Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the compassionate and healing realm of healthcare, the role of Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator holds a unique and essential place.

As we navigate the complexities of health and illness, the need for compassionate individuals who can bridge the gap between spiritual needs and medical care becomes more crucial.

So, what does being a Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator really entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager creating the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of spiritual care coordination in a hospital setting,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinators provide spiritual and emotional support to patients, their families, and hospital staff.

They also work to create an environment that meets diverse spiritual needs and respects the differing religious beliefs of those they serve.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and their families
• Providing spiritual counseling, comfort, and support in a respectful and compassionate manner
• Collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure holistic care that includes spiritual and emotional aspects
• Organizing religious services, rituals, and ceremonies in accordance with the patient’s belief system
• Supporting patients and their families during critical moments such as end-of-life decisions or grief
• Training and supervising volunteers, interns, and chaplain residents
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and respecting personal boundaries
• Advocating for the spiritual and emotional needs of patients within the healthcare system
• Developing and implementing spiritual care programs and initiatives
• Documenting spiritual care services provided to patients in their medical records

 

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and understanding Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator to join our team.

The individual will be responsible for providing spiritual and emotional support to patients, their families, and hospital staff.

The Spiritual Care Coordinator must be comfortable working with people of all faiths and belief systems, understanding their spiritual needs and providing the necessary comfort and support.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct spiritual assessments of patients and their families, and provide appropriate spiritual care and counseling.
• Coordinate with the hospital staff to facilitate the provision of spiritual care.
• Provide crisis intervention and bereavement counseling as needed.
• Coordinate and conduct religious services for patients and their families.
• Advocate for the spiritual needs and desires of patients, their families, and staff.
• Provide education and training to hospital staff about spiritual care.
• Perform religious rites and rituals as appropriate and requested by patients and their families.
• Document spiritual care provided and maintain patient confidentiality.

 

Qualifications

• Ordained, commissioned, or endorsed by a recognized religious group or denomination.
• Master’s degree in Divinity, Theology, or a related field.
• Experience in healthcare, pastoral care, counseling, or a related field.
• Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) or eligible for certification.
• Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with people of diverse religious, cultural, and personal beliefs.
• Demonstrated ability to provide spiritual care in a healthcare setting.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Pastoral Care or Hospital Administrator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator Do?

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinators usually work within hospitals, palliative care settings, or other healthcare institutions where they provide spiritual guidance and support to patients, families, and staff members.

Their role involves delivering spiritual counseling and comfort to those dealing with illness, injury, or end-of-life situations.

They may offer prayer, perform religious rituals, or simply provide a listening ear to help individuals cope with their circumstances.

They also advocate for the spiritual needs of patients by communicating their wishes and concerns to the medical staff.

They work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that the spiritual care provided is in line with the overall care plan of the patients.

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinators are also responsible for creating and implementing spiritual care programs within the institution and may conduct spiritual assessments to identify specific needs and preferences.

They may also provide grief counseling for families dealing with loss, and offer resources or referrals to outside spiritual support services if needed.

In addition to the above, they often provide education on spiritual care to hospital staff and volunteers, and may coordinate with local clergy or spiritual leaders to arrange visits or services for patients.

 

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator should possess the qualifications and skills that align with the duties of the role, such as:

• Sensitivity and understanding towards various religious beliefs, cultures, and customs, enabling them to provide appropriate spiritual care to diverse patient populations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to connect with patients, their families, and hospital staff, fostering a supportive and respectful environment.
• Strong communication skills to listen, empathize, and provide comfort to those dealing with health concerns, grief, or loss.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Problem-solving skills to help patients and their families navigate through spiritual or emotional challenges associated with illness or hospitalization.
• Knowledge and understanding of ethical guidelines related to healthcare and spiritual care provision.
• A degree in theology, divinity, religious studies, pastoral ministry, or a related field, along with certification from a recognized pastoral education program.
• Experience in a healthcare setting or similar environment, where spiritual care provision is crucial.
• Administrative skills to coordinate spiritual care programs, manage volunteers, and handle other related tasks.

 

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator Experience Requirements

Individuals interested in becoming a Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator typically need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in religious studies, theology, pastoral ministry, or a related field.

Practical experience is often gained through internships or volunteer work in healthcare facilities or religious institutions, which provides them with real-life experience in providing spiritual guidance and support.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience could have already worked in entry-level roles such as Chaplain Assistant, Pastoral Care Assistant, or Spiritual Counselor in healthcare or community settings.

These roles would have allowed them to get hands-on experience in helping patients and families with spiritual and emotional needs.

For those with 3 to 5 years of experience, they could have served in intermediate roles such as Chaplain, Pastoral Care Counselor or Spiritual Care Specialist in healthcare or hospice settings.

This level of experience often includes providing spiritual care to patients of all ages and backgrounds, dealing with end-of-life issues, and working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Those with over 5 years of experience might have held senior positions like Head of Pastoral Care or Lead Spiritual Counselor and may have developed significant expertise in coordinating spiritual care services and training other spiritual care providers.

These individuals might also have experience with hospital administration and could be prepared for a leadership role as a Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator.

In addition to these experiences, certification from recognized spiritual care bodies such as Association for Clinical Pastoral Education or the National Association of Catholic Chaplains could be required.

This often involves additional training and a certain amount of clinical hours of experience.

 

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinators typically have a bachelor’s degree in divinity, theology, religious studies or another related field.

They need to be ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, imams or other religious leaders in good standing with their respective religious institutions.

Most hospitals require Spiritual Care Coordinators to have completed clinical pastoral education (CPE) units.

These are professional training programs for spiritual care that incorporate both theoretical study and practical experience in a clinical setting.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in divinity, pastoral counseling, or related field, especially for hospitals that are affiliated with a specific religious institution.

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinators may need to be certified by a professional body, such as the Association of Professional Chaplains, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, or the National Association of Jewish Chaplains, depending on their religious affiliation.

Continuing education and professional development are important in this role to keep up-to-date with the latest best practices in spiritual care.

Some coordinators may also choose to pursue additional training in counseling, mental health, or specific medical issues.

Experience in hospital or healthcare settings is often required, as coordinators need to understand the emotional and spiritual issues faced by patients and their families in these environments.

 

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator typically earns an average salary of $50,680 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, the location of the hospital, and the size of the institution.

 

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator need?

A bachelor’s degree in theology, religious studies, pastoral ministry, or a related field is typically required.

However, a master’s degree in divinity or a related field might be preferred by some employers.

Ordination or endorsement by a recognized religious body is also often required.

Some hospitals might require certification from the Association for Professional Chaplains, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, or a similar professional organization.

 

What skills are essential for a Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator?

Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinators must have excellent listening and communication skills.

They must also have strong interfaith knowledge, as they may be providing spiritual guidance to patients and families from various religious backgrounds.

Emotional strength, empathy, and the ability to provide comfort during difficult times are critical.

They should also have good administrative and organizational skills to manage their duties effectively.

 

What are the primary responsibilities of a Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator?

A Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator is responsible for providing spiritual guidance and support to patients, families, and hospital staff.

They offer counseling and conduct religious services.

They collaborate with the healthcare team to address the spiritual needs of patients and liaise with local religious groups for specific patient needs.

They also oversee the spiritual care program within the hospital.

 

What qualities make a good Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator?

A good Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator should be empathetic and understanding, with a genuine desire to provide comfort and support.

They should be open-minded and respectful of different faiths and beliefs.

They should be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with people who may be going through a stressful or difficult time.

They also need to be responsible and reliable, with the ability to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks.

 

What should you look for in a Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator resume?

Look for a combination of education in theology or a related field, ordination or endorsement by a recognized religious body, and experience in providing spiritual care, preferably in a healthcare setting.

Certification from a professional chaplaincy organization is a plus.

Also, look for evidence of strong communication skills, interfaith knowledge, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and empathy.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

We’ve just shone a light on the inner workings of a Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator‘s role.

Surprise!

It’s not just about offering prayer services.

It’s about providing spiritual, moral, and emotional support to those who need it most.

With our go-to Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step into this meaningful career.

But why stop here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every word of comfort, every moment of care is a part of a greater healing process.

Let’s heal the world. Together.

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