Chaplain Resident

Overview

The Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at UAMS Medical Center engages in an action reflection model of learning, which is central to the CPE experience. The Chaplain Resident is involved in direct patient care.  It is this experience and reflection on actual pastoral encounters that fosters the chaplain’s learning. At UAMS Medical Center trainees are involved with people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Trainees are assigned to specific areas, function as ecumenical chaplains, and are responsible for providing pastoral care to patients, families and staff. Trainees attend interdisciplinary meetings and participate with other professionals in providing patient care. Chaplain trainees also share on call responsibilities, which provide learning opportunities in the midst of developing health care crises.

 

The Chaplain Resident will report to the Director of Pastoral Care and Clinical Pastoral Education Training Programs.

 

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity.  We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving the health, health care, and well-being of Arkansans.  

 

The safety of our team members at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is our top priority. For this reason, successful applicants for this position must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have filed a request for medical or religious exemption by March 15, 2022 as a condition of employment.  UAMS will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination prior to employment to ensure compliance.

 

UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks:

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for staff and family
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

Salary offered commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

Pastoral Care Scope of Service:

The provision of pastoral care and counseling services (including but limited to: pastoral assessment, pastoral and emotional support, crisis intervention, grief and bereavement support, sacramental ministry, worship opportunities, liaison with community clergy, ethics consultation.) to patients, patient’s loved ones, and staff of UAMS Medical Center.

Participate in the delivering and arranging for appropriate care to patients, their loved ones and Staff in the Chaplain’s assigned areas.

• Actively participate in the delivery of pastoral care.
• Respond to requests for pastoral care in a timely manner.
• Document pastoral/spiritual assessment of patients.
• Participate in offering worship opportunities.
• Participate in meeting ritual and sacramental needs.
• Support an approach to Pastoral care that is both interdisciplinary and collaborative which ensures the engagement of patient and family in care and decision-making processes.

Support an interdisciplinary approach to pastoral care:

• Participate in team meetings and interdisciplinary rounds.
• Serve on institutional committees as assigned.
• Promote an interdisciplinary approach to pastoral care between all Chaplains.

Participate in the proper administrative procedures for the department in accordance with institutional policies and practices:

• Assist in the coordination of local clergy and pastoral visitors from the community.
• Keep records of pastoral activity to communicate with and report to the other members of the department.
• Chart pastoral activity in the patient’s record to communicate with other members of the care team.

Contribute to the wider community through being an educational resource in relation of End-of-Life issues.

• Provide education to patients and loved ones regarding Advance Directives.
• Provide education to faith communities on ethical issues pertaining to healthcare.

Actively participate in the action reflection learning process by engaging in daily group meetings in the department and attending to the assigned areas of pastoral   responsibility.  Key concepts in an action reflection learning process are as follows:

• Learning from experience, both personal and professional, through case study reflection, peer feedback, and the supervisory encounter in such a way as to shape future
• Working with a peer group, to be held accountable and to hold others accountable, for personal and professional
• Gaining awareness as a pastoral care giver while developing pastoral identity and

Participate in regular professional development through individual supervision and consultation with the CPE Supervisor. 

• Trainees are responsible for setting the agenda for these sessions with the supervisor, and may use them for a variety of functions that relate to their own learning goals. The underlying philosophy is that trainees will be provided an opportunity to deal with significant therapeutic issues in more appropriate sessions, and issues involving the learning group should be brought back to the learning community.

Qualifications

Education:  A four (4) year undergraduate degree (BA or BS) from an accredited organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation is required.  A seminary graduate degree (Master of Divinity, Theology, Counselling, or equivalent) from a seminary or theological school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or a similarly credentialed accrediting agency or its equivalent as determined by the Association of Professional Chaplains, or a master degree from an accredited organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation is preferred.

 

Work Experience:  Minimum of one (1) unit (400 hours) of Clinical Pastoral Education Training is preferred.  A qualifed candidate should have a theological and psychological understanding of religious and human dynamics, medical ethics, and demonstrated knowledge of the pastoral counseling role in a healthcare setting and be ecumenical in outlook and approach.

 

This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity.  The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. 

 

UAMS is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is committed to excellence.  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by telephone at (501) 686-6432 and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Physical Requirements

Stand: FrequentlySit: FrequentlyWalk: FrequentlyBend, crawl, crouch, kneel, stoop, or reach overhead: OccasionallyLift, push, pull, carry weight: 26 - 50 lbsUse hands to touch, handle, or feel: OccasionallyTalk: FrequentlyHear: ContinuouslyTaste or smell: NeverRead, concentrate, think analytically: FrequentlyPhysical Environment: Inside Medical Facility Environment, Inside Office EnvironmentNoise Level: ModerateVisual Requirements: Far visual acuity, Near visual acuityHazards: Biological