasionally.
• Knowledge of gerontology, the aging process, and the specific needs of older adults, particularly those with cognitive challenges.
• Awareness and respect for interfaith religious beliefs and traditions, with the ability to provide inclusive, compassionate spiritual care across diverse populations.
• Ability to work respectfully within a predominantly Catholic faith community, while also supporting those of other or no faith backgrounds.
• Demonstrated compassion and empathy in providing spiritual and emotional support.
• Effective communication and counseling skills, especially related to grief, loss, and transitions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative work ethic are essential.
• Ability to interact professionally with residents, families, volunteers, and team members in a multi-cultural environment.
• Skilled in adaptability, decision-making under pressure, and managing multiple priorities with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Deep passion for serving older adults, especially those with memory care or cognitive health needs.

Benefits

• Elder Care Alliance may mandate that team members receive vaccinations, engage in daily screenings, undergo surveillance testing, and utilize face coverings along with other personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with regulatory guidelines to mitigate the transmission of infectious diseases.