Health Care Chaplain | Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The post holder will assist in the delivery of spiritual, religious, and pastoral care to patients, their families and staff within the hospital at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching NHS Foundation Trust (WWL NHS FT). The post holder will be required to work flexibly and supportively alongside chaplaincy colleagues to advise, enable and ensure that the needs of the hospital are addressed.

To provide, as part of the chaplaincy and spiritual care team, the pastoral, spiritual and religious needs of patients, visitors, carers and staff of WWL NHS FT respecting their diversity and the equality of the individual.

To uphold and act in accordance with Trust policies, NHS chaplaincy guidance and UKBHC code of conduct. Follow protocols and procedures for the recording of relevant information on the assessment of spiritual needs and the delivery of spiritual care in the patient information systems.

WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. We are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.

Follow chaplaincy policies and provide relevant faith-based perspectives which support the delivery of spiritual, religious and pastoral care strategies, policies, protocols, procedures and work plans. Observe national healthcare chaplains’ Codes of Conduct (UKBHC) and other professional codes of conduct, policies and guidelines relating to chaplaincy services.

To maintain a professional, calm, empathic, sensitive and respectful approach when working in stressful and emotional situations within a busy environment. To provide support staff, patients and visitors as required in times of crisis, loss, or bereavement as part of the staff wellbeing and support offering.

Assessing and respond to staff pastoral and spiritual needs (individual or collective). To support the chaplaincy manager and deputy manager when dealing with complex issues as they might arise within the chaplaincy and spiritual care team.

To share in general visiting on the wards and departments to provide pastoral, spiritual and religious care to patients, relatives and staff of all faiths, beliefs and none. Maintain concentration and a calm consistent approach in the delivery of pastoral care despite unpredictable and unexpected work patterns or demands.

To always respect and maintain service user confidentiality, only recording essential data within Trust systems subject to consent and within legal and Trust frameworks for Information Governance. Be responsible for patient record keeping and monitoring spiritual, religious and associated care given to patients by the healthcare chaplaincy and spiritual care team using the appropriate systems subject to consent and within information governance regulations.

Conduct contract funerals/baby funerals. Liaising with the relevant Funeral Directors and community leaders as required to facilitate faith-based burials. To work sensitively and collaboratively with the patient’s own Priest/Minister/Faith Leader to meet the holistic pastoral needs of their parishioners.

To support, mentor and supervise chaplaincy volunteers, pastoral faith students and honorary chaplains. Fluent and effective communicator in speech and writing. Communicating with patients and their families/carers in complex and often sensitive situations.

Demonstratable communication skills to communicate with individuals in a variety of complex encounters. Friendly and professional approach to working with colleagues, the capability to work independently and collaboratively.

Participate in a range of cases supporting the manager to deliver effective pastoral and spiritual care. Participate in reflective practice which supports professional development and contributes to the delivery of spiritual, religious, and pastoral care.

Active in the maintenance of the post holder’s own spiritual needs. Actively maintain and contribute to personal and departmental objectives including own appraisal, essential training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

To assist in preparing and conducting services of public worship, to facilitate private prayer as appropriate and to administer religious rites appropriate to the persons faith group or belief and those of no belief. To participate in the provision of a 14hr a day chaplaincy on call cover, on a rota basis.

To support the chaplaincy and spiritual care team and volunteers in the performance of their duties, fostering productive and positive working relationships. To build and maintain effective relationships with clinical teams, wards and departments assigned by the Chaplaincy Manager.

Participate in projects and operational groups as directed by the Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care Manager.