What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS BHA Religious Coordinator position at State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...?
Description
Religious Coordinator / Clergy
Join our team as a Religious Coordinator at our newest behavioral health treatment campus, Maple Lane in Grand Mound, near Centralia, WA.
Behavioral Health Treatment Center Maple Lane offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed, in need of competency restoration, or adjudicated not guilty by reason of mental diagnosis. Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State’s vision of community-based care. Treating residents in smaller facilities helps them stay closer to home, family, and support systems, fostering stronger community connections.
As a Religious Coordinator, you will provide personal spiritual care to patients from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds, ensuring support aligns with their beliefs without promoting your own. You will advocate for patients and their families on issues related to patient rights and cultural sensitivity. In this role, you will serve as the spiritual care specialist on the treatment team.
Maple Lane is a key business unit of DSHS's Behavioral Health Administration, where our dedicated staff offers residents enriching opportunities and experiences outside the hospital setting, preparing them for a smooth transition back into the community. This is a great opportunity to be a team member as BHA modernizes and enhances behavioral health treatment in Washington State.
Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Some of what you will do
- Organize religious services and respond to resident requests for spiritual/religious support and assess how the program can best meet the spiritual needs of residents.
- Minister to the spiritual needs of residents, families and staff by interviewing and counseling residents regarding spiritual and moral matters.
- Administer sacraments and other religious rites/last rites/funeral services when applicable.
- Serve as a liaison between the Maple Lane Campus religious program and community religious activities. When requested, arrange community religious contacts for residents transitioning into the community.
- Explain and interpret BHTC’s religious and rehabilitation programs to community groups.
- Provide training and information to outside clergy regarding facility services and how to interface with residents.
- Provide reports of activities to denominational leaders and the department.
- Consult with program, food service, and treatment staff about providing supplies for religious services and resident use keeping in mind resident religious considerations.
- Interface with treatment teams and meetings to assist with the religious/spiritual needs of residents.
- Participate in selected resident treatment conferences when invited by the treatment team.
- Correspond with family members, court officials, another clergy, etc. regarding religious matters.
- Prepare and conduct memorial services and special services on religious holidays and on special occasions.
- Provide on-call services by responding to phone calls during off- duty hours in the event of critical resident religious needs.
- Coordinate with interfaith communities to arrange volunteers when needed.
Who should apply
Professionals who are currently ordained or endorsed by chaplaincy and in good standing with a nationally recognized religious body, along with the following:
- Graduate degree from a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools
- And current certification by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education or the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.
- And, 3 years of experience as an ordained minister, priest, or other religious leader such as rabbi, imam, Latter Day Saint bishop, or shaman of a nationally recognized faith.
Preferred qualifications, experience, and certifications:
- Experience working as a chaplain in a hospital system, correctional institution, or behavioral health facility.
- Completion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
Why Join Us? We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness.
Interested or have questions? Apply today or contact Recruiter, reema.goyal@dshs.wa.gov or call (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 01415
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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