Chaplain Resident at WVU Medicine

Role Overview

The Chaplain Resident position at WVU Medicine is a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual care skills within a dynamic healthcare environment. This full-time, temporary work-study program spans one year and encompasses three units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). As a Chaplain Resident, you will provide essential spiritual, religious, and emotional support to patients, their families, and hospital staff, playing a vital role in their overall well-being during times of vulnerability and uncertainty.

This residency is designed to foster your growth and competence as a chaplain, preparing you for potential certification with esteemed organizations such as the Association of Professional Chaplains, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, or the National Association of Jewish Chaplains. Through pastoral reflection, formation, and personal identity clarification, you will develop a deeper understanding of your own spiritual gifts and how to effectively apply them in a healthcare setting.

A Day in the Life of a Chaplain Resident

Each day as a Chaplain Resident at WVU Medicine will present diverse opportunities to provide comfort, guidance, and support. Your responsibilities may include:

• Making Spiritual Care Visits: Regularly visiting patients, families, and staff to assess their spiritual needs and offer support.
• Providing Emotional Support: Offering a listening ear and a compassionate presence to those facing challenging circumstances.
• Facilitating Religious Practices: Providing religious resources such as prayer, scripture, and sacraments to patients who desire them.
• Crisis Intervention: Responding to crises and emergencies within the hospital, offering spiritual support and guidance.
• Grief Counseling: Providing support and resources to individuals and families coping with loss.
• Collaboration: Working closely with nurses, doctors, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.
• Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of patient visits and interventions.
• On-Call Responsibilities: Participating in the on-call rotation to provide 24-hour spiritual care coverage.
• Education and Training: Attending seminars, workshops, and individual supervision sessions to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown is a vibrant college town nestled in the heart of scenic West Virginia. Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With a thriving arts and culture scene, diverse dining options, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, Morgantown provides a welcoming and enriching environment for residents of all ages.

Morgantown's close proximity to the Appalachian Mountains makes it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking in the nearby state parks and forests. The city also boasts a number of parks, trails, and green spaces within its limits, providing ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Beyond its recreational offerings, Morgantown also offers a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere. The city is known for its friendly residents and its commitment to supporting local businesses and organizations. As a Chaplain Resident at WVU Medicine, you will have the opportunity to become an integral part of the Morgantown community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those you serve.

Career Path for Chaplains

A chaplain residency is an excellent stepping stone for a fulfilling career in spiritual care. Upon completion of the residency program, graduates may pursue various career paths, including:

• Board-Certified Chaplain: Becoming a board-certified chaplain through organizations such as the Association of Professional Chaplains, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, or the National Association of Jewish Chaplains.
• Healthcare Chaplain: Working as a chaplain in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and other healthcare settings.
• Military Chaplain: Serving as a chaplain in the armed forces.
• Correctional Chaplain: Providing spiritual care to inmates in correctional facilities.
• Community Chaplain: Working as a chaplain in community organizations, schools, and other settings.
• Pastoral Counselor: Providing counseling services to individuals, couples, and families.
• Religious Leader: Serving as a pastor, priest, rabbi, or other religious leader in a faith community.

The skills and experience gained during a chaplain residency are highly transferable and can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you choose to work in a healthcare setting, a military environment, or a community organization, your passion for spiritual care will make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Chaplain Resident at WVU Medicine is between $40,000 and $55,000 per year. This is intended as an estimate and may vary based on experience, qualifications, and other factors.

WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer matching contributions.
• Life Insurance: Basic and supplemental life insurance options.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on various products and services.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for its employees. The organization values teamwork, collaboration, and respect. WVU Medicine is also dedicated to providing high-quality care to its patients and families.

As a Chaplain Resident at WVU Medicine, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a diverse team of healthcare professionals who share a common goal of providing compassionate and patient-centered care. You will be encouraged to contribute your unique skills and talents to the team and to grow both personally and professionally.

WVU Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. The organization values diversity and inclusion and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.

How to Apply

To apply for the Chaplain Resident position at WVU Medicine, please follow these steps:

1. Click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Upload your resume and cover letter.
4. Answer any additional questions that may be required.
5. Submit your application.

Please note that only complete applications will be considered. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources Department.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the minimum qualifications for the Chaplain Resident position?

   A Bachelor’s Degree is required. A graduate level theological degree from an accredited school OR equivalent graduate-level degree is preferred, as well as one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Ordination or commissioning for ministry, or being in the process of ordination/commissioning with a recognized faith group is also preferred.

2. What are the core duties and responsibilities of a Chaplain Resident?

   The core duties include making spiritual care visits, providing religious resources, documenting in patient records, participating in the on-call pager rotation, and attending educational seminars.

3. What kind of support will I receive as a Chaplain Resident?

   You will receive consistent support from the ACPE Certified Educator through weekly sessions, as well as ongoing support from the Spiritual Care team and Department Director.

4. What is the on-call schedule like?

   The on-call schedule involves participating in a pager rotation that provides 24-hour availability of spiritual care, including weekends, overnights, and observed holidays as assigned.

5. What professional development opportunities are available?

   WVU Medicine provides opportunities for professional development, including educational seminars and other activities related to spiritual care skills and knowledge.

6. What is the Code of Ethics that Chaplain Residents must adhere to?

   Chaplain Residents must adhere to the Code of Ethics for the Association of Professional Chaplains or the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

7. What is the duration of the Chaplain Resident program?

   The program typically lasts one year and consists of three units of Clinical Pastoral Education.

8. What is Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)?

   Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a supervised learning method where individuals gain practical experience in providing pastoral care. It involves pastoral reflection, pastoral formation, and personal identity clarification.

9. What are the physical requirements for the role?

   The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

10. What are the opportunities for advancement after the residency?

    Completing a chaplain residency can lead to various career paths, including becoming a board-certified chaplain, working in healthcare, military, correctional, or community settings, and pursuing roles in pastoral counseling or religious leadership.