Job Description

1. To serve as a spiritual, pastoral, ethical, and religious resource, particularly for members of the postholder's own faith community, but also for the wider Trust community as needed. 2. To conduct and administer rites and practices of the postholders own faith tradition for patients on wards, and to provide for individuals unable to maintain contact with their own faith communities.



To offer guidance or seek advice on the spiritual dimensions of bereavement care, and to participate in or lead memorial services and other corporate/public events as required by the Trust. 3. To provide specialised knowledge of their own faith tradition, with awareness of other religious and spiritual perspectives. This includes understanding the cultural, ethical, and religious issues that relate to healthcare, especially within the context of mental illness.



The postholder will liaise with healthcare staff to ensure spiritual assessments and activities are integrated into the continuum of care. 4. To contribute to the education and orientation of students and new Trust staff, helping them understand the role of the Department of Spiritual and Pastoral Care. The postholder may also deliver training on their specific faith tradition and undertake further development to provide specialised training in spiritual, ethical, cultural, and multi-faith matters.



They will serve as an advocate for patients, staff, and visitors from their religious and cultural background and act as a faith resource or refer appropriately within the department. 5. To demonstrate excellent communication skills, building relationships in challenging pastoral environments. The postholder must be able to navigate complex and sensitive situations, providing or signposting spiritual support and guidance.



They should be capable of making independent professional judgements in matters of spiritual care and adapt to unpredictable and sometimes distressing working conditions. 6. To collaborate with medical, nursing, and managerial staff in multidisciplinary meetings, training sessions, and departmental discussions where spiritual care is relevant to patient wellbeing. 7.



To liaise with local religious leaders regarding the pastoral and spiritual needs of patients, visitors, and staff, maintaining NHS confidentiality standards. The postholder may also receive information from external religious representatives and act as a resource on local and national multi-faith matters. Patient engagement and liaison regarding the chaplaincy service is also encouraged. 8.



To maintain high standards of service in accordance with national, Trust, and Team expectations. This includes keeping records of chaplaincy work, supervising trainees and volunteers, and participating in service development. The postholder will help implement chaplaincy policiessuch as those governing unauthorised visitors and the conduct of faith groupsand contribute to innovation in the service. 9.



To attend all required training sessions as outlined by the Trust, including PADR reviews, mandatory training, and induction. This also includes monthly supervision (up to 1 hour per 1.0 WTE), regional and national study courses (up to 6 days WTE annually), and participation in the Annual Study Day and Team meetings. The postholder will also engage in annual appraisals and any additional relevant professional development. 10.



To support and lead innovation and change within the Department, contributing to audits, research, and responsive service improvements. 11. To demonstrate an ongoing commitment to professional and spiritual growth. The postholder is expected to arrange regular supervision or mentoring, attend annual study and team meetings, and take responsibility for continuing education and training.



They are entitled (pro-rata) to one week of retreat leave and one week of study leave annually for development and reflection. All professional conduct should align with the CHCC Code of Conduct.