ERIE UNITED METHODIST ALLIANCE, INC.

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

POSITION TITLE:      Chaplain

 

BASIC JOB FUNCTION:       To promote Christian holistic health in the staff, clients and membership churches of the EUMA through its programs.

 

REPORTS TO:            Executive Director

 

WORK HOURS:         20 hours/week – flexible

 

FRUITS OF CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM:

  • People offered the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ
  • People feel valued
  • Reduce employee and/or client stress
  • Increase employee commitment to EUMA goals and objectives
  • Reduce employee  and/or client conflicts
  • Improve employee and client attitudes, morale, and teamwork  

     

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Chaplaincy presence at ministry sites (to staff & clients)

  • Share God’s love with EUMA staff and the community of the poor and homeless, treating each person with dignity, love and respect
  • Offer comfort and hope
  • Regularly interacting and building appropriate relationships with staff and clients
  • Available by phone 24/7 for emergencies
  • Communication through visiting, phone, cards, established events
  • Proactive, taking the initiative to meet and be available to all staff and clients; it is not just a “crisis response” program; many problems are much more effectively dealt with in their early stages, thereby reducing the possibility of a serious crisis.

Spiritual guidance

  • Ensure faithful transmission of the Christian faith
  • Lead people in discipleship and evangelistic outreach that others might come to know Christ and to follow him
  • Be available when called upon to provide sensitive, spiritual care, while respecting cultures, religious traditions and beliefs
  • Provide group and individual opportunities for spiritual discussion, religious inquiry, study, and/or application of faith to life, as interest warrants
  • Give pastoral support, guidance, and training to the staff, equipping them to fulfill the ministry to which they are called

Counseling to extent chaplain is qualified or referral to qualified counselor

  • Helping employees and clients better manage basic personal life and work issues

Participation in Alliance staff meetings and events

Enlist volunteers to lead spiritual events at ministry classes

  • Work with EM District Superintendent to establish connections in local churches to seek out opportunities for cooperative ministries with other United Methodist pastors and churches

Work with YAK Coordinator to provide spiritual activity for children

Ongoing assessment of need and adaptation of programming to meet needs

Responsible for organizational faithfulness, goal setting, planning and evaluation

Ongoing communication with Executive Director of activities and participation

 

GENERAL DUTIES:

  • Work collaboratively with all appropriate staff, service providers and community members in provision of services for the homeless
  • Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all clients, staff information, and records except in the cases of suspected child abuse or neglect, or in cases where mandatory reporting is required by civil law.
  • Attend Alliance meetings and in-service and/or trainings as required
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Executive Director
  • Secure, safeguard, and protect EUMA property, equipment, and supplies
  • Advocate for the homeless at every opportunity in day-to-day performance of job duties

 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • Commitment to the Erie United Methodist Alliance mission and core values
  • Bachelor’s Degree in related field
  • Recommendation from current pastor attesting to active spiritual life in his/her congregation

 

SKILLS NEEDED:     

  • An understanding of the United Methodist faith and organization
  • Ability to take initiative in identifying and accomplishing tasks
  • Maturity, good judgment, flexibility and a positive attitude
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Sensitivity to poverty issues, cultural differences
  • Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds
  • Ability to interact professionally with staff, residents and other members of community
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries in dealing with residents
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to work independently under general supervision
  • Good organizational skills