10/16/90 B

This is the single class in the Chaplain Series for positions that provide pastoral care and counseling; plan and conduct non-denominational religious worship services and programs; and perform other functions associated with spiritual beliefs and practices of religious faith for clients in state human services facilities and hospitals. Positions in this class serve as a resource for clients regarding spiritual needs and concerns, and as the pastoral representative to coordinate and incorporate religion and related activities as a part of the total treatment goals of the client in the facility.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty in pastoral care and counseling, and in the coordination and presentation of religious programs and services. Plans, conducts and arranges for nondenominational worship services. Plans and conducts activities to provide clients with religious experiences using music, scripture, worship services, Bible studies, and patient visitation. Provides pastoral and religious counseling to assist clients in their understanding of religious faith and to increase their psycho-social adjustment. Gives clients information regarding religious symbols and resources to provide help, comfort and strength. Counsels clients regarding the meaning of life, unresolved grief, and family conflicts. Participates in emergency or bereavement ministries in hospital or home visits, funerals, phone calls, and correspondence. Arranges with local clergy for pastoral needs such as prayer, baptism, communion, or last rites at the request of clients and families. Incorporates spiritual aspects of life into individualized and group treatment plans. Provides supportive counseling for clients and families. Serves as liaison with the local religious community to coordinate services for clients; conducts workshops for staff and personnel from community

religious institutions to foster a better understanding of religious experiences on the total treatment program. Keeps client records and makes reports as required. May coordinate and oversee volunteer group activities, work with local service and religious organizations to explain facility chaplain services and to keep abreast of the latest service availabilities. May coordinate and conduct individual and group therapy at the request of a treatment team or physician; or give input into client treatment plans.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor. Positions may provide instruction and guidance to volunteer groups which work in religious care programs.

Supervision Received: General direction is received from an agency program manager, facility director or other agency administrator.

Scope: Positions plan and conduct religious programs and services, and provide pastoral counseling for clients within a state facility or hospital.

Impact of Actions: An effective religious services program has an impact on the client's total well-being. Patient care services promote family understanding and involvement and enhance the total services of the facility or hospital.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal contacts with clients and families regarding religious activities employees and staff on the coordination and implementation of client care and services. Frequent external contacts with local clergy, service organizations, and church groups regarding the provision of individualized services.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the study, interpretation, practices and experiences of theology; pastoral care practices; principles and practices of pastoral counseling; individual and family counseling principles and techniques. Some knowledge of diverse religious backgrounds.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to counsel patients and family members; work with persons of diverse religious backgrounds; plan, organize and carry out a religious program for a facility; work with individuals with a wide variety of physical and mental needs; and to recognize and interface client spiritual needs and clinical needs.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in theology.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in providing religious program, services and counseling to individuals.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class specification was revised as part of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective October 1990.