Job summary
Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Bedford Hospital have merged to form the Bedfordshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and an exciting opportunity has arisen for a person-centred Christian Chaplain (Preference to Baptist or Methodist) to join the existing chaplaincy team as a Trust Chaplain across the two sites.
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, caring, and reliable team player with demonstrable, extensive chaplaincy experience, and educated to university degree level. You will be fully accredited and authorized and in good standing with the Churches Together in England member. You will have excellent communication skills and be able to work collaboratively with other colleagues in this ecumenical and multi-faith and belief team under the direction of the Head of Chaplaincy.
Main duties of the job
You will be part of a friendly, collaborative, supportive team of chaplains and chaplaincy volunteers who have a heart for providing high quality pastoral, spiritual, and religious care to patients, visitors, and staff of all faiths and beliefs, including those who do not consider themselves as religious. Alongside the Head of Chaplaincy you will provide mentoring, support, and supervision to our chaplaincy volunteers, as well as contributing to the development and delivery of education and training programs relating to pastoral, spiritual, and religious care across the Trust. You will have specialist knowledge of other faiths and cultures to work generically when necessary as well as experience of working with multi-discipline teams for palliative/end of life care and the Bereavement Team.
For further details / informal visits contact:
Revd Varkey Eappen, Head of Chaplaincy varkey.eappen@ldh.nhs.uk / 01582718484
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Chaplaincy Team is responsible for the spiritual, pastoral and religious care of patients, visitors and staff within the Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and has concern for those of all faith communities and none. The Chaplains are an integral and integrated part of all pastoral and bereavement care.
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF THE POST:
The Team Chaplain shares with the Lead Chaplain and the Chaplaincy Team in the delivery and development of the Chaplaincy Service within the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital Trust and facilitating spiritual care to patients, visitors and staff of all faiths or none. The post holder will be the Chaplain with primary responsibility for developing and enhancing the Chaplaincys End of Life care and support.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Delivering the Chaplaincy Service
- Working with the Lead Chaplain to deliver and develop the Chaplaincy service as we explore new ways of working within the new trust to be created by the merger of the L&D and Bedford Hospital.
- With the Lead Chaplain, and chaplaincy and other colleagues to develop a vision for the chaplaincy services collaboratively and in line with the Trusts strategic direction.
- To work in an ecumenical and inter faith Chaplaincy Team, respecting and valuing difference and diversity.
- Working with a unified and common purpose approach and respecting diversity in Faith
- To be involved in the training, supervision and support of chaplaincy volunteers which includes upskilling the team and other colleagues in understanding and knowledge of areas of the Muslim Faith where needed
- To work within the NHS Chaplaincy Guidance and any other relevant policy or guidance from the DoH and NHS and Chaplaincy bodies.
- To be participate in an on-call rota to offer advice and support out of hours when required.
- To be a part of the Chaplaincy response within the Trusts major incident plans and response.
- To meet the requirements for registration with the UK Board of Health Care Chaplaincy and liaise with other Health Care Chaplains for appropriate support and training.
- To abide by the current edition of the Code of Conduct for Health Care Chaplains.
- To participate in and attend appropriate working groups and meetings as agreed with the Lead Chaplain
Pastoral and spiritual care.
- To share in the provision of pastoral, spiritual and religious care for patients, staff, volunteers, students and visitors of all faiths and none.
- To have knowledge and skills in religious and cultural issues and keep guidance on these issues up to date.
- With the Lead Chaplain to ensure provision of worship spaces and worship resources and opportunities for worship for patients, visitors and staff.
- To have particular responsibility for the spiritual, pastoral and religious care of End of Life patients in the L&D. In consultation with the Lead Chaplain and Team develop other areas of specific responsibility.
Working relationships
- To develop and foster good working relationships with chaplaincy colleagues and colleagues throughout the hospital
- The chaplains should maintain close links with all those involved in the emergency services, critical care units, maternity services and providers of post mortem services.
- To act as a chaplain to the organization, networking with governors, the executive and the unions as required.
- To work collaboratively with staff from other professional groups
- To be aware of changes within the NHS and to support staff through those changes and available as an advisor on ethical or moral issues
Training and Education
- To participate in the planning and delivery of education and training programmes for the chaplaincy team and trust staff and others.
- To be open to topics for research and be alert for opportunities to collaborate with other staff, locally and more widely, to include spiritual care dimensions in other research projects.
- To read journals and search websites to identify new opportunities for development.
Administration
- To keep the chaplaincy offices and worship spaces suitably and appropriately maintained.
- To keep rotas and contact lists up to date
- To develop information leaflets and e-resources for staff, patients and relatives.
- To design and produce service sheets and posters for particular events.
Maternity and NICU
The chaplains work with the maternity and neonatal teams to provide continuity of care for parents with non viable foetus deaths, still births and neo natal deaths. This includes religious rites when appropriate, discussions with parents before and/or after the delivery, advice on funeral arrangements and on-going care where needed including an annual remembrance service. The chaplain will liaise with the Bereavement Midwife and lead services for those parents who wish to have a Hospital funeral and will be available to take private burials when requested.
1.1. PERSONAL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
- To identify training needs and the ways to meet them in order to produce and pursue a personal development plan.
- To investigate possible topics for research
- To read journals and search websites to identify new opportunities for development.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Chaplaincy Team is responsible for the spiritual, pastoral and religious care of patients, visitors and staff within the Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and has concern for those of all faith communities and none. The Chaplains are an integral and integrated part of all pastoral and bereavement care.
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF THE POST:
The Team Chaplain shares with the Lead Chaplain and the Chaplaincy Team in the delivery and development of the Chaplaincy Service within the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital Trust and facilitating spiritual care to patients, visitors and staff of all faiths or none. The post holder will be the Chaplain with primary responsibility for developing and enhancing the Chaplaincys End of Life care and support.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Delivering the Chaplaincy Service
- Working with the Lead Chaplain to deliver and develop the Chaplaincy service as we explore new ways of working within the new trust to be created by the merger of the L&D and Bedford Hospital.
- With the Lead Chaplain, and chaplaincy and other colleagues to develop a vision for the chaplaincy services collaboratively and in line with the Trusts strategic direction.
- To work in an ecumenical and inter faith Chaplaincy Team, respecting and valuing difference and diversity.
- Working with a unified and common purpose approach and respecting diversity in Faith
- To be involved in the training, supervision and support of chaplaincy volunteers which includes upskilling the team and other colleagues in understanding and knowledge of areas of the Muslim Faith where needed
- To work within the NHS Chaplaincy Guidance and any other relevant policy or guidance from the DoH and NHS and Chaplaincy bodies.
- To be participate in an on-call rota to offer advice and support out of hours when required.
- To be a part of the Chaplaincy response within the Trusts major incident plans and response.
- To meet the requirements for registration with the UK Board of Health Care Chaplaincy and liaise with other Health Care Chaplains for appropriate support and training.
- To abide by the current edition of the Code of Conduct for Health Care Chaplains.
- To participate in and attend appropriate working groups and meetings as agreed with the Lead Chaplain
Pastoral and spiritual care.
- To share in the provision of pastoral, spiritual and religious care for patients, staff, volunteers, students and visitors of all faiths and none.
- To have knowledge and skills in religious and cultural issues and keep guidance on these issues up to date.
- With the Lead Chaplain to ensure provision of worship spaces and worship resources and opportunities for worship for patients, visitors and staff.
- To have particular responsibility for the spiritual, pastoral and religious care of End of Life patients in the L&D. In consultation with the Lead Chaplain and Team develop other areas of specific responsibility.
Working relationships
- To develop and foster good working relationships with chaplaincy colleagues and colleagues throughout the hospital
- The chaplains should maintain close links with all those involved in the emergency services, critical care units, maternity services and providers of post mortem services.
- To act as a chaplain to the organization, networking with governors, the executive and the unions as required.
- To work collaboratively with staff from other professional groups
- To be aware of changes within the NHS and to support staff through those changes and available as an advisor on ethical or moral issues
Training and Education
- To participate in the planning and delivery of education and training programmes for the chaplaincy team and trust staff and others.
- To be open to topics for research and be alert for opportunities to collaborate with other staff, locally and more widely, to include spiritual care dimensions in other research projects.
- To read journals and search websites to identify new opportunities for development.
Administration
- To keep the chaplaincy offices and worship spaces suitably and appropriately maintained.
- To keep rotas and contact lists up to date
- To develop information leaflets and e-resources for staff, patients and relatives.
- To design and produce service sheets and posters for particular events.
Maternity and NICU
The chaplains work with the maternity and neonatal teams to provide continuity of care for parents with non viable foetus deaths, still births and neo natal deaths. This includes religious rites when appropriate, discussions with parents before and/or after the delivery, advice on funeral arrangements and on-going care where needed including an annual remembrance service. The chaplain will liaise with the Bereavement Midwife and lead services for those parents who wish to have a Hospital funeral and will be available to take private burials when requested.
1.1. PERSONAL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
- To identify training needs and the ways to meet them in order to produce and pursue a personal development plan.
- To investigate possible topics for research
- To read journals and search websites to identify new opportunities for development.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- oAccreditation by appropriate Faith Community -a member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
- oAbility to identify and maintain continuing professional development
- oQualification/ training in Spiritual and Pastoral Care.
- oAppropriate accredited ministerial and theological education (professional qualification) preferably degree standard.
- oEligible to register with the UKBHC (United Kingdom Board for Healthcare Chaplaincy)
Desirable
- oMembership of the College of Health Care Chaplains (CHCC) subscribing to its Code of Practice and Professional Conduct.
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- oExperience in pastoral ministry and supporting people in distressing situations
- oDemonstrable listening and counselling skills.
- oExperience of working in co-operation with others and working with volunteers
- oLeading worship/prayers in variety of settings
Desirable
- oExperience of healthcare chaplaincy
- oCounselling Qualification
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- oUnderstanding of and adherence to Equality and Diversity legislation
- oKnowledge of and sympathy with multi-faith issues.
- oSpecialist knowledge across the range of work procedures underpinned by theoretical knowledge.
- oUnderstanding of the need of confidentiality awareness at all times.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- oAccreditation by appropriate Faith Community -a member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
- oAbility to identify and maintain continuing professional development
- oQualification/ training in Spiritual and Pastoral Care.
- oAppropriate accredited ministerial and theological education (professional qualification) preferably degree standard.
- oEligible to register with the UKBHC (United Kingdom Board for Healthcare Chaplaincy)
Desirable
- oMembership of the College of Health Care Chaplains (CHCC) subscribing to its Code of Practice and Professional Conduct.
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- oExperience in pastoral ministry and supporting people in distressing situations
- oDemonstrable listening and counselling skills.
- oExperience of working in co-operation with others and working with volunteers
- oLeading worship/prayers in variety of settings
Desirable
- oExperience of healthcare chaplaincy
- oCounselling Qualification
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- oUnderstanding of and adherence to Equality and Diversity legislation
- oKnowledge of and sympathy with multi-faith issues.
- oSpecialist knowledge across the range of work procedures underpinned by theoretical knowledge.
- oUnderstanding of the need of confidentiality awareness at all times.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
