Chaplain

JOB SUMMARY
The Chaplain provides pastoral/spiritual care for EMS personnel, their loved ones, and the departmental staff. S/he will have responsibility to ensure that religious and spiritual needs of patients/residents and their loved ones are met in areas to which s/he is assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES
* Provides 24-hour emergency services and intervention when called upon; chaplain is always "on call" for the needs of Fire/EMS personnel
* Provides short term, confidential counseling for departmental personnel and family members & their children
* Conducts weddings & funerals for Fire/EMS personnel and family members
* Prays at department meetings and ceremonies
* Visits stations and crews
* Coordinates employee assistance programs
* Coordinates community assistance programs (i.e. Red Cross, Salvation Army, community food bank, community church programs)
* Assists department bereaved
* Visits the sick and/or injured
* Coordinates pastoral care of fire and EMS victims
* Refers department personnel and victims to appropriate church or religious location
* Conducts Bible study group for seekers and/or discipleship training for Christian Fire/EMS workers
* Participates and/or leads in department Traumatic Incident Team
* Participates in state association of Fire and Emergency Chaplains
* Engages in continuing self-education, training and upgrading of skills and knowledge
* Assists and/or teaches Fire/EMS personnel with training in crisis intervention and stress management.

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
* Experience administering spiritual services in a clinical setting of some type
Education:
* Master's degree in spirituality, theology, divinity, religious studies, or a related field of study
Skills:
* Spiritual knowledge - chaplains must understand multiple faiths in order to administer services to people of all belief systems and perform rituals of all religions
* Public speaking - as chaplains conduct religious services and ceremonies, good public speaking skills are essential for professionals in this role
* Teaching - chaplains conduct educational services, which requires some teaching ability
* Communication skills - chaplains need excellent listening and verbal communication skills to speak with people in times of tragedy, crisis, and emotional upheaval
* Analytical thinking - because chaplains evaluate patients and assess their spiritual needs, strong analytical thinking skills are a must-have for this job
* Interpersonal skills - chaplains use well-honed interpersonal skills to speak with people of all ages and faiths and help them open up about their most intimate problems and emotions

Credentials/Licenses:
* Certified or be eligible for board certification through the Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC), the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), or a similar faith-based organization

Creating a formalized chaplain program. we have spoken to several local members of the clergy who have expressed interest.