CHAPLAIN

About us

Cooper Norcross Health, formerly Cooper University Health Care, is a leading academic health system affiliated with Cooper Norcross Medical School of Rowan University. Headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, Cooper Norcross Health has revenues of more than $3 billion and an A+ credit rating from both S&P and Fitch Ratings.

Cooper Norcross Health has nearly 14,000 team members, including more than 2,200 nurses, more than 1,200 employed physicians representing 95 specialties and subspecialties, and more than 700 advanced practice providers.

The health system operates MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper as well as four hospitals – its 663-bed flagship Cooper Norcross University Hospital in Camden, its 229-bed Cooper Norcross University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House, Children's Hospital at Cooper Norcross Health in Camden, and The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper, a substance abuse rehabilitation and inpatient treatment facility, in partnership with American Recovery Services.

Cooper Norcross University Hospital in Camden is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in South Jersey and the busiest in the region. The hospital has been recognized as a top-performing regional hospital by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals annual survey for eight years.

More than 2.54 million patients visit Cooper Norcross Health facilities annually. Its ambulatory network encompasses three outpatient surgery centers, seven urgent care centers, a wound care center, and more than 130 physician, physical therapy, and radiology offices extending from the Delaware River to the New Jersey shore.

Cooper Norcross Health, a not-for-profit health system, was named one of America's Best Large Employers for 2026 by Forbes, ranking among the top 200 in the nation. Visit CooperHealth.org to learn more.

Short Description

The Cooper University Healthcare Pastoral Care Department is the department best positioned to provide peace, calmness, & comfort for patients, families, and staff by providing spiritual care and compassionate presence & listening.

That's because the Pastoral Care Department is able to:

• Provide spiritual care for all individuals with or without a specific religious affiliation because of the unique training the team has had.
• Listen and provide this compassionate care because they have the allocated time, capacity, and resources this type of care requires.

A Hospital Chaplain plays a pivotal role within the healthcare system, providing compassionate spiritual care and emotional support to patients, their families, and hospital staff. In an environment where medical treatment is often paired with moments of profound uncertainty and emotional stress, chaplains offer a comforting presence that transcends religious denominations and cultural backgrounds. They serve as empathic listeners, guiding individuals through the complexities of illness, injury, and grief, and helping to restore a sense of peace and hope. A chaplain's presence can be that beacon of hope and stability in the often-chaotic hospital environment.

Experience Required

• 3-5 years’ experience as healthcare chaplain.
• Completed CPE, currently enrolled in CPE program or interested in CPE training.

Education Requirements

• BA or BS bachelor’s degree in theology, Religious Studies, or a related field preferred.
• Graduate Seminary degree Master of Divinity, or specialized training within denominational guidelines (e.g., Eucharistic Minister, ordained deaconate, etc.) or equivalent theological degree.
• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) certification- Completion of at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or currently enrolled.
• Ordination or endorsement from a faith community preferred.
• Membership in a nationally recognized professional Chaplaincy certifying group.
• Certification from a recognized chaplaincy organization (e.g., APC, NACC, NAJC).

License/Certification Requirements

• Membership in a National Pastoral Care Certifying group: e.g., A.P.C. NACC.
• Denominational Endorsement, i.e., 'Letter of Call'.