Pastoral Care Associate

Job Description

Position Summary: The Pastoral Care Associate (PCA) is responsible for managing Pastoral Care Services and ensures the provision of pastoral care services to residents, their loved ones, and as appropriate, to staff.

The PCA oversees and directs the delivery of a complete pastoral care program to residents, their loved ones, and staff of all faith traditions. The PCA assesses the education and training needs related to areas of pastoral support for elderly. The PCA extends education and training opportunities to residents and their families, caregivers, staff, and community members. The PCA takes responsibility for coordinating services and ensures Chapel maintenance. The PCA coordinates activities with other VSF staff members.

Position Reports to: Director of Mission Integration

Hours: 32 to 40 Hours per week

Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree required. Graduate or accredited theological courses preferred or a related field from an accredited school is required.
Knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching and principles, spiritual and sacramental practices within the Roman Catholic tradition, as well as other Christian denominations and faith traditions
1 to 2 years' experience in pastoral care in a health related ministry preferred
Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a letter from their parish Pastor
Two units of Clinical Pastoral Education accredited by NACC or ACPE preferred
Demonstrated ability to analyze an issue, identify options, and implement solutions
Knowledge of clinical, social, psychological needs, and ability to address spiritual needs of residents
Ability to build peer relationships and relate to others
Ability to communicate (verbally and in writing); effectively interact with residents, their family members, supervisors, and other staff members; provide work direction and guidance to others

Ability to function as part of an interdisciplinary team to evaluate and create spiritual care plan
Knowledge of certifying and regulating agencies' rules and regulations of CBRF facilities and the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services
Computer and software knowledge to effectively perform the tasks required (Microsoft and Google platforms, data entry)
Detail oriented; ability to multitask, set priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines
Equipment Used:
Office equipment: personal computers, printers, phone systems, fax machine, photocopier. Chapel and sacramental equipment

Physical and Mental Requirements: Must have ability to sit, walk and stand routinely throughout the shift (Sitting 60%, Standing/Walking 40%). Must have the ability to deal effectively with the stress of ministering to residents and their loved ones who experience depression/anxiety, pain, suffering, death and grief. Able to manage multiple tasks. Ability to be a good listener and provide a calming presence with persons experiencing emotional distress. Has open mindset and can easily adapt to organizational change.

Environmental Conditions:
Occasional exposure to infectious or communicable diseases inherent to care of ill residents, occasional exposure to loud or unpleasant voices due to unpredictable behavior of residents.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Essential Job Functions/Duties

Role Model
Extends excellent service to all residents and staff
Assures each resident's right to privacy and confidentiality at all times by being a calming presence and offering prayer when appropriate.
Establishes effective pastoral and trusting relationships with residents which ensures an emotional environment that protects their rights and respects their faith tradition
Models behaviors that foster the "person-centered" philosophy to other staff
Communicates effectively to proactively identify, anticipate, prevent, or address issues and inter-department concerns, problems, or conflicts.
o Shares pertinent information with other department members to ensure continuity of care
Role models respect for residents and staff of all faith traditions or non-faith traditions.
Acts as a role model in providing inter-and intra-departmental cooperation

Pastoral Care
Coordinates clergy, pastoral visitors, and volunteers from the religious community and orients visitors/volunteers regarding VSF policies and procedures related to their visits
Provides a complete program of pastoral care services to residents, their families, and staff of all faith traditions.
o Distributes communion and acts as lector at Catholic mass during week.
o Coordinates the distribution of communion to residents
o As with finding priests, coordinates with pastors from the faith community to lead an ecumenical service
o Serves as sacristan for daily mass during the week
o Supports residents in devotional needs
o Coordinates programs of seasonal faith-based services.
o Creates and leads Service of Remembrance for staff, residents and families.
o Creates and leads rituals and blessings of special days, celebrations, and carry forth the Charism and Mission of the Felician Sisters
o Service of Dedication
o Reading of Spiritual Stories
o Programs as needed
Functions as a pastoral resource to residents, families, and staff
Attends to spiritual needs of the Memory Care Residents
Develops, coordinates and facilitates support programs and resources for families in collaboration with external care providers
Oversees the chapel and other areas for religious services
Visits residents who are hospitalized or in a rehabilitation center when available
Represents Villa St. Francis at visitations and funeral services, when available, and coordinates condolence communications.
Provides crisis intervention support as necessary
Assists residents and families in understanding documentation related to their health care (i.e., Advance Directives, Living Will, and Power of Attorney)

Continuous Improvement
Leads the planning, delivery, assessment and continuous improvement of the pastoral care services program inclusive of all faith traditions.
Provides initial and ongoing assessment of the pastoral needs of residents
Participates in staff education and in-service programs based on identified needs
Ensures a safe environment for the resident and takes action to reduce a risk situation and identifies areas where improvements are required
Responsible for the acquisition and maintenance of supplies and proper functioning of equipment necessary to provide pastoral care services
Participates in quality improvement processes and activities that improve service delivery across the facility
Participates in Care Plan meetings with residents as scheduled
Mission & Values:
Respect for Human Dignity: Consistently greets everyone; Courteous in all interactions with clients, families and co-workers; Shows appreciation to coworkers for a job well done; Responds respectfully and patiently to co-workers' requests; Contributes to a positive and cooperative work environment; Stops the spread of gossip when it is heard; Protects personal and professional privacy; Keeps information confidential; Uses office resources wisely; Respects the property of others and of the facility
Compassion: Listens well; Is truthful in communication with others; Is considerate of others feelings; Is responsive and supportive to all when providing care or service; Demonstrates attentive care to those in need
Transformation: Is open to feedback to improve performance; Seeks innovative ways to improve processes; Seeks to understand and support change as an opportunity for improvement; Is supportive of management decisions; Exceeds requirements of job; Is willing to learn and try new things
Solidarity with the Poor: Is respectful to all; Seeks ways to help others; Advocates for the people we serve
Justice and Peace: Knows the expectations of their role/job; Asks questions if necessary to understand their responsibilities; Treats others fairly; Provides feedback and suggestions for solutions to problems; Makes decisions consistent with the Mission and Values; Works to improve relationships within departments and between departments
Dependability:
Completes tasks in an effective, timely, courteous and professional manner
Participates and attends meetings and in-service programs and is responsible for necessary education to maintain skills and competencies
Reports to work on time--on all days and shifts employee is scheduled to work; adheres to break and meal schedules
Follows all applicable Villa St. Francis policies and procedures and seeks to understand policies and procedures, if uncertain seek clarification.
Corporate Compliance & Safety:
Adheres to the Corporate Compliance Program;
Abides by all applicable state and federal laws, regulations and licensing requirements;
Supports and promotes all safety policies and procedures
Reports known or suspected violations of governing laws and ethical operating standards

Communication:
Communicates effectively and professionally with supervisors and co-workers
Communicates effectively and professionally with residents and their families
Approaches interactions with others tactfully and professionally
Brings forward well thought out potential solutions when problems and issues arise within and among departments
Shares information and resources with colleagues and others
Uses data and information management systems to effectively carry out position responsibilities
Handles organizational conflict in a fair, consistent, and professional manner
Appearance:
Follows proper dress code (including wearing name tag while on duty)
Maintains a professional demeanor

About the Employer

Villa St. Francis continues the ministry of Jesus by providing person-centered services to meet the contemporary needs of aging individuals and their families.

At the Villa we all believe in and put into practice the Five Felician Core Values for Ministry:
Respect for Human Dignity
Compassion
Transformation
Solidarity with Persons in Need
Justice and Peace