Position Purpose summary:   

The Chaplain provides spiritual care and pastoral support at The Salvation Army Kate Booth House and Esther’s Place, helping to create a safe and supportive environment, grounded in the unconditional love of God, for women and their children who are at risk of violence. These programs support women of different religions and backgrounds as they rebuild their lives and pursue spiritual, emotional, and physical wellness. The Chaplain coordinates chaplaincy services and fosters a compassionate, faith-based atmosphere that responds to the diverse spiritual needs of residents and staff.

Accountabilities:           

1. Acts as the primary Chaplain and Spiritual Care Practitioner for Kate Booth House and Esther’s Place 

• Provides a holistic, faith-based, and spiritual atmosphere serving the needs of the facility.
• Plans and conducts chapel services and bible discussion groups and provide additional Christian/pastoral-based programming as required by the spiritual needs of residents and staff.
• Provides one-on-one spiritual counseling to residents, helping them explore and address spiritual concerns, questions, and challenges.
• 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 residents upon request or when opportunity permits.
• Participates as an active member of the case management team, promoting spiritual care plans for residents.
• Contributes to the development, maintenance, and oversight of the spiritual care program.
• May provide emergency spiritual assistance, crisis intervention, and debriefing.
• 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 and staff with coping strategies and spiritual tools.
• Solicits feedback from clients and staff to assess the effectiveness of services, adjusting as needed to enhance impact.
• Provides resources and encouragement for residents transitioning out of KBH or EP to support their continued spiritual growth in the community.
• 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.
• Liaises with multi-faith community leaders and groups as required to meet the diverse spiritual and religious needs of clients.
• Performs spiritual care intakes and assessments for clients to ensure that spiritual and religious needs of client are met on a timely basis.
• Assesses client’s spiritual needs and assists in using faith in dealing with loss, trauma, and stress.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of information regarding both clients and staff.
• Fosters positive relationships with staff members and offers chaplaincy as requested.
• Occasionally required to assist in day-to-day operations such as meal preparation, cleaning, making beds, and childminding to support critical functions of the residence if short-staffed.  

2.       Member of the KBH leadership team 

• Participates as an active member of the leadership team, engaging in overall operational issues and promoting spiritual care perspectives.        Participates in the rotation of the on-call after-hours phone to support the residential team.
• Works with the leadership team to ensure programs are aligned with the spiritual mission of The Salvation Army.
• May deliver training for staff upon the approval of the Executive Director.
• Facilitates spiritual care-focused sessions as part of quarterly all-team meetings.
• May participate in internal and external committees upon supervisor’s request and approval.
• Knows and acts in accordance with the security procedures of KBH and The Salvation Army to ensure the safety and confidentiality of participants and information.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

3.       Administrative Duties

• Develops and implements a program plan, participates in strategic planning.
• Maintains compliance with and develops processes as per Accreditation standards.
• Develops and implements spiritual and religious care policies and procedures.
• Evaluates program effectiveness on an ongoing basis and uses creativity in developing, adapting, and expanding programs and spiritual care approaches.
• Supports the preparation of the spiritual and religious care budget.
• Maintains pertinent records and ensures all documentation is accurate and complete.
• Keeps up-to-date and accurate client case notes, respecting clients’ confidentiality, and sharing the limits of confidentiality with clients.
• Maintains accurate records of appointments, workshop sessions, worship services and Bible studies, topics covered, and client engagement to track progress and outcomes.
• Manages spiritual care budget and resources effectively.
• Prepares and submits reports, proposals, program evaluations and/or business plans as requested by internal or external sources.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:  

• Must possess education and certification in Chaplaincy, Divinity, Theology, Pastoral Counselling, 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, counselling, or guidance to women dealing with domestic violence, homelessness, or related crises.
• Previous experience working in a residential setting is an advantage.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Knowledge of professional requirements for chaplaincy.
• Demonstrates compassion and respect for residents and staff.
• Attention to detail, strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding and practice of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics with a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Understanding of the impact of trauma on women’s spiritual well-being and the role of spiritual care in the healing process.
• Understanding of the impacts that domestic violence and abuse have on women and children.
• 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and strengths-based goal setting.
• Knowledge of multi-faith issues and ability to assess religious and spiritual needs.
• Genuine willingness to provide compassionate care and support to women of different religions, faiths, beliefs, and cultures from own faith/background. 
• Strong leadership qualities and problem-solving skills.
• Valid BC driver’s license preferred.
• First Aid and CPR certificates
• Criminal Record Check for working with children and/or vulnerable adults
• Must be willing to commit oneself to follow Kate Booth House Philosophy, Policies and Practices, and to work as an integrated member of a close-knit community of staff and residents.

PLEASE SEE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE: The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda