Staff Chaplain - Volunteer Services

This position is a limited position with the possibility of extension/career conversion.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 5/13/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

Position involves the facilitation and nurturing of personal religious rituals and spiritual practices for patients, their families, staff, faculty, allied health students (as applicable), and other health care team members. Provides spiritual care and emotional support, including exploration of issues that are of meaning and value and / or issues causing moral or spiritual distress to patients, their families, staff, and others. Serves as a bridge to patient's religious community or congregation and to appropriate clergy or religious / spiritual leaders. Offers education and fosters conversation and clarification on cultural, ethical, religious, and other topics/dynamics that can affect patient care, family interactions, and staff performance. Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems / issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. Applies skills as a seasoned, experienced spiritual care specialist to develop programs and respond to the spiritual needs of patients and their families, faculty, staff, allied health students (as appropriate), and other health care team members. * Provides spiritual support and guidance to patients and their families, on a broad range of concerns. * Plans, implements, and documents a course of action that may involve individual and group counseling, prayer sessions, meditations, discussions, or other forms of spiritual care and guidance. * Participates as a seasoned member of an interdisciplinary team making a positive impact on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each patient. *Works with interdisciplinary team to ensure the highest quality of care in meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families.

Provides expertise and is a resource on sensitive, unusual or complex cases. *Plans and implements organizational wide programs, such as times of remembrance. Officiates interfaith, ecumenical, or religiously specific rituals / services for patients, families, and staff as appropriate. Officiates at events on-site, such as memorial services, weddings, baptisms, and blessings. *Serves as an educational resource regarding spiritual care in the medical setting. Provides contacts and information on additional resources in the faith community as needed. *Provides spiritual and emotional support to front-line staff, as well as faculty, allied health students (as appropriate) and other health care team members. * Provides ethical consultation to patients, their families, and staff as requested. Serves as an educational resource regarding spiritual care and staff wellness in the medical setting by facilitating educational sessions and other activities. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master's Degree in theology, divinity, religious studies; or its equivalent in relevant training/experience.
• 4 (four) units of CPE from accredited training center
• Two (2+) or more years of relevant experience
• Ordination or commissioning by one's faith group to serve as a religious leader and endorsement or official recognition by that faith group to function as a chaplain.
• Certification with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), Neshama: the Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC), or the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) year of Hospital Chaplaincy experience.
• ACPE-certified as Educator or Associate Educator
• Experience leading guided meditation for patients and their families
• Fluent in Spanish

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• This position will rotate to East Campus, Hillcrest and La Jolla.
• Must be able to work various hours based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).