Spiritual Care Coordinator, Nithview Community & Greenwood Court

Spiritual Care Coordinator

Nithview Community, Tri-County Mennonite Homes, New Hamburg, ON

Greenwood Court, Tri-County Mennonite Homes, Stratford, ON

We have an immediate opportunity for the oversight of Spiritual and Religious Care services to the residents at Nithview Community in New Hamburg and Greenwood Court in Stratford.

The Spiritual Care Coordinator is a “spiritual health specialist” who promotes person-centered healthcare by attending to human spirituality as a social determinant of health. The candidate’s spiritual care practice is supported by CASC competencies, including “Connecting with the Body, engaging with the Mind, Embracing the Emotions and Supporting the Human Spirit.” They are a ‘Minister of Presence’ through caring, supportive listening, and prayer while possessing knowledge of human development, including spiritual growth, behavior, and family dynamics.

They plan liturgies and worship services for patients, coordinate observances of religious feasts, and support multi-faith programming and education. Additional functions include pastoral care at the end of life and support to families and staff dealing with grief and loss.

The ideal candidate will be self-directed, energetic, and creative, able to respond to the diverse spiritual needs of residents, families, and staff. They will serve as an integral member of an interdisciplinary care team ministering to culturally diverse populations in a faith-based, publicly funded healthcare context.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Ensures a spiritual care assessment of each new resident is completed and documented on the resident’s care plan. Participates in resident care conferences as required.
2. Develops standards and procedures related to Spiritual Care. Evaluates the effectiveness of these programs and develops new initiatives as required to meet the needs of the residents.
3. Links residents to community spiritual, pastoral, and religious services, and other resources.
4. Encourages and supports community clergy to meet their role in supporting residents to access their religious traditions. Liaises with clergy from various faith denominations in the community. Maintains a roster of volunteer clergy visitors and facilitates the ministries of denominationally appointed clergy and chaplains or other religious leaders.
5. Supports bereaved families, prepares and provides resource material for accessing funeral resources, bereavement support, community clergy and faith leaders, reflections, and prayers. Conducts group memorial services for residents.
6. Responds to and arranges after-hour spiritual care requirements of residents, family members, or staff members in crisis.
7. Participates in LTC/RH committees such as PAC, Quality and Palliative Care Committee.
8. As a member of the team participates in planning and implementing mission integration activities and acts as a role model of the TCMH mission, vision, and values.
9. Establishes annual goals and objectives for Spiritual Care and monitors progress of achievement.
10. Participates in interdisciplinary quality improvement projects, monitors program and service standards, maintains statistical records of key activities and indicators, and reports on quality improvement activities.

Qualifications:

1. Have completed or working towards completion of a recognized degree in theology, divinity, or spirituality would be advantageous.
2. Previous pastoral care experience.
3. Previous experience in a long-term care home is preferred, knowledge of Ministry of Long-Term Care legislation standards preferred, experience working with dementia and palliative residents.
4. Current registration with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC).
5. Computer literacy is a requirement, familiarity with the Point Click Care software is an asset as well as experience using Microsoft Office.
6. A minimum of two units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent and willing to pursue full CASC certification.
7. Competent in multi-faith and multicultural ministry.
8. Great communicator well organized team player with clinical skills in care planning, supportive therapy, crisis intervention, and grief counseling is preferred.
9. Demonstrated pastoral care ability with comprehensive knowledge and appreciation of ecumenical Christian beliefs, traditions, and spirituality.
10. Possess strong interpersonal, communication, organization, and administrative skills.
11. Have experience and/or willingness in working with seniors and understand LTC Homes Act/Regulations, MAID, and other applicable legislation.
12. Experience in program planning/implementation meeting the needs of all residents within the continuum senior care environment.
13. Superior client relationship skills and a passion for advocating for residents’ rights and person-centered approach.
14. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), works effectively with residents, team members, family members, and other stakeholders.
15. Stress management skills and ability to maintain a healthy balance of empathy and self-care.
16. Understanding of the needs of the elderly and the ability to work with residents with various levels of disabilities.

About Tri-County Mennonite Homes:

What we offer:

• Pension plan
• Health and dental benefits
• Short-term disability
• Life insurance
• Paid orientation
• Training opportunities and career development
• Employee appreciation lunches and events
• Employee assistance program
• An employee Social Committee
• Tuition support programs
• Employee pricing on meals from our kitchen
• A positive and supportive work environment

New employees will be required to complete a vulnerable sector check and TB test as part of the onboarding process.

Tri-County Mennonite Homes does not require COVID-19 vaccination as a part of the onboarding process; however, TCMH continues to strongly recommend 'up-to-date' COVID-19 vaccinations.

Tri-County Mennonite Homes is a leader in providing services to seniors and adults with developmental disabilities. With dedicated staff and volunteers, we operate three divisions: Greenwood Court in Stratford, Nithview Community in New Hamburg, and Aldaview Services in New Hamburg. Our mission is 'Making Every Day Matter'.

About Nithview Community & Greenwood Court:

Nithview Community is a seniors' community designed to provide several types of accommodation and services. Residents can choose the type of accommodation that is most appropriate for their care needs and continue to live within the community of care as their needs change. Emphasis is placed on assisting residents to live life to the fullest in this dynamic residential setting.

Greenwood Court is designed as a 'Community of Care' where seniors are able to age in place. As the needs of our seniors change, they have access to additional services and supports without having to leave familiar surroundings or newly developed friendships. Staff and volunteers are committed to making Greenwood Court 'a place to call home' for its residents.

Tri-County Mennonite Homes is pleased to accommodate individual needs in accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), within our recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any time throughout the recruitment process, please speak with our Human Resources Consultant.