Chaplain

The Chaplain contributes directly to the day-to-day spiritual mission of the Nanaimo NHC. The Chaplain ensures the NHC and its services are a place of spiritual vibrance, providing Christian pastoral, spiritual care and support to residents, staff, volunteers, and community guests of the NHC.

The Chaplain at the Nanaimo New Hope Centre plays a crucial role in providing spiritual support and guidance to individuals on a pathway to wellness/recovery. This position involves integrating spiritual care principles into the overall client care program to enhance emotional, mental, and physical healing.

The Chaplain will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that the spiritual needs of clients are met during their recovery journey.

**Hours**:

- 30 per week
- The term would be 12 months beginning Dec 1, 2024

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Acts as the primary Chaplain for the Nanaimo NHC**:

- Provides one-on-one spiritual counseling to clients, helping them explore and address spiritual concerns, questions, and challenges related to their addiction and recovery process.
- Offers spiritual support to clients and families in the event of the loss of a loved one during their wellness journey, helping them process experiences and find meaning in their spiritual beliefs.
- Offers spiritual support and counseling to staff members who may experience emotional challenges in their work, fostering a culture of care and well-being among the team.
- Prays with staff and clients upon request or when opportunity permits.
- May conducts visitations to hospitals and institutions as necessary.
- Collaborates with the program department to integrate spiritual components into individualized development and action plans.
- Contributes to development, maintenance and oversight of spiritual care program to residents, staff, and community guests of the Nanaimo NHC.
- May provide emergency spiritual assistance, short-term spiritual counseling, or other forms of direct spiritual service for clients.
- Assists in crisis-intervention, debrief, and spiritual care planning.
- Facilitates/Officiates special religious services when necessary (i.e., memorial / celebration of life services).
- Organizes and leads workshops or educational sessions on spiritual topics, such as mindfulness, meditation, prayer, and the connection between spirituality and mental health, to empower clients with coping strategies and spiritual tools.
- Facilitates meaningful spiritual rituals and ceremonies for clients, such as prayer services, meditation sessions, or healing circles, to foster a sense of community and spiritual connection.
- Maintains accurate records of appointments, workshop sessions, worship services and Bible studies, topics covered, and client engagement to track progress and outcomes.
- Plans and conducts regular worship services and Bible studies in the Centre.
- Solicits feedback from clients and staff to assess the effectiveness of worship services and Bible studies, adjusting as needed to enhance their impact.
- Provides resources and encouragement for clients transitioning out of the New Hope Centre to support their continued their spiritual growth and recovery in the community.
- Collaborates with local religious leaders and organizations to encourage diverse perspectives during worship services and Bible studies.
- Develops and maintains formal relationships with local churches; interacts and collaborates with community partners and para-church organizations to promote, provide, and expand spiritual care programs and services at the Victoria ARC.

**Member of the NHC management team**:

- The Chaplain is a member of the NHC management team, represents the spiritual care department; and participates in the process of governance and strategic planning.
- Works with management team to ensure programs are aligned with the spiritual mission of The Salvation Army.
- May deliver training for staff at the Nanaimo NHC upon approval of Executive Director.
- Attends case conferences, staff meetings, and client interventions to update the team on spiritual care progress and collaborate on patient care plans and provides support to staff and residents.
- May participate in internal and external committees upon supervisor request and approval.
- Knows and acts in accordance with the security procedures of the Nanaimo NHC and The Salvation Army to ensure safety and confidentiality of participants and information.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

**Administrative Duties**:

- Maintains written records / logs of activities (including activity reports and statistical information).
- Keeps up to date and accurate client case notes in keeping, respecting clients’ confidentiality, and sharing the limits of confidentiality with clients.
- Manages spiritual care budget and resources effectively.
- Develops, implements, and maintains The Spiritual and Religious Care Policies and Procedures Manual and The Spiritual Care Program Plan in keeping