Chaplain – 6-month contract

The Chaplain contributes directly to the day-to-day spiritual mission of the Halifax Centre of Hope. The Chaplain ensures the Halifax Centre of Hope, and its services are a place of spiritual vibrance, providing Christian pastoral, spiritual care and support to residents, staff, volunteers, and community guests of the Halifax Centre of Hope.  The Chaplain at the Halifax Centre of Hope plays a crucial role in providing spiritual support and guidance to individuals on a pathway to wellness/recovery. This position involves integrating spiritual care principles into the overall client care program to enhance emotional, mental, and physical healing. The Chaplain will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that the spiritual needs of clients are met during their recovery journey.

Acts as the primary Chaplain for the Halifax Centre of Hope

• Provides one-on-one spiritual counseling to clients, helping them explore and address spiritual concerns, questions, and challenges related to their addiction and recovery process.
• Offers spiritual support to clients and families in the event of the loss of a loved one during their wellness journey, helping them process experiences and find meaning in their spiritual beliefs.
• Offers spiritual support and counseling to staff members who may experience emotional challenges in their work, fostering a culture of care and well-being among the team.
• Prays with staff and clients upon request or when opportunity permits.
• May conducts visitations to hospitals and institutions as necessary.
• Collaborates with the program department to integrate spiritual components into individualized development and action plans.
• Contributes to development, maintenance and oversight of spiritual care program to residents, staff, and community guests of the Halifax Centre of Hope.
• May provide emergency spiritual assistance, short-term spiritual counseling, or other forms of direct spiritual service for clients.
• Assists in crisis-intervention, debrief, and spiritual care planning.
• Facilitates/Officiates special religious services when necessary (i.e., memorial / celebration of life services).
• Organizes and leads workshops or educational sessions on spiritual topics, such as mindfulness, meditation, prayer, and the connection between spirituality and mental health, to empower clients with coping strategies and spiritual tools.
• Facilitates meaningful spiritual rituals and ceremonies for clients, such as prayer services, meditation sessions, or healing circles, to foster a sense of community and spiritual connection.
• Maintains accurate records of appointments, workshop sessions, worship services and Bible studies, topics covered, and client engagement to track progress and outcomes.
• Plans and conducts regular worship services and Bible studies in the Halifax Centre of Hope.
• Solicits feedback from clients and staff to assess the effectiveness of worship services and Bible studies, adjusting as needed to enhance their impact.
• Provides resources and encouragement for clients transitioning out of the Halifax Centre of Hope to support their continued their spiritual growth and recovery in the community.
• Collaborates with local religious leaders and organizations to encourage diverse perspectives during worship services and Bible studies.
• Develops and maintains formal relationships with local churches; interacts and collaborates with community partners and para-church organizations to promote, provide, and expand spiritual care programs and services at the Halifax Centre of Hope.

Member of the NHC management team

• The Chaplain is a member of the Halifax Centre of hope management team, represents the spiritual care department; and participates in the process of governance and strategic planning.
• Works with management team to ensure programs are aligned with the spiritual mission of The Salvation Army.
• May deliver training for staff at the Halifax Centre of Hope upon approval of Executive Director.
• Attends case conferences, staff meetings, and client interventions to update the team on spiritual care progress and collaborate on patient care plans and provides support to staff and residents.
• May participate in internal and external committees upon supervisor request and approval.
• Knows and acts in accordance with the security procedures of the Halifax Centre of Hope and The Salvation Army to ensure safety and confidentiality of participants and information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Administrative Duties

• Maintains written records / logs of activities (including activity reports and statistical information).
• Keeps up to date and accurate client case notes in keeping, respecting clients’ confidentiality, and sharing the limits of confidentiality with clients.
• Manages spiritual care budget and resources effectively.
• Develops, implements, and maintains The Spiritual and Religious Care Policies and Procedures Manual and The Spiritual Care Program Plan in keeping with TSA Accreditation standards.
• Prepares and submits reports, proposals, program evaluations and/or business plans as requested by internal or external sources.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Governance Boards and Councils: None

Internal: Clients and their families; staff; managers; Executive Director

External: Works with external agencies.

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:  

• Reports directly to: Executive Director
• No direct reports.
• Provides functional advice on a regular basis

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:  

• Regular responsibility for minor financial matters and for wise use of own resources.
• May be authorized to handle small amounts of cash.
• Little input to annual budget or revenue projections.
• Monitors Spiritual Care budget in consultation with the Executive Director.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Office setting/Work at home, Resource Room, and 1:1 meetings outside the facility.
• 2044 Gottingen Street, Halifax
• May encounter individual who exhibit abusive and aggressive behaviors.
• Some travel may be required for the purposes of delivering training and professional development.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:  

• Must possess education and certification in Chaplaincy, Divinity, Theology, Pastoral Counseling, Spiritual Care, or a related field of at least two academic years.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• At least 1 year of experience providing spiritual care, counseling, or guidance to individuals dealing with addiction or in a healthcare setting.
• Previous experience working in a rehabilitation center or addiction treatment facility is an advantage.

• Knowledge of professional requirements for chaplaincy.
• Demonstrates compassion and respect for clients and staff.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Understanding of the impact of addiction on individuals' spiritual well-being and the role of spiritual care in the recovery process.
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to connect with individuals from diverse spiritual backgrounds and belief systems.
• Knowledge of various spiritual and religious practices, rituals, and traditions to cater to the spiritual needs of clients effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including medical professionals, therapists, and counselors.
• Strong communication and counseling skills, enabling effective communication and support for clients facing spiritual challenges in their recovery journey.
• Familiarity with ethical guidelines related to spiritual care, confidentiality, and boundaries in a healthcare setting.

Interested applicants must respond in writing by February 28th, 2025, to:

Hiring Committee:

e-mail: Terence.Hale@salvationarmy.ca

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation.   If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements. 

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS