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Digital Chaplain Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Digital Chaplain information

How does a digital chaplain typically support individuals in virtual environments, and what are the unique challenges of providing spiritual care online?

A Digital Chaplain offers spiritual and emotional support through digital platforms such as chat, video calls, or email, often serving people who cannot access in-person chaplaincy. The role requires sensitivity to privacy, confidentiality, and cultural differences, as well as the ability to build trust without face-to-face interaction. Common challenges include navigating technology barriers, recognizing non-verbal cues remotely, and maintaining boundaries in a virtual space. Digital Chaplains often collaborate with healthcare teams, HR departments, or online community managers to ensure holistic care and seamless referrals when needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digital chaplain?

To thrive as a Digital Chaplain, you need a background in theology or pastoral care, strong digital literacy, and often certification or ordination from a recognized religious body. Familiarity with online communication platforms, telehealth tools, and digital content creation systems is typically required. Compassion, active listening, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals in virtual environments. These skills enable Digital Chaplains to provide meaningful spiritual care, build trust, and foster a sense of community in online spaces.

Can you become a digital chaplain online?

Digital chaplains can provide spiritual support through online platforms such as chat, video calls, and social media. Many organizations offer training in digital communication tools and spiritual counseling, enabling individuals to serve remotely. Certification or specific training may enhance credibility and effectiveness in this role.

What is the difference between Digital Chaplain vs Pastoral Care Coordinator?

AspectDigital ChaplainPastoral Care Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires theological training, chaplain certification, or pastoral credentialsOften requires theological education, pastoral certification, or related credentials
Work EnvironmentOnline platforms, hospitals, healthcare facilities, or community organizationsHospitals, churches, community centers, or healthcare settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, religious organizations, or digital health companiesReligious institutions, hospitals, or community organizations
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in providing spiritual support via digital meansFocuses on in-person or traditional spiritual care

The main difference is that Digital Chaplains provide spiritual support primarily through online platforms and digital communication, while Pastoral Care Coordinators typically work in person within healthcare or religious settings. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in their work environment and delivery method.

What is a digital chaplain?

A digital chaplain is a spiritual care professional who provides support, counseling, and guidance through online platforms and digital communication tools. They serve individuals or communities in virtual spaces, such as social media, video calls, chat, or email, rather than in traditional physical settings. Digital chaplains offer spiritual care, crisis support, and religious services to people who may not have access to in-person chaplaincy, making spiritual support more accessible and inclusive in the digital age.

Coordinator of Spiritual Care

Wooster Community Hospital

Wooster, OH • On-site

$25.30 - $32.63/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Wooster Community Hospital rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

553rd of 1,058 rated hospitals


Job description

WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION


Coordinator of Spiritual Care


MAIN FUNCTION:

This role blends direct chaplaincy work with administrative oversight of the spiritual care program. Provides and coordinates spiritual and emotional care to patients, families, and staff of all faith traditions/spiritual practices within the hospital setting and in accordance with hospital policies and professional standards of practice. Seeks to offer care that is sensitive to diverse faith communities, individual beliefs and cultural backgrounds. As part of the Care Management Department, collaborates closely with social workers, case managers, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team to promote holistic, patient-centered approach to care and well-being. Integrates community through coordination of volunteer on-call clergy schedules and maintaining community clergy relationships.


RESPONSIBLE TO: Manager, Care Management


MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in divinity/theology/religious studies/Pastoral Counseling or equivalent from an accredited institution; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Endorsement or ordination from a recognized faith group.

Minimum 2 years of experience in pastoral care, preferably in a healthcare setting.

Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Must demonstrate emotional maturity, empathy, and resilience in high stress situations.

Must demonstrate an ability and willingness to provide spiritual care to patients, families, and staff of all religious, spiritual, and non-religious backgrounds equitably.

No written disciplinary action in the last 12 months.


PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

Master’s degree in divinity theology

Completion of at least 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) from an ACPE-accredited program

Board Certification (or eligibility) through a recognized professional chaplaincy organization (e.g., APC, NACC, NAJC, CASC)

Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems


OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employees in this position may be exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and is required to wear barriers when indicated.

Follows Appropriate Service Standards.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

Pastoral/Clinical Care

Conducts pastoral visits to patients who request spiritual care or who are identified as having elevated spiritual or emotional needs. Makes follow-up visits as indicated or requested.

Assesses the spiritual needs of patients and families and provides appropriate interventions, resources, and referrals including other disciplines within the hospital.

Provides compassionate spiritual care and emotional support to patients, families, and staff regardless of faith tradition or belief system.

Coordinates care with community clergy and/or spiritual leaders from traditions other than one’s own when needed.

Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse faith traditions, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds in all interactions.

Offers supportive presence for those experiencing grief, emotional distress, ethical dilemmas, or spiritual questioning.

Provide spiritual and emotional care to patients and families involved in the hospital’s palliative care program.

Serves as a supportive resource for code, end-of-life, and disaster situations.

Facilitate or participate in prayer services, sacraments, memorials, or rituals as appropriate and requested.

Facilitates and maintains relationships with community clergy and spiritual leaders.

Collaborates and supports the volunteer prayer partners.

Communication

Collaborate and communicate effectively with all members of interdisciplinary teams to integrate spiritual care into patient care plans as appropriate.

Documents all spiritual care encounters and interventions in the hospital’s electronic medical record, in accordance with hospital policy.

Maintains confidentiality in all communications - written, verbal, electronic, and digital - in adherence with professional chaplaincy standards and hospital policy.

Reports patient satisfaction and/or safety concerns to physicians and staff, utilizing proper chain of command as needed.

Communicates with patients and families at an appropriate age level of understanding.

Advocates for cultural and spiritual sensitivity within the healthcare organization

Operations

Recruits, onboards, and schedules volunteer or “on call” chaplains.

Complete monthly on-call chaplain schedule.

Maintains the chapel’s appearance and functionality; oversees religious materials and resources throughout the hospital (e.g. books, pamphlets, music, Bibles).

Adheres to safety and infection control standards, including proper use of PPE, when interacting with patients and families

Patient Experience/Customer Service

Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with other departments and disciplines to enhance patient and family satisfaction.

Participate as a member of the Bereavement Committee to support initiatives related to grief, loss, and remembrance.

Participate as a member of the Palliative Care Committee to represent spiritual care needs for these patients with chronic conditions.

Supports patient and family satisfaction through presence, advocacy, and responsiveness.

Staff Development

Participates in Care Management and discipline-specific staff meetings, trainings, and hospital initiatives.

Engages in continuing education, professional development, and hospital-based projects to foster personal, professional and spiritual growth.

Demonstrate professional growth by maintaining awareness of changes in healthcare.


Performance Improvement

Attends and contributes to department, ethics, and interdisciplinary meetings or committees assigned.

Maintains current knowledge of hospital policies, accreditation standards (DNV, CMS), and quality/safety requirements.

Completes mandatory education, safety training, and compliance requirements within designated timeframes.

Identifies opportunities for process improvement and communicates recommendations through appropriate chain of command.


AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCY

Dependent upon department and the population served:


Infant (0-2 years)

  1. Demonstrates understanding of the development stage.
  2. Assures parent/guardian involvement in decision making and care
  3. Supports parent’s presence and involvement during hospitalization and in planning.
  4. Provides Spiritual/emotional support primarily to parents, caregivers and staff.
  5. Addresses deep emotional/theological questions, including neonatal loss or critical illness.
  6. Reports signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.

Pediatrics (3-12 years)

  1. Demonstrates understanding of the developmental stage.
  2. Assures parent/guardian involvement in decision making and care.
  3. Supports parent’s presence and involvement during hospitalization and in planning.
  4. Provides Spiritual/emotional support to parents/family.
  5. Engages children with age-appropriate language.
  6. Helps families navigate complex emotional and faith responses.
  7. Reports signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect

Adolescents (13–17 years)

  1. Demonstrates understanding of the developmental stage.
  2. Assures parent/guardian involvement in decision making and care.
  3. Supports parent’s presence and involvement during hospitalization and in planning.
  4. Provides Spiritual/emotional support to parents/family.
  5. Encourages open, age-appropriate communication about illness, treatment, and hospitalization.
  6. Addresses existential questions, autonomy concerns, and fear.
  7. Supports teens in exploring spiritual questions, expressing doubt or anger, and engaging in culturally and developmentally appropriate spiritual practices.
  8. Reports signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

  1. Demonstrates understanding of the developmental stage.
  2. Assures patient/family/guardian involvement in decision making and care.
  3. Supports family/guardian presence and involvement during hospitalization and in planning.
  4. Communicates clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.
  5. Provides Spiritual/emotional support to patient/family.
  6. Addresses end-of-life concerns, legacy, grief, and spiritual reconciliation.
  7. Supports families through anticipatory grief or dementia-related challenges.
  8. Reports signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect

Revision Dates: 2/4/2020; 10/26/2025; 7/24/26


Daytime, Monday through Friday. Typical start time is 10:30 a.m.; however, some flexibility is required based on department needs.
4 hours per day; 20 hours per week

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