Hospital Chaplain

As a member of the Chaplaincy Team, you will work under the supervision of the Lead Chaplain and in collaboration with other chaplains.

You will be responsible, with colleague chaplains, for helping to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of patients, staff, and visitors at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and at the University Hospital of North Tees.

You will have pastoral concern for people of all denominations as well as those of other faiths or none. You will enable others from any faith and spirituality to address their spiritual, pastoral, or religious needs in a manner consistent with their culture, background, values, and beliefs.

This role involves providing spiritual care across the Trust in clinical and non-clinical areas to patients, carers, staff, and volunteers. It includes responding to referrals and maintaining a proactive presence throughout the Trust, especially in palliative areas. The role contributes to the chaplaincy 24/7 on-call service and involves working regularly on Sundays. Working as a team is essential, both within the chaplaincy team and alongside staff colleagues across the Trust, upholding the Trust values of CARE: Collaborative, Aspirational, Respectful, and Empathetic.

Key Responsibilities:

1. To share in the spiritual and pastoral care of patients, staff, and visitors, maintaining high visibility and availability as directed by the Lead Chaplain.
2. To respond daily to patients approaching the end of life, offering pastoral and spiritual support to them and their families.
3. To support families and staff at times of baby loss with sensitive pastoral care and conduct services of blessing as appropriate.
4. To conduct hospital funerals for babies and adults, following chaplaincy policies.
5. To respond to requests for care and support in accordance with service level agreements with local hospice and community services.
6. To participate in the chaplaincy on-call service, including the Trust\’s major incident plan.
7. To meet denominational responsibilities while respecting other faiths and beliefs.
8. To share in services of public worship and administer sacraments as appropriate, including infant Baptism on occasion.
9. To pursue training and development in Chaplaincy and establish personal support.
10. To maintain links with local and wider spiritual leaders and community groups, respecting confidentiality.
11. To work within the standards set by the Chaplaincy Team and across sites as required.
12. To assist in the induction of new staff members.
13. To ensure proper record-keeping of chaplaincy work, maintaining confidentiality.
14. To communicate about the work of Chaplaincy to patients, staff, and visitors.
15. To support recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteer visitors, and coordinate volunteer deployment.
16. To provide teaching under the direction of the Lead Chaplain.
17. To care for the chapel/Oasis spiritual centre facilities, including restocking supplies.
18. To demonstrate commitment to IWI principles and flexible working patterns.
19. To promote equality, diversity, and non-discrimination in the workplace.
20. To contribute to reducing sickness, workplace accidents, and violence against staff.
21. To engage in personal development and education.
22. To comply with infection prevention and control policies, undertaking annual training.
23. To adhere to safeguarding policies and undertake relevant training.
24. To develop and maintain effective communication within the team and with external communities.
25. The most challenging aspects include managing emotional and spiritual intensity, ethical dilemmas, limited resources, and educating about the holistic role of chaplains.
26. This role requires a DBS check due to access to vulnerable groups.

This job description is a guide and may be amended following service needs and consultation. Applications may close early once sufficient applications are received.

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