Spiritual Care Practitioner - Spiritual Care Services

The Spiritual Care Practitioner works collaboratively within inter-professional teams in Mackenzie Health to enhance the quality of life through psycho-spiritual therapeutic approaches to care. Functioning as a member of the interprofessional health care team, the Spiritual Care Practitioner’s primary responsibilities include the provision of spiritual care to patients, families/friends, volunteers, and staff at Mackenzie Health, conducting spiritual assessments and planning of care, treatment and interventions. The Spiritual Care Practitioner demonstrates competency in providing spiritual care to diverse religious, educational and cultural backgrounds while exhibiting leadership. Besides, the Spiritual Care Practitioner is responsible for performing cross-functional and other duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned and/or required. The Spiritual Care Practitioner engages people of all beliefs, respecting and offering compassion for diverse belief systems and world views.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Providing and promoting high-quality spiritual care consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of Mackenzie Health for patients, their families, volunteers, and hospital staff.
• Assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the spiritual care needs of patients and their families; and clearly communicating the spiritual needs and plans to inter-professional team members through concise documentation.
• Providing care that is respectful of religious, spiritual, and cultural diversity by supporting ethical discussion and difficult decision-making by patients, families, and staff.
• Actively engaging patients, their families, volunteers and staff in developing an understanding of the relationship between spiritual, religious, physical, emotional, psychological and mental wellbeing.
• Being available and accessible to patients, their families, and staff within the continuum of care, especially those experiencing spiritual and emotional distress.
• Demonstrating best practices in end-of-life care, grief and bereavement support.
• Assisting in the preparation and leading of Sacred Services within the Spiritual Care Services and Occupational Health and Wellness program.
• Enabling effective team collaboration and functioning as a full participant on a variety of clinical teams.
• Facilitating a variety of staff support strategies nurturing collaboration & supportive community.
• Providing appropriate opportunities for prayer, sacraments, and other rituals as needed.
• Collaborating with community clergy and spiritual care partners (where appropriate) making referrals and helpful connections with the patient’s/family’s community support.
• Engaging opportunities for Research and Quality Improvement in Spiritual Care.

Required Qualifications:

• Current Membership and Certification with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) having completed at least one or two CPE units.
• A minimum of one year experience as a Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner (CASC) in a Health Care Setting or Registered Psychotherapist.
• Completion of a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Care or Spiritually Oriented Clinical Counselling or Pscyho-Spiritual Therapy or equivalent.
• Registered Membership with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) or working towards receiving membership status.
• Assurance that one is not under an Ethics Committee investigation with CASC or an investigation under the Professional Misconduct Regulation of the CRPO.
• Ability to relate theology and behavioral science to the practice of spiritual care.
• Demonstrated spiritual maturity and integrity coupled with a high degree of sensitivity, compassion, gentleness, caring, humility and approachability.
• Knowledge of various models of spiritual care and their appropriate use in a variety of practice contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to be with people in their most vulnerable time exploring meaning and identifying values.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills and crisis intervention techniques.
• Excellent communication (verbal/written English), interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Demonstrated proficiency working with computer applications in a Windows environment (Word, Electronic mail, electronic documentation).
• Demonstrated commitment to the Mission, Vision and Values of Mackenzie Health.
• Must have an excellent attendance record.
• Experience and training in complementary therapies such as; art, music, mindfulness, and play.
• Demonstrates understanding and complies with patient and staff safety policies and procedures that foster a safe and inclusive environment for all.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the job.
• Effectively uses empathy in interactions with others and demonstrates behaviours consistent with Mackenzie Health’s Commitment to Caring.
• Models behaviour that is aligned with the values of Mackenzie Health - Excellence, Leadership and Empathy.
• Commitment to providing an exceptional experience for staff and clients within a challenging and exciting healthcare environment.

*You may be required to work at any site of Mackenzie Health.

Mackenzie Health is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer committed to providing accommodations for applicants upon request at any stage of the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those under consideration for an interview will be contacted.