Chaplain/ Spiritual Care Advisor

We are looking to appoint a Chaplain who will be working primarily with young people and adolescents in our inpatient unit at Staplehurst, Kent, and will also be required to work at Thurrock Community Hospital.

They will be someone who is able to work flexibly and creatively to ensure the provision of high quality pastoral, spiritual and religious care in a multi-faith setting, to NELFT patients, families, volunteers and staff of all faiths and beliefs.

The candidate will have both physical and mental healthcare experience, authorisation by relevant faith/belief body and be eligible for professional registration (UKBHC/CHCC etc.)

This is a permanent post for 15 hours per week.

Main duties of the job

• Sharing in delivering and developing the Chaplaincy Service.
• Provision and oversight of pastoral, emotional, cultural, religious, and spiritual care for Trust patients, relatives, carers, volunteers and staff.
• Develop good working relationships within the team, across the Trust and in the wider community.
• Comply with Trust and local governance arrangements required as a staff member and as a healthcare chaplain.
• Participate in training, education and research within the team, the Trust and the community.
• Comply with requirements for personal and professional support and development e.g. participating in reflective practice and regular clinical supervision.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

Starting with NELFT

NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop in sessions focussing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

COVID-19 Vaccination

We continue to encourage all staff to ensure that they have been double vaccinated and received their booster. We recognise that taking the vaccine provides the best defence against COVID 19 for our patients, our staff and their families.

• To identify the spiritual needs of patients, their relatives and staff, by establishing effective links with all wards, units and community teams
• To work collaboratively alongside other healthcare professionals.
• To be available to support staff and to work with other departments in promoting staff well-being.
• To provide individual pastoral counselling to patients, relatives and staff as required.
• To facilitate groups for service users, relatives and staff where appropriate

Please see the attached job description and person specification for further details on the vacancy.