Healthcare Chaplain in Truro

This role has been approved for advertising; however, it is being assessed as a suitable alternative employment opportunity. As a result, the vacancy may be withdrawn or there may be a delay before shortlisting can begin. This role is open to all applicants. However, in line with Cornwall first principles, initial shortlisting will prioritise applicants from Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the Integrated Care Board for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

An opportunity for an experienced healthcare chaplain with a track record of providing spiritual, pastoral and religious care in a healthcare setting to join the Chaplaincy Team at RCHT. This role involves working across the Trust in clinical and non-clinical areas with patients, staff and visitors. It includes responding to referrals but also being a proactive presence throughout the Trust. The role is part of a 5-day a week on-site chaplaincy presence, with evening and weekend 24-hour on-call from home for emergencies and End of Life referrals.

Working as a team is key to uphold the Trust values of respect, compassion, honesty and teamwork. As one of two full-time members of the Chaplaincy Team, you will work with chaplaincy colleagues to provide a flexible, responsive service of spiritual, pastoral, and religious care to patients, visitors and staff whatever their beliefs, culture or lifestyle.

Main duties of the job:

• Visit patients, staff and visitors in wards and departments regularly, providing spiritual, religious and pastoral care to those of all religions and beliefs.
• Provide care for the dying, critically ill and newly bereaved, including those experiencing sudden death or pregnancy loss.
• Work respectfully and sensitively alongside other Chaplaincy Team members and all healthcare professionals.
• Assist the Lead Chaplain, deputising for them from time to time.
• Partner with leaders from all local faiths to enable spiritual and pastoral care across the Trust.
• Produce rotas for daytime and on-call duties, and liaise with the Lead Chaplain.
• Participate in the 24-hour on-call rota, 7 days a week.
• Support corporate acts of worship and organise annual baby remembrance service.
• Recruit, train and supervise volunteers within Chaplaincy.
• Respond to all referrals and cope with difficult pastoral situations.

Job responsibilities:

• Identity checks, professional registration and qualification verification, employment history, reference checks, health assessments, criminal record checks, right-to-work verification.

Person Specification:

Qualifications & Training:

• Endorsement to practice as a healthcare chaplain by a recognised/established sponsoring faith community or belief group.
• Experience of healthcare chaplaincy.
• Evidence of continuing personal and professional development.
• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in counselling, pastoral care, psychology, psychotherapy, religious studies or theology.
• Board-registered Chaplain with UKBHC (recommended).
• Postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) related to healthcare chaplaincy.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Discern, assess and meet pastoral, spiritual and religious needs of diverse populations.
• Experience working in an ecumenical, multi-faith team that embraces diverse spiritualities.
• Commitment to an inclusive approach to chaplaincy.
• Knowledge of the tenets of one's personal faith/tradition.
• Active listening skills.
• Engagement with other faith traditions.
• Time-management and continuity of service.
• Critical reflection on pastoral practice.
• Experience exploring meaning in illness, mental health, dying and bereavement.
• Awareness of current research in spirituality in healthcare.

Values:

• Respectful, non-judgemental treatment of others.
• Cooperation with colleagues.
• Pro-active and responsible.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.
• Motivation to make a difference.
• Professional pride.
• Kindness and care.

Specific Skills:

• Initiative, while remaining accountable to the Lead Chaplain.
• Collaboration and positive relationships with colleagues.
• Empathy and compassion in challenging environments.
• Delivery of care for dying, critically ill and bereaved.
• Maintain dignity and respect even when challenged.
• Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Create/lead rituals and spiritual processes.
• Effective communication in speech and writing; computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Professional conduct within recognised pastoral boundaries.
• Handle confidential sensitive information under stress.
• Aware of self in chaplaincy practice.
• Cultural and religious literacy.
• Ethical and theological resource in complex situations.
• Application of ethical knowledge in healthcare.

Personal Requirements:

• Resilience to cope with significant stress and emotional distress.
• Stress-management skills and sound judgement under pressure.
• Full UK driving licence and personal vehicle to reach the RCHT site within one hour when on-call.
• Evidence of self-care practices to enhance resilience.

Professional Development, Training and Other Requirements:

• Desire for in-service training.
• Commitment to ongoing professional review and appraisal.
• Participation in 24-hour on-call rota.
• DBS check acceptable to the Trust.
• Membership of the College of Healthcare Chaplains (CHCC).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require submission for a Disclosure and Barring Service check to verify no convictions.