Spiritual Health Practitioner

Position Summary
Interior Health is seeking a permanent full-time Spiritual Health Practitioner at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) who is passionate about providing compassionate, person-centered care. In this meaningful role, you will support patients, families, staff, and volunteers while leading and coordinating spiritual health services across the hospital.

Location: The worksite location is located at Kelowna General Hospital.

What we offer:
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Employer paid training/education
• Employer paid vacation
• Employer paid insurance premiums
• Extended Health & Dental coverage
• Work-life balance
• May be eligible to contribute to MPP

The salary range for this position is $76,111 (min) to $95,138 (midpoint) to $109,409 (max) per annum, based on 1.0 FTE. Interior Health typically establishes salaries within the minimum and midpoint of the salary range based on qualifications, experience of the applicant, and an internal equity review of the salaries of other employees.

How will you create an impact:
The Spiritual Health Practitioner provides therapeutic interventions across the continuum of care to individuals, their families and friends, staff, physicians, and volunteers to support and increase their ability to better manage their needs based on their individual strengths, values, beliefs, and culture. The Spiritual Health Practitioner is responsible for the implementation and coordination of all spiritual health services at Kelowna General Hospital and facilitates the recruitment, training, and clinical support provided to Spiritual Health on-call resources, volunteers, and visitors.

SCOPE OF THE ROLE:
Persons do not enter into a facility or come under the care of the health system because of a spiritual diagnosis. The Spiritual Health Practitioner does not, therefore, directly treat any diagnosed illness. Instead, the Spiritual Health Practitioner provides assessment and care for the spiritual dimension of persons in a manner that supports physical and mental health and reduces human suffering.

What will you work on:
• Provides comprehensive spiritual health and emotional support services to individuals, their families and friends, staff, physicians, and volunteers in a manner that is appropriate according to their expressed wishes or belief systems and respectful of religious and cultural diversity.

• Contributes to formal/informal consultation to staff, physicians, and volunteers on spiritual health matters and acts as a liaison during crisis intervention.

• Liaises with spiritual, religious, and cultural groups in the community to facilitate provision of religious rites, rituals, and services for clients requiring faith-specific support.

• Coordinates activities such as religious services, visits to patients, counseling, and support for families.

• Leads the recruitment, coordination, and supervision of spiritual health volunteers and visitors from various spiritual, religious, and cultural groups.

• Leads in orientation and facilitation of staff, physicians, volunteers, and community faith representatives.
• Participates in care delivery, as required, as a member of the inter-disciplinary team. Documents clinical assessments, interventions, and referrals in a way that is understood by members of the inter-disciplinary team.

• Represents Spiritual Health Services at internal and external meetings or committees as assigned by the Health Services Director.

• Maintains an appropriate chapel and/or sacred space and monitors the distribution of spiritual and religious materials at the hospital.

• Participates in the development of effective policies, procedures, and standards for spiritual care. Under direction from the Health Services Director, implements changes toward improving the delivery of the program.

• In alignment with IH’s Occupational Health & Safety Program, employees shall adhere to all Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures at all times and attend all required training. Employees are responsible to report any identified hazards, unsafe conditions or incidents to the manager or supervisor immediately.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Come join our team and see why we’re one of BC’s Top Employers! Explore our extensive benefits, career growth opportunities, and lifestyle in one of the most beautiful and diverse regions of Canada. Ready to love where you live and work? Apply Today!

Honouring Interior Health’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preferential consideration and/or hiring will be given to qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).

Qualfications
Education, Training and Experience
• Master’s degree in theology, pastoral studies, or spirituality from an accredited theological institution.
• One advanced unit of Clinical Pastoral Education in a healthcare setting.
• Two years of recent, related experience in an institutional setting.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as described in the Spiritual Health Framework may be considered.
• Eligible for membership in the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC).

Skills and Abilities
The core competencies for Spiritual Health professionals are adapted from the Competency Profile for Spiritual Care and Counseling Services developed by the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC).

• Spiritual Assessment – Extensive, in-depth, ongoing process of actively listening to and summarizing a client’s story, spiritual strengths, need, hopes, and coping strategies.
• Spiritual Care – Professional relationship established with a client that provides a framework for ongoing assessment and inter-professional interventions that help meet the wellness needs and goals of the client that include relational approach, assessment, planning, and intervention.
• Self-Awareness – Assesses the impact of one’s own spirituality, beliefs, values, assumptions, and power dynamics in relationships with clients.
• Spiritual and Personal Development – Continues to develop and maintain personal and professional growth, awareness, and self-understanding and makes oneself appropriately accountable.
• Multi-Dimensional Communication – Employs communication strategies that include active and attentive listening, awareness of the non-verbal, appropriateness, and relevant content.
• Documentation and Charting – Documents clinical assessments, interventions, and referrals in a way that is understood by members of the inter-professional team. Keeps records and statistics in a timely manner. Demonstrates clarity, skill, and appropriate confidentiality in all paper and electronic correspondence.
• Brokering Diversity – Understands, values, and promotes diversity and inclusion and advocates for equitable care. Provides care that takes into account culture, bias, and the specific needs of clients.
• Ethical Behavior – Is congruent with the values of the CASC Code of Ethics reflecting justice, compassion, and healing for all.
• Collaboration and Partnerships – Is accountable to the public, faith communities, employers, and professionals in all relationships.
• Leadership – Exhibits leadership that provides advocacy and support as an integral team member.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.