Spiritual Care Practitioner

Unity Health Toronto, comprised of Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and St. Michael’s Hospital, works to advance the health of everyone in our urban communities and beyond. Our health network serves patients, residents and clients across the full spectrum of care, spanning primary care, secondary community care, tertiary and quaternary care services to post-acute through rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care, while investing in world-class research and education. Join our team in our mission to continue to put patients and families at the centre of everything we do, in the role of Spiritual Care Practitioner / Chaplain.

**This position will require working Day Shifts (3 days one week; 2 days the following week). Availability to do On-Call may be required.**

**Shifts at other Unity Health Toronto sites may be available dependent on need and availability.**

**DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Providing and promoting high quality spiritual, religious and cultural care that is consistent with the Mission and Values of Unity Health Toronto for residents, patients, their families, and hospital staff.
- Assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the spiritual care needs of residents, patients and their families; and clearly communicating the spiritual needs and plans to inter-professional team members through concise documentation.
- Providing care that is respectful of religious, spiritual and cultural diversity by supporting ethical discussion and difficult decision making by residents, patients, their families and staff.
- Actively engaging residents, patients, their families and staff in developing an understanding of the relationship between spiritual, religious, physical, emotional, psychological and mental well-being.
- Providing opportunities that nurture and foster the spiritual and devotional life of residents, including that of retired Roman Catholic Priests and Religious.
- Providing appropriate opportunities for prayer, sacraments, and other rituals; providing support for residents to enable attendance at the daily Mass.
- Creating and providing leadership at religious/spiritual services and Memorial Services for residents experiencing varying levels of cognitive impairment.
- Being available and accessible to residents, patients, their families, and staff within the continuum of care, especially those experiencing spiritual and emotional distress.
- Demonstrating best practices in end-of-life care, grief and bereavement support.
- Enabling effective team collaboration and functioning as a full participant on a variety of clinical teams.
- Facilitating a variety of staff support strategies nurturing collaboration & supportive community.
- Collaborating with community clergy and spiritual care partners (where appropriate) and making referrals and helpful connections with the patient’s/family’s community support.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Successful completion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE);
- Specialist Certification (or certification in process) preferred.
- Must maintain Membership in the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) or an equivalent Canadian or American Association as a condition of employment.
- Masters Degree in Divinity, Pastoral Studies, Theology, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated appreciation of religious, spiritual and cultural diversity (Note: approximately 80% of residents living in the Houses of Providence Long-term Care identify as Roman Catholic)
- Ability to relate theology and behavioral science to the practice of spiritual care.
- Demonstrated spiritual maturity and integrity coupled with a high degree of sensitivity, compassion, gentleness, caring, humility and approachability.
- Demonstrate knowledge of working in long-term care, palliative care, and rehabilitation.
- Demonstrate knowledge and experience working with individuals living with cognitive impairment
- Knowledge of various models of spiritual care and their appropriate use in a variety of practice contexts.
- Demonstrated ability to be with people in their most vulnerable time exploring meaning and identifying values.
- Demonstrated conflict resolution skills and crisis intervention techniques.
- Must be able to work collaboratively as a member of both the spiritual care team and inter-professional teams; and capable of working independently.
- Previous clinical experience working with patients/families experiencing trauma and disadvantage
- Excellent communication (verbal/written English), interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills are essential.
- Demonstrated commitment to the Mission and Values of Unity Health Toronto.
- Must have an excellent attendance record.

The position works 3 days one week and 2 days the following week for a total of 37.5 hours per pay period). Actual Days of Work TBD.

As a condition of employment, all external hires will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or documentation unless a valid accommodation