Is responsible for providing spiritual and religious guidance and support to residents in a nondenominational manner, respecting the cultural, traditional and religious diversities of the resident population. The position requires the staff member to work collaboratively with team members, families, community providers, volunteers and residents and work independently in the delivery of programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
In accordance with established policies of Albright Manor, and the standards and criteria as issued by the Ministry of Long Term Care, the Chaplain will:
- Provide spiritual guidance and support to the residents, family members and staff;
- Provide regular spiritual care visits with residents, including providing emotional support in ethical discussion and difficult decision-making by residents;
- Offer emotional/spiritual support through the end of life, and grief and bereavement support after death;
- Liaise with external churches to arrange spiritual support from a resident’s home church or alternate faith base, if requested;
- Provide orientation and support to external church volunteers who will be providing 1:1 spiritual support to residents;
- Assist with or lead religious services and ensure the offering of Holy Communion to Roman Catholic residents;
- Be responsible for all matters associated with conducting individual and group spiritual activities, both internal and external, effectively including: space utilization, appropriate selection/utilization of materials, modification of activities to enhance resident function and promote self-esteem for participants, appropriate selection of residents specific to the function, utilization of group dynamics to achieve goals, planning and implementation of an activity to include effective introduction, time for the activity and closure, scheduling evening and weekend programming;
- Participate in evaluation of effectiveness of Spiritual programs; implement necessary precautions as determined by the Registered Staff in exercising responsibility for the care and safety of residents;
- Participate in the scheduled multi-disciplinary team reviews of Resident Care Plans, representing the residents with respect to their participation in TR programs; complete all pertinent resident charting documentation, using the electronic records documentation system; as per the requirements of the RAIMDS System, and Albright Manor policies and procedures; safeguard computer passwords, to respect residents privacy, maintain confidentiality of resident information and gain resident consent when required as per the Policies and Procedures of Albright Manor;
- Communicate with family members in assisting residents to adjust to the Long Term Care setting;
- Participate in the development of the Manor’s Activity Calendar and follow through with implementation of same;
- Make recommendations to the Director of Programs and Support Services for the selection of new and replacement Spiritual supplies and equipment;
- Participate in learning opportunities that meet personal and departmental goals;
- Assess need for volunteers and work with the Director of Program and Support Services or designate to schedule;
- Provide orientation and supervision of volunteers and/or placement students that are Department / Program specific;
- Comply with all aspects of Albright Manor’s Fire Safety Procedures, employment terms and conditions and departmental standards and requirements;
- Comply with all aspects of the Manor’s Health and Safety programs including: the WHMIS Program, the Infection Control Program, the Waste Management Program, the First Aid Program, the Safe Handling of Residents Program, the Early Return to Work Program, and all Safe Operating Practices specific to the Program and Support Services Department; and report all unsafe or unhealthy conditions, all accidents/illness; cooperate in health care treatment(s) and in all aspects of the early return to work/modified program; seek out first aid and comply with all work safety requirements.
- exposure to pets, plants, perfumes, cleaning agents, dust, etc.;
- unpredictable / aggressive resident behaviour;
- exposure to communicable diseases;
- exposure to death and dying;
- subject to frequent interruptions;
- outside work – exposure to elements of nature while implementing prescheduled recreational/therapeutic programming, i.e.: summer picnics, nature walks, etc.
- travelling infrequently – emotional impacts due to increased risk while supervising residents/volunteers outside of the Home environment, (i.e. bowling trips, supervised shopping trips, all seasonal trips, etc.).
- Constant (67 – 100%) of shift): standing; walking, sitting;
- Frequent (34 – 66% of shift): pushing; pulling; neck motion; back motion; elbow motion; shoulder motion; gripping; twisting; bending/stooping; forward reaching.
- Occasional (0-33% of shift): pushing; pulling; back motion; shoulder motion, stooping; forward reaching; inanimate lifting (to 50 pounds); carrying; wrist motion; crouching; reaching above/below shoulder; reaching backward.
- Degree in Religious Studies – Theology or related studies is required;
- End of Life Care Training, Care Planning, Experience Documenting in Point Click Care and Long Term Care Experience will be an asset;
- basic computer skills utilizing a windows environment; effective oral and written communications skills with proficiency in the English language;
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships through excellent interpersonal skills, strong work ethic and leadership abilities. Must possess strong desire to serve other people, while being tactful at all times, and able to work well in a team environment or independently while remaining professional