Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Conduct religious ceremonies associated with the beliefs and practices of the population's faith.

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions with clients and family members to provide spiritual assistance.

• Consult with staff, treatment teams, and administrative and/or program groups to identify needs, establish programs, and facilitate the provision of WRCH services.

• Conduct spirituality assessments on newly admitted patients and as clinically needed.

• Provides pastoral care and counseling in times of crisis and provides consultation on issues related to religion, morality, and ethics.

• Offers spiritual/religious education/support addressing the needs of the individual served.

• Consult with facility administrators regarding spiritual/religious activities and any issues related to morals, ethics, values, death, dying, and human rights, as these issues impact clients, their family members, and facility staff.

• Provide coordination of all staff-based and contracted chaplain services for all chaplains working within WRCH.

• Participates in denominational and interfaith organizations as well as conferences, workshops, seminars, and other continuing education opportunities to enhance religious and clinical competencies and/or to maintain religious standing.

• Stays current with the latest developments in resources, policies, practices, and trends affecting the population served.

• Supervises additional facility/contracted spiritual staff.

Required Qualifications:



• Knowledge of the types and applications of religious rites and ceremonies of the faith group served.

• Ability to assess religious/spiritual needs and counsel clients, staff, and their families within a religious/spiritual context.

• Knowledge of Philosophy, Spirituality, and Theology principles, including terminology.

• Demonstrated experience with the factors, trends, and problems in providing religious services to individuals with mental and/or emotional disorders and/or developmental impairments.

• Knowledge of the types and symptoms of mental and/or emotional disorders and/or developmental impairments.

• Capacity to establish rapport with people from different ethnic, cultural, and/or economic backgrounds.

• Ability to plan the development and implementation of religious activities at a state facility.


Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior pastoral experience in a hospital or healthcare community ministry.

• Astute awareness of self and others; commitment to providing inclusive and welcoming care for a diverse population.

• Willingness to maintain ongoing professional growth and learning.

• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate with various workgroups.

• Ability to demonstrate a positive, non-judgmental, and accepting attitude toward individuals with substance use disorder.

• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and superior attention to detail.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.

• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WHRC):

Located on over 100 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient and culturally competent mental health services. It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations.

WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service, and 30 adolescents on the ACCU.


DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.



Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 EXT 4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Applicants must have an ordination or other recognition as a religious leader/teacher based on the requirements of the population serviced and the specific requirements of the religion concerned.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.