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First Responder Chaplain Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Provides pastoral care as the On Call Chaplain by responding to emergencies during working hours ... of first day of employment. * Current ordination, commissioning, or other similar standing to ...

Provides pastoral care as the On Call Chaplain by responding to emergencies during working hours ... of first day of employment. * Current ordination, commissioning, or other similar standing to ...

Provides pastoral care as the On Call Chaplain by responding to emergencies during working hours ... of first day of employment. * Current ordination, commissioning, or other similar standing to ...

First Responder Chaplain information

What is a first responder chaplain?

First Responder Chaplains are trained individuals who provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to first responders such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and their families. They offer counseling, crisis intervention, and guidance during and after emergencies or traumatic events. Chaplains often respond to critical incidents, provide comfort, and help first responders cope with stress, grief, and difficult situations, regardless of the responders' personal beliefs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first responder chaplain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Responder Chaplain, you typically need a background in pastoral care, crisis intervention training, and theological education or ordination. Familiarity with incident command systems, emergency response protocols, and certifications such as Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) are often required. Exceptional listening skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to communicate compassionately are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities enable chaplains to provide effective spiritual and emotional support to first responders during high-stress situations, fostering well-being and resilience within emergency teams.

How does a first responder chaplain typically support team members during and after critical incidents?

First Responder Chaplains play a crucial role in providing emotional and spiritual support to first responders during and after critical incidents. They often offer immediate on-scene care, debrief with individuals or groups to help process traumatic events, and provide ongoing counseling as needed. Chaplains collaborate closely with command staff, mental health professionals, and peer support teams to ensure comprehensive care. This partnership helps create a resilient work environment and fosters trust among team members, encouraging them to seek support when facing difficult situations.
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Infographic showing various First Responder Chaplain job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


DCH Health System rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
PERFORMANCE PLANNING
Is responsible for serving the spiritual and emotional needs of patients, their families and employees.
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Provides pastoral care as the On Call Chaplain by responding to emergencies during working hours (0800 to 1630), after hours (1630 - 0800), and on weekends and holidays on a rotating basis with other chaplains.
  2. Maintains an active pastoral presence on all assigned areas.
  3. Provides or facilitates in the meeting of ritual and sacramental needs of patients of all faiths.
  4. Documents in the patient's electronic medical record and keeps records of pastoral activity to communicate with other members of the department and health care team.
  5. Leads group activities, worship services, religious rites, and classes.
  6. Provides pastoral care to hospital staff.
  7. Acts as liaison for DCH Health System with churches and ministers.
  8. When assigned, functions as Acting Director in Director's absence from Medical Centers.
  9. Follows Department of Pastoral Care Service policies and procedures.
  10. Performs administrative duties as assigned by the Director.
  11. Must adhere to the Code of Ethics as adopted by the Association of Professional Chaplains.

DCH Standards:
  • Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
  • Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
  • Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
  • Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
  • Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
  • Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
  • Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
  • Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
  • Requires use of telephone, paging systems and computer systems including but limited to electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
  • Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.
  • Educational Requirements:
    • Bachelor's degree from a college or university.
    • Master's degree in theology that involves a minimum of 72 semester credit hours (108 quarter credits).
    • Four (4) units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) to function as a competent pastoral care provider from an institution or institutions accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) or the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC).
  • Must be certified by and in good standing with a national professional pastoral care organization or have certification eligibility and obtain certification within two years of first day of employment.
  • Current ordination, commissioning, or other similar standing to function in a ministry of pastoral care, granted by an appropriate religious authority according to the standard practice and policy of that authority.
  • Provide documentation of current endorsement or of good standing in accordance with the applicant's faith tradition (received or reaffirmed within last 12 months). The letter must be mailed directly to the DCH Health System Director of Pastoral Care. Faith groups must be recognized by the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) or by the Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches.
  • Philosophy and Theology - Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
  • Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

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