Salary Range: $69,218-$99,501/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.  

The Spiritual Health Practitioner is responsible for assessing and responding to the emotional, spiritual needs and existential concerns of patients/residents/clients, their family/friends and staff by assessing and providing appropriate spiritual care as well as liturgical and educational support in accordance with established standards of practice.  As part of an interdisciplinary team, works to achieve excellence in client centered care, education and research within a complex multi-site environment.  Provides educational opportunities for students through mentoring and clinical consultations. Key partnerships are with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care - CASC and with community religious/spiritual leaders and faith groups to provide consultation and support on spiritual issues.

Duties/Accountabilities:

• Accepts referrals from all disciplines and provides spiritual support, care and counseling that is respectful of, and sensitive to, diverse spiritual/religious and cultural traditions for patients/residents/patients, their families and for staff by assessing spiritual needs and establishing and implementing a plan that provides appropriate spiritual and liturgical support.
• Ensures awareness of spiritual care services by providing formal and informal consultations and assessments to staff, community clergy, interdisciplinary team members and students.  Reviews needs and/or specific clients’ status, problem solves and provides guidance/knowledge in the management of the client/client group to facilitate a conductive learning environment and ongoing development.
• Initiates and/or participates in spiritual care services to ensure clients have the opportunity to worship according to their faith tradition.  Ensures that information about client’s religious preference/affiliation is available for use by lay visitors, community clergy and other spiritual care providers.  Conducts memorial service on request and provides support to those who mourn.
• Liaises with community clergy and other religious/spiritual leaders and makes referrals when needed to ensure continued delivery of spiritual care services to clients requiring ongoing support.  
• Participates in orientation, mentoring and serving as a preceptor for students as directed.
• Adheres to clinical guidelines, policies and procedures in the field of spiritual/pastoral care to ensure competent and effective client treatment.
• Assists in reviewing standards such as those established by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA) and BC Health, makes recommendations for changes to improve the quality of spiritual care offered and participates in the implementation of changes.
• Reviews literature and follows developments in the field of spiritual care.  Participates in projects/initiatives that result in the reduction of risks and improvements in quality of spiritual care services.
  
  

Qualifications:

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to Master's Degree with relevant theological/spiritual studies from a recognized institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.  
• Completion of at least one advanced unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalency.  Consistently able to demonstrate the CASC core competencies.  
• Membership in good standing with the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care (CASC).
• Two (2) years of experience as a spiritual health practitioner in an institutional setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experiences.
• Applies specialized knowledge of pastoral/spiritual care and or pastoral counseling theory and practice with individuals, families and groups in a client centered model of care at bedside as well as in more controlled environments.  
• Advanced ability to forge rapport and therapeutic alliance through authentic mindful presence in critical moments with persons experiencing immediate crisis or long term life altering illness/injury.  
• Working knowledge of bio-medical ethics and a demonstrated ability to work within the spiritual worldview of patients and families to assist them with contextual decision making.  
• Demonstrates spiritual and cultural competency in working with a diversity of faiths and cultures and assists clinical teams in providing care that promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between patients, their families and the health care team.  
• Communicates effectively with spiritual care colleagues as a supportive member of the departmental team and participates in research activities.  
• Possesses an understanding of health care team model and engages in inter-professional dialogue through seeking and providing consultation with professionals in other disciplines.
• Works within the scope of practice articulated in the Ministry of Health document- Spiritual Health - A Framework for British Columbia’s Spiritual Care Professionals and adheres to the code of ethics referenced therein.  
• Applies computer literacy skills with word processing for clinical and clerical purposes including quality assurance practices and charting.  
• Promotes a values based culture that reflects the mission and vision of the organization and provides spiritual support to staff experiencing distress.