nu0935-integrated chaplain spiritual care

Work Type: Casual

LOCATION: WRHN across all sites

HOURS OF WORK : Casual on-call shifts: M-F 1630 – 1159 & , Sat & Sun , &

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the center of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

Please Note: New employees must provide documentation/proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB test, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). New Employees will require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within WRHN.

Position Summary :

Spiritual and Emotional Support

• Provide compassionate, nonjudgmental spiritual and emotional care to patients, families, and staff during times of crisis, grief, or end-of-life.
• Respond promptly to requests for spiritual support for patients who are actively dying or have recently died.
• Offer comfort and presence to families experiencing loss or distress.

Sacramental and Ritual Support

• Facilitate or provide religious rituals, prayers, or sacraments as appropriate to the patient's faith tradition (e.g., Last Rites, Anointing of the Sick).
• Collaborate with local faith leaders or clergy to ensure appropriate spiritual care is delivered when specific denominational or cultural needs arise.
• Crisis and Safety Response
• Provide spiritual support and stabilization in collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team, ensuring appropriate escalation and follow-up.
• Collaboration and Communication
• Work closely with nursing, medical, and allied health teams to ensure holistic, patient-centered care.
• Maintain respectful communication and confidentiality in accordance with hospital policy and professional standards.
• Document spiritual care interactions and interventions accurately in the patient's medical record.

Cultural and Faith Sensitivity

• Demonstrate understanding and respect for diverse faith traditions, cultural practices, and belief systems.
• Provide inclusive spiritual care that honors each individual's values and preferences.

Professional Conduct and Development

• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Participate in ongoing education, reflection, and supervision to support personal and professional growth.
• Represent the Spiritual Care Department and the hospital's values with compassion, integrity, and respect.

Position Requirements:

• Master's Degree in Divinity, Theological studies or recognized equivalent e.g. Psychotherapy and Spirituality, Clinical or Counselling Psychology
• A minimum of three Units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) or recognized equivalent and commitment to complete equivalency
• Member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), or in process
• Specialist certification with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC)/Association Canadienne de Soins Spirituels or in process is preferred
• Proven competency with a minimum of two years of spiritual care experience in a mental health facility
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and assertively within an interprofessional health care team and with community partners, well-developed communication, interpersonal skills as well as negotiation, consultation and client advocacy skills
• Demonstrated ability to support patients, families and staff through crisis situations
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships and teams

Application Instructions:

EMPLOYEES OF LEGACY ST. MARY'S GENERAL HOSPITAL ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY USING INFOR.

As per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.

WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.

Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

International Applicants

If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit, we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.

We would like to thank all candidates in advance for their interest and only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we are unable to confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.