Spiritual Care Advisor

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:
The role will provide intentional, directed, spiritual care for residents. The position will organize and facilitate spiritual formation and spirituality-based classes and groups, including Christin programing. The Spiritual Care Advisor II will provide Christian leadership in planning, directing, coordinating assist with residents and staff with a range of duties as assigned.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:
The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar range of duties.

Chaplaincy

• Prays with and or leads people to faith in Jesus Christ as opportunity permits.
• Plans and conducts creative worship services, pastoral care programs, and Bible studies for residents as applicable.
• Provides one-on-one spiritual counsel and care.
• Facilitates spiritual programs and or groups that assist residents in their relationship with themselves, their higher power, others, and creation; as applicable.
• Assists residents towards achieving personal and spiritual wellbeing.
• Works as a team member with the institution's administrative and other Spiritual Care Advisors within a center, facility, or MU in corporate problem-solving for the benefit of the program and individuals; and can act as a member of a case management team.
• Communicates in an empathetic and influential manner with residents, families, staff, and community agencies; maintains written records and logs of activities (including chaplain's log and statistical information)
• Recruits, interviews, trains, orients, documents, and monitors all chaplaincy volunteers, coordinating their involvement in program delivery.
• Develops and maintains involvement of Christian groups with weekly spiritual activities, special events and workshops.
• Knows and acts in accordance with security procedures of the institution to ensure safety and confidentiality of information.
• Reviews safety, physical décor and set-up of chapel or spiritual care areas.
• Liaises with different ministry units of The Salvation Army or with other stakeholders.
• Supports planning and coordination of in-house programs and its activities.
• Assists as needed in preparation of reviews, spiritual care literature, reports etc.
• Participates in the development of goals and objectives for spiritual care programs as well as evaluation process for continued improvement.
• Ensures information is provided regarding available spiritual and religious care.
• Has knowledge of other faith groups' beliefs and practices and maintain a connection to community faith and spiritual group leaders for appropriate referrals and support of residents/staff & families as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Admin/ Community Support

• Responds to all Resident inquiries within the framework of Centre Policies & Procedures.
• Answers telephone and refers calls to the appropriate person(s) if needed.
• Admits visitors to the Centre according to guidelines.
• Participates in scheduled staff and case management meetings as required and provide input and information on assigned client progress.
• Initial response to emergencies such as fire alarm, or other situations.
• Responds and assists residents at times of physical/mental/emotional crises.
• Performs
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

Oral and written communication between this position and other team members on shift and across all shifts is a significant priority in this position.
Those team members include, but are not limited to:
Internal: MU leadership and staff, shelter manager and staff, clients
External: Community, stakeholders in the community, agencies

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reports directly to the Executive Director of Childcare Services.
• Direct reports: None.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL MANAGEMENT:

• Minimal material responsibilities.
• Some access to personal information.
• 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.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army's Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Indoors, usually in the office setting.
• Duties may require the employee to work in one of the five childcare centers.
• Responsibilities will involve working from a designated workstation but will also involve travelling to the childcare centres.
  

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.
• Alternative combination of education and Experience may be considered.
• Education and Certification:
• Completion of a formal post-secondary program of two academic years - Theological or Biblical training from an accredited university, theological school, or seminary is an asset.
• Specialized training with a recognized chaplaincy or spiritual care education body (i.e., Spiritual & Religious Care Certificate from Booth University College or equivalent and/or 2 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education (i.e., CASC) and/or combination of education & experience that includes 1 Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education.) Preferred.
• Training/Certification in Addictions and/or Mental Health issues would be an asset.
• Current Certification in First Aid/CPR and WHMIS.
• Alternative combination of education and experience might be considered.
• Experience and Knowledge:
• Minimum 2 years of experience in spiritual/religious care and/or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with marginalized people, including people recovering from addictions, and experiencing mental health issues.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Competencies and Attributes
• An understanding of Salvation Army Social Services programs.
• Adhere to all Salvation Army policies, directives, and operating guidelines.
• Ability to provide clear criminal record check.
• A primary commitment to Jesus Christ and a passion to minister to persons of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ordination or good standing in one's faith community.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to multifaith groups and practices.
• Ability to interact individually and facilitate groups, including support groups.
• Maintain own professional and personal development through attendance and participation in continuous education programs, In-services, workshops etc.
• Strong interpersonal, time management and oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity, good judgment, and ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Attentive listening skills and ability to feel empathy.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Be able to lift/move up to 20 pounds as required.
• Ability to de-escalate individuals in stressful situations.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Quality oral and written communication skills.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.