Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Coordinator
This job is now closed
Job summary
Here is an opportunity for someone with a pastoral heart to join the Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy team. Prior experience of providing spiritual, pastoral and religious care may have been gained in different settings including community, church, school and other similar contexts. The successful candidate will enjoy the benefits of a part-time and balanced work pattern that will complement other roles and activities, and which can be based around family and other commitments.
This is a key appointment, and it is expected that the successful candidate will help to re-frame the vision for Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy, ensuring that all of our services are inclusive, of high quality, sustainable and visible.
Main duties of the job
To provide spiritual, pastoral and religious care to patients and families, colleagues and visitors within the Hospice community, and to support the same in bereavement and at other times of need. Such support will be equitable regardless of religion or belief group.
To work as a flexible and responsive member of the wider multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient care through thoughtful and appropriate support. Being a listening ear to colleagues and others, and to those seeking support prior to and following bereavement. Providing resources that enable the Hospice community to share in wider celebrations, Remembrance Services and other national events.
About us
At St Lukes Hospice, our ethos is one of service; being of service to our local people and community is central to all that we do. We believe the most important privilege any person can have is the opportunity to comfort and support ones fellow human beings in their hour of need. This spirit of service at St Lukes extends not only to the patients, but also to family and friends, and we welcome diversity.
The founding members of St Lukes Hospice were driven by the same ideals that inspire us today; to reach out a warm and caring hand to those in need and to help relieve their suffering of mind, spirit or body. The founder of the Hospice movement, the late Dame Cicely Saunders, wanted hospices to remain a beacon of hope with a message of care and community. St Lukes is a lively and vibrant Hospice that has a very powerful reason to be here.
St Lukes is an incredibly inspiring place to work and volunteer. You will be joining a passionate team, dedicated to delivering care and support to local people and their families.
We all share in the sense of privilege and honour that comes from being involved in a local organisation doing such important work and each day we look for new and innovative ways to make a difference to the wider community.
Each member of staff is highly valued at St Lukes
Details
Date posted
03 September 2024
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£35,758.70 a year pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
B0242-24-0013
Job locations
Grosvenor House
Queensway
Winsford
Cheshire
CW7 1BH
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy is one element of the Family Support Team at St Luke's Hospice, which also provides Counselling, Social Work and Benefits Advice to the Hospice community.
The successful candidate will work closely with the wider Hospice multidisciplinary team, and will be responsible for the spiritual, pastoral and religious care of the Hospice community, reporting to the Family Support Team Manager.
The nature of chaplaincy is such that the Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Team seek key working relationships across the Hospice community, both at Grosvenor House and at other locations. These include but are not limited to medical staff and nursing teams, and across all supporting staff, such as Communications, Fund Raising, Retail and all other administrative colleagues. As such, the successful candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrable ability to collaborate with and empower others, and the ability to work with and value diversity.
Externally, the post holder will build upon and forge new links across various and appropriate religion and belief groups (NB: throughout this job description, religion means any religions, and any reference to religion includes reference to a lack of religion. Belief means any philosophical or religious belief, and a reference to belief includes a reference to a lack of belief too). The post holder will be pro-active in networking with Social Prescribers and agencies such as End of Life Partnership.
PURPOSE:
To provide spiritual, pastoral and religious care to patients and families, colleagues and visitors within the Hospice community, and to support the same in bereavement and at other times of need. Such support will be equitable regardless of religion or belief group.
To work as a flexible and responsive member of the wider multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient care through thoughtful and appropriate support. Being a listening ear to colleagues and others, and to those seeking support prior to and following bereavement. Providing resources that enable the Hospice community to share in wider celebrations, Remembrance Services and other national events.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
To provide spiritual, pastoral and religious care to patients and families within the In-Care Unit (IPU) and Day Hospice, and across the wider Hospice community
To be responsive to the range of beliefs (religious and non-religious) that you might encounter, with no sense of any beliefs having greater worth or value than others, and without attempt to proselytise
To listen to and care pastorally for colleagues (staff and volunteers), on both a one-to-one and group basis
To help nurture and grow a team of gifted Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy volunteers
To contribute to the ongoing development of creative, accessible and inclusive resources to enable delivery of high quality spiritual, pastoral and religious care, in line with the wider organisational Strategy
Whilst the above represent the key responsibilities of this role, they are not all deliverable within a single week of 16 hours duration. Rather, it is expected that these elements will be accomplished on a planned basis according to a regular rota and according to priority, week by week.
This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder and according to future changes/developments in the service.
Delivering Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy
To be connected to the needs of the local demographic, and to be competent and confident in facilitating the type of spiritual, pastoral and religious care that is right for the individual/group whether this is through personal delivery, or via the effective liaison with the MDT and/or external religion or belief groups
To help staff to identify distress and any spiritual and/or religious needs expressed by patients, families or carers.
To assist preparation and leading of seasonal services of remembrance and similar, aiming to nurture the experience of patients, families, carers and the bereaved under the care of St Lukes
To liaise with visiting religion or belief group-leaders, ensuring warm and effective communication
To ensure that spiritual care needs and concerns, and requirements of religion or belief group are documented appropriately and clearly on the patient records
To practice ethically, respecting the wish of patients and families to decline spiritual care and chaplaincy support
To discuss requests to officiate at funerals, weddings and baptisms with the Family Support Team Leader, and follow agreed guidelines as necessary
To be willing to work occasional evenings and be part of a Sunday rota if required
To share responsibility for the hospice Chapel, also known as the Sanctuary, ensuring this is a space that supports comfort and reflection for those of any religion or belief group
To be an active voice and facilitator in the development of the Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy service
Management
To share responsibility for Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy volunteers.
To be responsible for compliance with own professional body (or appropriate alternative) requirements in terms of code of conduct, professional practice, expertise and knowledge including maintaining continuous professional development
Research and Audit
Participate in clinical audit where indicated. Respond to identified needs, developing / modifying practice where required.
Quality of Service
Provision of a safe and ethical environment where patients can freely express themselves without fear of judgement or condemnation
Ensure the Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy service is pro-active, responsive, inclusive and available to all patients, relatives and carers, and to the wider hospice community
To explore and implement a meaningful and effective means of assessment, to ensure the spiritual, pastoral and religious care needs of patients and families is identified in a timely and precise manner
To explore and implement a meaningful and effective means of service evaluation, to ensure that the experience of those accessing the service is captured and any areas of learning or development are identified in a timely and precise manner
Education
To support the induction of staff and volunteers on the team
To initiate, deliver and evaluate informal and formal events/sessions that aim to increase the knowledge and skills of the MDT in the delivery of spiritual, pastoral and religious care and support
To help publicise the Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Team to ensure that patients, families and carers are aware of the support we offer
To represent the Hospice within the wider community, assisting in developing services that meet the needs of all stakeholders. This may include meeting with local Church leaders and leaders of other faith/cultural communities, and contributing to talks and presentations to local and regional religion and belief groups and community groups
Professional and Personal Development
If ordained, be authorised to minister by an appropriate ecclesiastical authority or equivalent
To work within the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy Code of Conduct or relevant and appropriate alternative (e.g. Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network)
To be committed to attend regular 1:1 supervision, and participate in group supervision and reflective practice as required
To develop positive relationships with the Chaplaincy Teams in the local NHS Trusts and community
To maintain an awareness of regional and national policy in health care chaplaincy, palliative and end of life care and apply this as necessary
Health & Safety & Security
Under health and safety legislation, each individual has a legal responsibility for their own welfare and for the health and safety of others and to co-operate in maintaining their place of work in a tidy and safe condition, thereby minimising risk. The Hospice has a Health & Safety Policy which applies to all staff.
Similarly, it is each persons responsibility to ensure a secure environment and bring any breaches of security to the attention of their manager.
Equal Opportunities
St Luke's Cheshire Hospice has given its full commitment to the adoption and promotion of the key principles of equal opportunities contained within current legislation and St Luke's Cheshire Hospice Equality & Diversity Policy.
Confidentiality
In the course of your duties, you will have access to confidential material about members of staff, volunteers, other hospice business and patients. The Hospice has Data Protection Policy which applies to all staff.
St Luke's Cheshire Hospice is committed to safeguarding adults and children and expects all staff to share in this commitment. Staff have a responsibility to ensure that they are aware of specific duties relating to their role and should familiarise themselves with the Hospices Safeguarding Policies. Safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff.
This job description may vary from time to time according to the needs of St Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice.
This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder and according to future changes/developments in the service.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy is one element of the Family Support Team at St Luke's Hospice, which also provides Counselling, Social Work and Benefits Advice to the Hospice community.
The successful candidate will work closely with the wider Hospice multidisciplinary team, and will be responsible for the spiritual, pastoral and religious care of the Hospice community, reporting to the Family Support Team Manager.
The nature of chaplaincy is such that the Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Team seek key working relationships across the Hospice community, both at Grosvenor House and at other locations. These include but are not limited to medical staff and nursing teams, and across all supporting staff, such as Communications, Fund Raising, Retail and all other administrative colleagues. As such, the successful candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrable ability to collaborate with and empower others, and the ability to work with and value diversity.
Externally, the post holder will build upon and forge new links across various and appropriate religion and belief groups (NB: throughout this job description, religion means any religions, and any reference to religion includes reference to a lack of religion. Belief means any philosophical or religious belief, and a reference to belief includes a reference to a lack of belief too). The post holder will be pro-active in networking with Social Prescribers and agencies such as End of Life Partnership.
PURPOSE:
To provide spiritual, pastoral and religious care to patients and families, colleagues and visitors within the Hospice community, and to support the same in bereavement and at other times of need. Such support will be equitable regardless of religion or belief group.
To work as a flexible and responsive member of the wider multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient care through thoughtful and appropriate support. Being a listening ear to colleagues and others, and to those seeking support prior to and following bereavement. Providing resources that enable the Hospice community to share in wider celebrations, Remembrance Services and other national events.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
To provide spiritual, pastoral and religious care to patients and families within the In-Care Unit (IPU) and Day Hospice, and across the wider Hospice community
To be responsive to the range of beliefs (religious and non-religious) that you might encounter, with no sense of any beliefs having greater worth or value than others, and without attempt to proselytise
To listen to and care pastorally for colleagues (staff and volunteers), on both a one-to-one and group basis
To help nurture and grow a team of gifted Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy volunteers
To contribute to the ongoing development of creative, accessible and inclusive resources to enable delivery of high quality spiritual, pastoral and religious care, in line with the wider organisational Strategy
Whilst the above represent the key responsibilities of this role, they are not all deliverable within a single week of 16 hours duration. Rather, it is expected that these elements will be accomplished on a planned basis according to a regular rota and according to priority, week by week.
This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder and according to future changes/developments in the service.
Delivering Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy
To be connected to the needs of the local demographic, and to be competent and confident in facilitating the type of spiritual, pastoral and religious care that is right for the individual/group whether this is through personal delivery, or via the effective liaison with the MDT and/or external religion or belief groups
To help staff to identify distress and any spiritual and/or religious needs expressed by patients, families or carers.
To assist preparation and leading of seasonal services of remembrance and similar, aiming to nurture the experience of patients, families, carers and the bereaved under the care of St Lukes
To liaise with visiting religion or belief group-leaders, ensuring warm and effective communication
To ensure that spiritual care needs and concerns, and requirements of religion or belief group are documented appropriately and clearly on the patient records
To practice ethically, respecting the wish of patients and families to decline spiritual care and chaplaincy support
To discuss requests to officiate at funerals, weddings and baptisms with the Family Support Team Leader, and follow agreed guidelines as necessary
To be willing to work occasional evenings and be part of a Sunday rota if required
To share responsibility for the hospice Chapel, also known as the Sanctuary, ensuring this is a space that supports comfort and reflection for those of any religion or belief group
To be an active voice and facilitator in the development of the Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy service
Management
To share responsibility for Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy volunteers.
To be responsible for compliance with own professional body (or appropriate alternative) requirements in terms of code of conduct, professional practice, expertise and knowledge including maintaining continuous professional development
Research and Audit
Participate in clinical audit where indicated. Respond to identified needs, developing / modifying practice where required.
Quality of Service
Provision of a safe and ethical environment where patients can freely express themselves without fear of judgement or condemnation
Ensure the Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy service is pro-active, responsive, inclusive and available to all patients, relatives and carers, and to the wider hospice community
To explore and implement a meaningful and effective means of assessment, to ensure the spiritual, pastoral and religious care needs of patients and families is identified in a timely and precise manner
To explore and implement a meaningful and effective means of service evaluation, to ensure that the experience of those accessing the service is captured and any areas of learning or development are identified in a timely and precise manner
Education
To support the induction of staff and volunteers on the team
To initiate, deliver and evaluate informal and formal events/sessions that aim to increase the knowledge and skills of the MDT in the delivery of spiritual, pastoral and religious care and support
To help publicise the Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Team to ensure that patients, families and carers are aware of the support we offer
To represent the Hospice within the wider community, assisting in developing services that meet the needs of all stakeholders. This may include meeting with local Church leaders and leaders of other faith/cultural communities, and contributing to talks and presentations to local and regional religion and belief groups and community groups
Professional and Personal Development
If ordained, be authorised to minister by an appropriate ecclesiastical authority or equivalent
To work within the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy Code of Conduct or relevant and appropriate alternative (e.g. Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network)
To be committed to attend regular 1:1 supervision, and participate in group supervision and reflective practice as required
To develop positive relationships with the Chaplaincy Teams in the local NHS Trusts and community
To maintain an awareness of regional and national policy in health care chaplaincy, palliative and end of life care and apply this as necessary
Health & Safety & Security
Under health and safety legislation, each individual has a legal responsibility for their own welfare and for the health and safety of others and to co-operate in maintaining their place of work in a tidy and safe condition, thereby minimising risk. The Hospice has a Health & Safety Policy which applies to all staff.
Similarly, it is each persons responsibility to ensure a secure environment and bring any breaches of security to the attention of their manager.
Equal Opportunities
St Luke's Cheshire Hospice has given its full commitment to the adoption and promotion of the key principles of equal opportunities contained within current legislation and St Luke's Cheshire Hospice Equality & Diversity Policy.
Confidentiality
In the course of your duties, you will have access to confidential material about members of staff, volunteers, other hospice business and patients. The Hospice has Data Protection Policy which applies to all staff.
St Luke's Cheshire Hospice is committed to safeguarding adults and children and expects all staff to share in this commitment. Staff have a responsibility to ensure that they are aware of specific duties relating to their role and should familiarise themselves with the Hospices Safeguarding Policies. Safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff.
This job description may vary from time to time according to the needs of St Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice.
This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder and according to future changes/developments in the service.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Where experience derives from a Church of England context, completion of or substantive progress in an appropriate course of theological study, including but not limited to training for Ordination, Reader or Licensed Pastoral Worker; or forms of Spiritual Accompaniment or Direction, or equivalent qualifications within a different faith or denominational setting.
- Endorsement from/considered to be in good standing with a recognised religion or belief group or community if applicable.
- Where experience derives from a community or secular environment, completion of or substantive progress of structured learning and reflective practice in a pastoral setting.
- To possess a clear and good understanding of own religion or belief group.
Desirable
- Training and qualification in counselling skills/advanced communication skills or equivalent.
- Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to the post.
- Training in concepts relating to palliative and end of life care, or willingness to undertake.
- Training in Mindfulness-based approaches (including but not limited to Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction)
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- Ability to support individuals irrespective of their religion or belief group.
- Ability to lead faith-based worship where required, or to facilitate this through the effective liaison with the relevant individual/group.
- Ability to co-ordinate and support a small team of volunteers.
- Ability to create and lead reflective remembrance gatherings.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of multi-professional team.
- Excellent communication skills with individuals and with groups.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan and balance priorities.
- Excellent computer skills including the ability to lead services and meetings by hosting video conferences e.g. Zoom, Teams.
Desirable
- Group facilitation skills
- Ability to create and deliver a range of reflective, experiential and sensory material, suitable to support mindfulness sessions on both guided and self-guided bases
- Ability to support people in person and by remote access, with offers designed appropriately for patients, staff or other groups.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of providing holistic pastoral support to individuals in distress or crisis.
- Awareness of adult and children safeguarding responsibilities, and experience of working with such responsibilities.
- Understanding of the nature and scope of loss, grief and bereavement.
- Understanding of the nature of spiritual, pastoral and religious care within a range of cultural and religious contexts.
- Insight into the needs of seriously ill people, their families and carers.
- Knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and its importance in relation to the post.
Desirable
- Experience of providing spiritual, religious and pastoral care and support in a healthcare setting.
- Experience of working with death and dying.
- Experience of delivering education and training to professionals.
- Experience of delivering supervision or staff support.
- Experience of delivering mindfulness and meditation, on an individual and group basis.
- Experience of supporting or co-ordinating volunteers.
- Experience of supporting or leading an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiative in the workplace or other relevant setting
Other Requirements
Essential
- Ability to transport yourself across St Lukes geographical area.
- Full, clean UK drivers license and regular and consistent use of a vehicle with business insurance - some Home visits to patients/families/carers may be required.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Approachable, professional and compassionate.
- Demonstrative cultural competence, emotional resilience and self-awareness.
- Empathic and non-judgmental.
- Can work flexibly (occasional evening work is required and potentially being part of a Sunday rota).
- Adaptable to changing work circumstances and confident in working from home/remotely with a team.
- Committed to own personal and professional development.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Where experience derives from a Church of England context, completion of or substantive progress in an appropriate course of theological study, including but not limited to training for Ordination, Reader or Licensed Pastoral Worker; or forms of Spiritual Accompaniment or Direction, or equivalent qualifications within a different faith or denominational setting.
- Endorsement from/considered to be in good standing with a recognised religion or belief group or community if applicable.
- Where experience derives from a community or secular environment, completion of or substantive progress of structured learning and reflective practice in a pastoral setting.
- To possess a clear and good understanding of own religion or belief group.
Desirable
- Training and qualification in counselling skills/advanced communication skills or equivalent.
- Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to the post.
- Training in concepts relating to palliative and end of life care, or willingness to undertake.
- Training in Mindfulness-based approaches (including but not limited to Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction)
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- Ability to support individuals irrespective of their religion or belief group.
- Ability to lead faith-based worship where required, or to facilitate this through the effective liaison with the relevant individual/group.
- Ability to co-ordinate and support a small team of volunteers.
- Ability to create and lead reflective remembrance gatherings.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of multi-professional team.
- Excellent communication skills with individuals and with groups.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan and balance priorities.
- Excellent computer skills including the ability to lead services and meetings by hosting video conferences e.g. Zoom, Teams.
Desirable
- Group facilitation skills
- Ability to create and deliver a range of reflective, experiential and sensory material, suitable to support mindfulness sessions on both guided and self-guided bases
- Ability to support people in person and by remote access, with offers designed appropriately for patients, staff or other groups.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of providing holistic pastoral support to individuals in distress or crisis.
- Awareness of adult and children safeguarding responsibilities, and experience of working with such responsibilities.
- Understanding of the nature and scope of loss, grief and bereavement.
- Understanding of the nature of spiritual, pastoral and religious care within a range of cultural and religious contexts.
- Insight into the needs of seriously ill people, their families and carers.
- Knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and its importance in relation to the post.
Desirable
- Experience of providing spiritual, religious and pastoral care and support in a healthcare setting.
- Experience of working with death and dying.
- Experience of delivering education and training to professionals.
- Experience of delivering supervision or staff support.
- Experience of delivering mindfulness and meditation, on an individual and group basis.
- Experience of supporting or co-ordinating volunteers.
- Experience of supporting or leading an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiative in the workplace or other relevant setting
Other Requirements
Essential
- Ability to transport yourself across St Lukes geographical area.
- Full, clean UK drivers license and regular and consistent use of a vehicle with business insurance - some Home visits to patients/families/carers may be required.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Approachable, professional and compassionate.
- Demonstrative cultural competence, emotional resilience and self-awareness.
- Empathic and non-judgmental.
- Can work flexibly (occasional evening work is required and potentially being part of a Sunday rota).
- Adaptable to changing work circumstances and confident in working from home/remotely with a team.
- Committed to own personal and professional development.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice
Address
Grosvenor House
Queensway
Winsford
Cheshire
CW7 1BH
Employer's website
https://www.slhospice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice
Address
Grosvenor House
Queensway
Winsford
Cheshire
CW7 1BH
Employer's website
https://www.slhospice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Details
Date posted
03 September 2024
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£35,758.70 a year pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
B0242-24-0013
Job locations
Grosvenor House
Queensway
Winsford
Cheshire
CW7 1BH
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)