Health Services Chaplain - Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge

APPLY HERE

Presbyterian & Episcopal

Meet Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge

Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Charlottesville, VA, offering a range of living options and services for older adults. Situated in a picturesque setting with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it provides a combination of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care, catering to residents with varying levels of need. The community is known for its focus on wellness, offering a variety of programs aimed at physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being, including fitness classes, cultural events, and social activities. Additionally, the campus is designed to foster a strong sense of community, with common areas for residents to gather and interact, and opportunities for residents to remain active and engaged. With its emphasis on high-quality care, a vibrant lifestyle, and a beautiful location, Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge is a sought-after choice for seniors in the Charlottesville area.

About the Health Services Chaplain

A Health Services Chaplain is a spiritual care provider who offers emotional, spiritual, and religious support to individuals in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). They play a vital role in addressing the spiritual needs of patients, families, and staff, especially during times of illness, crisis, or end-of-life care.

A Health Services Chaplain is often a compassionate, empathetic individual who is deeply committed to the spiritual well-being of others. They are typically trained in theology, spiritual care, and pastoral counseling, with a genuine calling to serve others in times of need. They must be adaptable, able to engage with diverse personalities, and provide care in a respectful, non-judgmental manner.

The Health Services Chaplain responsibilities include:

• Pastoral Care and Support: 
• The core function is to provide spiritual and emotional support to residents in the Health Center and Catered Living. This includes:
• Provision for their spiritual health and formation, worship, end of life, grief, crisis intervention, and visitation needs.
• Initiating and maintaining pastoral relationships with residents and their families.
• Offering support to residents experiencing health decline, hospice care, and bereavement.
• Providing pastoral support to associates in the care settings and directing them to appropriate resources.
• Spiritual Programming and Connection: 
• Arranging and providing spiritual programming, including bible studies and devotions, tailored to the needs of the residents.
• Facilitating connections or renewal in their spiritual belief systems.
• Connecting residents with their places of worship and clergy/spiritual leaders in the community.
• Care Team Participation:
• Participating in resident care plans, communicating essential information, and serving as a resource to care teams regarding spiritual and emotional needs.
• Attending morning update meetings and other relevant meetings centered around residents and associates.
• Participating in the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meeting as back up for the Manager of Spiritual Care Services when needed.
• Worship and Observances:
• Sharing in on-call coverage on a rotating basis.
• Providing pastoral visits as needed.  
• Providing Vespers services in the WCBR Chapel on Sunday afternoons.
• Assisting in planning and conducting special worship services, especially surrounding major religious observances.
• Coordinating, arranging, and officiating memorial services and celebrations of life.
• Community Engagement:
• Attending WCBR events, dining with residents, and participating in residents’ meetings and activities.
• Attending and supporting functions for associates sponsored by various WCBR departments.
• Offering prayers and blessings for WCBR meetings and events.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging:
• Providing support “with creativity, imagination, energy, intelligence, and love in support of WCBR’s mission and values, including our commitment to furthering diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.”

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Health Services Chaplain:

Education and experience

• Master of Divinity (or equivalent) from an accredited seminary.
• Minimum of five years in a pastoral setting, with emphasis on long-term care, acute care, or hospice care.
• Experience in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) setting is preferred.
• Ordained and in good standing with their denomination.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to administer Holy Communion.
• Proficient in preparing liturgies for worship and prayer services.
• Sensitive to and respectful of diverse faith traditions and belief systems, offering inclusive spiritual support.

Personal characteristics and qualifications

• Conscientious, committed, and engaging.
• Cultivated relationship-building skills.
• Self-motivated, innovative, and a self-starter.
• Able to initiate and create their own position.
• Genuine, authentic, with a deep sense of care and concern.
• Demonstrates humility and servanthood.

What it’s like to live in Charlottesville, VA

Living in Charlottesville, VA offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, fueled by its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful natural surroundings. The city, home to the University of Virginia, has a youthful, intellectual atmosphere, with a strong focus on education, arts, and local food. Residents enjoy outdoor activities in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, while the historic downtown offers shops, restaurants, and events. The city’s combination of scenic beauty, cultural vibrancy, and a welcoming community makes it an attractive place to live.