Chaplain at The Salvation Army in Canada

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 Chaplain provides Christian based pastoral care through the provision of spiritual care, emotional support and practical assistance within a multi-faceted social service setting for individuals and families experiencing crisis while ensuring that practices are in accordance with Salvation Army standards.

The incumbent is also responsible for the coordination of activities associated with discipleship and outreach ministries.

Accountabilities

Program

• Participate in the development and implementation of chaplaincy programs and services which meet identified client needs, in conjunction with the management team, service staff, community partners and clients.
• Provide crisis support, spiritual care, and pastoral counseling to individuals and families, respecting their freedom of choice and privacy to select and/or request spiritual support.
• 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 clients as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of current best practices by reviewing various spiritual care literatures, consulting with community/denominational experts in spiritual care, and attending professional development activities.
• Plan and conduct chapel services, pastoral care programs (including on-going visitation), and Bible studies for clients as applicable; pray with them as opportunity permits.
• Assist clients towards achieving personal and spiritual wellbeing.
• Ensure there is acknowledgement and celebration of events in the Christian calendar.
• Visit with the clients in the Booth Centre particularly those identified by frontline staff as having needs.
• Visit with clients in the community (including correctional institutions, hospitals, coffee shops, etc.) to provide spiritual care support in alignment with Housing First Principles.
• Provide accompaniment support to appointments for clients identified as having specific vulnerabilities.
• Engage in creative programming to connect with clients (such as recreational activities, seasonal programs, etc.)
• Communicate in an empathetic and influential manner with clients, families, staff and community agencies.
• Provide pastoral counseling services for staff as requested or provide referrals as appropriate.
• Responsible for ensuring a high standard of holistic, client-centered care, and establishing a standard that ensures clients are treated with the utmost of respect, in a warm, personal and professional manner.
• Administration

• Maintain documentation standards including a spiritual history, assessment, individual goals and progress notes when pastoral counsel is provided.
• Maintain an organized system of recording and reporting on Chaplaincy activities ensuring up-to-date client files, written statistics/records/log of activities; prepare and submit monthly statistical reports.
• Participate in case reviews, as appropriate, prepared to discuss how the spiritual issues of a client are being addressed through the entire range of case management:
• Spiritual assessment
• Pastoral care plan
• Review and develop annual goals and objectives in consultation with the spiritual care team.
• Participate in the development, provision, and evaluation of relevant religious services and programs.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, contractual and internal accreditation requirements as they pertain to the provision of spiritual and religious care.
• May assist with developing and revising policies, protocols and day-to-day operating procedures for the delivery of spiritual and religious care in compliance with Salvation Army standards.
• Receive, respond to and report as necessary all complaints, recommendations or requests for information from the public.
• Network with Salvation Army ministries, social agencies, community providers, particularly those in the field of volunteer services.
• Health and Safety
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Work closely with security, identifying any safety and security needs
• Responsible to work in compliance with the Ontario Health & Safety Acts and Regulations
• Responsible to use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer
• Responsible to report workplace hazards and dangers
• Responsible to work in a manner as required by the employer and use the prescribed safety equipment
• Responsible to report workplace injuries or illness
  

Perform Other Position Related Duties As Required.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with the Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian Standards of conduct.

Critical Relationship Management

Governance Boards and Councils:

Internal

• Supervisor, volunteers, staff
  
  

External

• Families, clients, public, and community agencies.
  
  

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY

• This position reports directly to the Executive Director or designate.
• Represents The Salvation Army Booth Centre on various committees as determined by the Executive Director.
• Works as a team member with the Booth Centre’s administration and other pastoral care givers in corporate problem-solving for the benefit of the program and individuals; acts as a member of a case management team.
• Ability to work effectively with all managers and staff and create a working climate that is positive and mutually supportive.
  
  

Financial And Materials Management

• Not applicable.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is a permanent part-time position based on 24 hours per week.
• Flexibility in scheduling required to accommodate the requirements of the position.
• The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.
• Due to the vulnerable population supported, the chaplain may be exposed to verbal and or physical risk.
• Ability to lift/move 20 lbs.
• Travel is associated with this position.
  
  

Normal hours of work – Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities – some weekend and evening work may be required and a willingness to adjust the weekly work schedule in order to better service the clients is required.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.

Education And Experience Qualifications

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a Certificate in Chaplaincy from an accredited institution, Bible College Certificate or equivalent
• Certification in Critical Incident Stress Management (CCISM) would be an asset.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s licence, own vehicle and insurance is required (a copy of a current driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required for using company vehicle).
• Provide an original copy of a Criminal Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
• Requires screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.
  
  

Experience And Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years of prior related experience in a social service setting specifically working with the urban disadvantaged population providing emotional and spiritual support.
• Extensive knowledge of spiritual care and/or pastoral counseling.
• Maintain a working knowledge of legislation, standards and protocols related to spiritual and religious care.
• Thorough knowledge of community resources, various theologies and faith backgrounds.
• Good working knowledge of issues surrounding mental health, addictions and homelessness.
• Knowledge and understanding of The Salvation Army, its mission and its principles, and a commitment to uphold, promote and exemplify these principles in all dealings with other staff, clients and other agencies.
• Is practicing a disciplined and balanced life, committed to prayer, study and personal development.
• Is very familiar with, and has a love for, God’s word; with a heart to be involved in the Mission of God to reach the “lost” and actively mentors’ people in spiritual life and personal maturity.
  
  

Skills And Capabilities

• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and coworkers of The Salvation Army Booth Centre and exercise good judgement.
• Ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
• Participate in mandatory orientation training, on-going professional development and training.
• Participate in regular supervision and performance appraisal process.
• Represent the organization in a positive, professional and engaging manner.
• Must comply with all Salvation Army policies, procedures and associated legislation.
• Exhibit good listening skills, have strong oral/written communication skills and respect authority.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Self-directed with a demonstrated ability to plan, establish, organize and accomplish objectives, complete assignments and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in working in a computerized environment must have strong skills using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Lead by example, by demonstrating a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible in the face of change.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, public, and community agencies.
• Ability to deal with others effectively within a team setting and to use judgment and diplomacy.
• Self-directed with a demonstrated ability to plan, establish, organize and accomplish objectives, complete assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide spiritual care to diverse participants and families.
• Ability to interact with individuals one-on-one, facilitate support groups and conduct chapel services
• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure that own behaviour is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally.
• Develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
  
  

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $0.00 to $0.00 with a maximum of $0.00.

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 [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.