Heart and Soul Mental Health Chaplain - Fulbourn Hospital

Over the past 20 years, this role has evolved into the Heart and Soul service, a vibrant community of volunteers, specialist chaplains, and peer workers. In 2018, Heart and Soul: Being Human Together was launched as both a strategy and a rebranding of the chaplaincy, emphasizing that spirituality, holistic care, and treating one another with humanity is a shared responsibility. It reinforced the belief that we all play a role in creating a culture of care that mirrors the standards we would want for ourselves. When Fulbourn Hospital's new Resource Centre opened in 2023, the Heart and Soul approach was at its core, offering public spaces, a community café, and group rooms that foster inclusion, belonging, and therapeutic social connections.

This appointment marks the next strategic chapter for Heart and Soul. With the impending retirement of the Heart and Soul Lead chaplain, we have separated the 'boots on the ground' tasks of a local chaplain, leaving the higher-level, managerial and strategic tasks with the Lead role. This shift has become even more crucial since the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and the opening of the new Resource Centre. There is more rebuilding of links and relationships to be done.

Main duties of the job

In this role, you will provide compassionate, pastorally-rich support to individuals in CPFT's wards at Fulbourn Hospital and in local community settings, with a focus on holistic care that honors spirituality, religion, and the diverse beliefs and backgrounds of those you serve.

You will work closely with colleagues, accepting referrals to support individuals with their existential, spiritual, or religious needs, ensuring that spirituality is thoughtfully integrated into their overall care when appropriate. By collaborating with staff across the wards, Resource Centre, and local community, you will help foster a culture of care that respects the whole person, including their spiritual and cultural identity.

Job responsibilities

1. Provide compassionate, pastorally-rich support to individuals in CPFT's wards and local community settings, focusing on holistic care that honors spirituality and diverse beliefs.

2. Work closely with colleagues, accepting referrals for existential, spiritual, or religious needs, ensuring thoughtful integration of spirituality into overall care.

3. Incorporate diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs into care plans using the Systm 1 electronic record [Spiritual Wellbeing tab].

4. Build strong, positive relationships with colleagues across the hospital and community to contribute to the vibrant life of the Resource Centre and wards.

5. Extend support to families and caregivers, guiding them through the challenges of mental health care with empathy and understanding.

6. Engage with the Heart and Soul community, co-producing and participating in activities like the weekly Coffee Club and Sunday Reflection, Music, Prayer & Coffee Chat.

7. Attend monthly online team meetings and have regular supervision with the Heart and Soul Lead, supporting the Resource Centre Peer Support Worker and Heart and Soul volunteers.

8. Provide training to healthcare staff on the value of holistic care, spirituality, and religion in mental health, working alongside CPFT's Muslim Chaplain.

9. Maintain strong connections with the Resource Centre, Fulbourn Hospital wards, and the local community while accepting referrals.

10. Manage and coordinate the use of Still Point in the Resource Centre, creating a welcoming space for prayer, meditation, and restorative conversations.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

- A high-level qualification or degree in Existential or Religious Pastoral Care, Counselling, Applied Psychology, Social Work, Theology, or a related field.

Desirable

- Certification in chaplaincy or pastoral care generally.

Experience

Essential

- Minimum of 2 years of experience working with people whose mental health challenges are significantly complex.

- Demonstrated personal involvement in a faith, spiritual, or religious community that has shaped your vocation and life of service.

- Experience in planning, promoting, and delivering training workshops and facilitating meaningful group conversations.

Desirable

- Experience facing significant mental health challenges yourself, or in the lives of people closest to you.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential

- Knowledge of how and where to find religious care for individuals when unable to provide it personally.

Desirable

- A personal faith belief.

Employer details

Employer name

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Fulbourn Resource Centre

Fulbourn Hospital

Cambridge

CB21 5EF

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

310-MCORP-6666449