Coordinator of Spiritual Care

Job Description

Job Description

WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Coordinator of Spiritual Care

MAIN FUNCTION:

This role blends direct chaplaincy work with administrative oversight of the spiritual care program. Provides and coordinates spiritual and emotional care to patients, families, and staff of all faith traditions/spiritual practices within the hospital setting and in accordance with hospital policies and professional standards of practice. Seeks to offer care that is sensitive to diverse faith communities, individual beliefs and cultural backgrounds. As part of the Care Management Department, collaborates closely with social workers, case managers, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team to promote holistic, patient-centered approach to care and well-being. Integrates community through coordination of volunteer on-call clergy schedules and maintaining community clergy relationships.

RESPONSIBLE TO:  Manager, Care Management

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS: 

Bachelor’s degree in divinity/theology/religious studies/Pastoral Counseling or equivalent from an accredited institution; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Endorsement or ordination from a recognized faith group.

Minimum 2 years of experience in pastoral care, preferably in a healthcare setting.

Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

Must demonstrate emotional maturity, empathy, and resilience in high stress situations.

Must demonstrate an ability and willingness to provide spiritual care to patients, families, and staff of all religious, spiritual, and non-religious backgrounds equitably.

No written disciplinary action in the last 12 months. 

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES : 

Master’s degree in divinity theology

Completion of at least 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) from an ACPE-accredited program 

Board Certification (or eligibility) through a recognized professional chaplaincy organization (e.g., APC, NACC, NAJC, CASC)

Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

Employees in this position may be exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and is required to wear barriers when indicated. 

Follows Appropriate Service Standards.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

Pastoral/Clinical Care

Conducts pastoral visits to patients who request spiritual care or who are identified as having elevated spiritual or emotional needs. Makes follow-up visits as indicated or requested.

Assesses the spiritual needs of patients and families and provides appropriate interventions, resources, and referrals including other disciplines within the hospital.

Provides compassionate spiritual care and emotional support to patients, families, and staff regardless of faith tradition or belief system. 

Coordinates care with community clergy and/or spiritual leaders from traditions other than one’s own when needed. 

Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse faith traditions, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds in all interactions.

Offers supportive presence for those experiencing grief, emotional distress, ethical dilemmas, or spiritual questioning.

Provide spiritual and emotional care to patients and families involved in the hospital’s palliative care program.

Serves as a supportive resource for code, end-of-life, and disaster situations.

Facilitate or participate in prayer services, sacraments, memorials, or rituals as appropriate and requested.

Facilitates and maintains relationships with community clergy and spiritual leaders.

Collaborates and supports the volunteer prayer partners.

Communication

Collaborate and communicate effectively with all members of interdisciplinary teams to integrate spiritual care into patient care plans as appropriate.

Documents all spiritual care encounters and interventions in the hospital’s electronic medical record, in accordance with hospital policy.

Maintains confidentiality in all communications - written, verbal, electronic, and digital - in adherence with professional chaplaincy standards and hospital policy.

Reports patient satisfaction and/or safety concerns to physicians and staff, utilizing proper chain of command as needed.

Communicates with patients and families at an appropriate age level of understanding.

Advocates for cultural and spiritual sensitivity within the healthcare organization

Operations

Recruits, onboards, and schedules volunteer or “on call” chaplains.

Complete monthly on-call chaplain schedule.

Maintains the chapel’s appearance and functionality; oversees religious materials and resources throughout the hospital (e.g. books, pamphlets, music, Bibles).

Adheres to safety and infection control standards, including proper use of PPE, when interacting with patients and families

Patient Experience/Customer Service

Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with other departments and disciplines to enhance patient and family satisfaction.

Participate as a member of the Bereavement Committee to support initiatives related to grief, loss, and remembrance.

Participate as a member of the Palliative Care Committee to represent spiritual care needs for these patients with chronic conditions. 

Supports patient and family satisfaction through presence, advocacy, and responsiveness. 

Staff Development

Participates in Care Management and discipline-specific staff meetings, trainings, and hospital initiatives.

Engages in continuing education, professional development, and hospital-based projects to foster personal, professional and spiritual growth. 

Demonstrate professional growth by maintaining awareness of changes in healthcare.

Performance Improvement

Attends and contributes to department, ethics, and interdisciplinary meetings or committees assigned.

Maintains current knowledge of hospital policies, accreditation standards (DNV, CMS), and quality/safety requirements.

Completes mandatory education, safety training, and compliance requirements within designated timeframes.

Identifies opportunities for process improvement and communicates recommendations through appropriate chain of command.

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCY

Dependent upon department and the population served:

Infant (0-2 years)

1. Demonstrates understanding of the development stage.
2. Assures parent/guardian involvement in decision making and care
3. Supports parent’s presence and involvement during hospitalization and in planning.
4. Provides Spiritual/emotional support primarily to parents, caregivers and staff. 
5. Addresses deep emotional/theological questions, including neonatal loss or critical illness.
6. Reports signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect. 

Pediatrics (3-12 years)

1. Demonstrates understanding of the developmental stage.
2. Assures parent/guardian involvement in decision making and care.
3. Supports parent’s presence and involvement during hospitalization and in planning.
4. Provides Spiritual/emotional support to parents/family.
5. Engages children with age-appropriate language.
6. Helps families navigate complex emotional and faith responses.
7. Reports signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect

Adolescents (13–17 years)

1. Demonstrates understanding of the developmental stage.
2. Assures parent/guardian involvement in decision making and care.
3. Supports parent’s presence and involvement during hospitalization and in planning.
4. Provides Spiritual/emotional support to parents/family. 
5. Encourages open, age-appropriate communication about illness, treatment, and hospitalization.
6. Addresses existential questions, autonomy concerns, and fear.
7. Supports teens in exploring spiritual questions, expressing doubt or anger, and engaging in culturally and developmentally appropriate spiritual practices.
8. Reports signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

1. Demonstrates understanding of the developmental stage.
2. Assures patient/family/guardian involvement in decision making and care.
3. Supports family/guardian presence and involvement during hospitalization and in planning.
4. Communicates clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.
5. Provides Spiritual/emotional support to patient/family.
6. Addresses end-of-life concerns, legacy, grief, and spiritual reconciliation.
7. Supports families through anticipatory grief or dementia-related challenges.
8. Reports signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect

Revision Dates: 2/4/2020; 10/26/2025; 7/24/26