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First Responder Chaplain Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

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 to become a first responder chaplain?

To become a first responder chaplain, individuals typically need a background in chaplaincy or counseling, along with training in emergency response and crisis intervention. Certification from a recognized chaplaincy organization and experience working with emergency services are often required, along with a compassionate demeanor and the ability to work in high-stress environments.

What are popular job titles related to First Responder Chaplain jobs in Colorado?

For First Responder Chaplain jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Responder Chaplain jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for First Responder Chaplain jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for First Responder Chaplain jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most First Responder Chaplain job openings:

Infographic showing various First Responder Chaplain job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Shelter Associate (Fort Collins)

Catholic Charities of Denver

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$17.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Part-time
Description
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Shelter Associate
Shifts Available:
  • Day-6am-2:30pm
  • Evening- 2pm-10:30pm
  • Overnight- 10pm-8:30am

OUR PURPOSE
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver has been serving Northern Colorado since 1927. We serve tens of thousands of people each year in seven ministries: Marisol Services, Early Childhood Education, Shelter Services, Catholic Charities Housing, St. Raphael Counseling, Family, Kinship, and Senior Services; and Parish & Community Engagement.
Our employees are crucial to our success in achieving our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need. Catholic Charities provides a work environment where self-motivated and mission-driven individuals are recognized and rewarded.
Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to welcoming applicants and program participants of all faiths, as well as an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and program participants.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
A Shelter Associate at Catholic Charities:
  • Welcomes guests with dignity, checking them in/out, and managing bed assignments
  • Maintains safety and order by calmly enforcing shelter guidelines
  • De-escalates conflict and responds to crises (mental health, substance use, medical emergencies) using trauma-informed, person-centered approaches

Requirements
  • Show genuine care and love for people-even on their hardest days
  • Ability to stay calm and kind when others are upset
  • Ability to hold boundaries without taking things personally
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, sometimes chaotic environment
  • Consider yourself a true team player
  • Have a good sense of humor, strong resilience in the face of challenges and a compassionate ear.
  • Experience working with people in crisis
  • Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in stressful and/or emergency situations
  • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
  • Basic knowledge of word processing and typing ability to enter resident information
  • Understanding of the service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and the methods best suited to meet their needs. Ability to interact effectively as a team member and independently with Agency staff and with a diverse client base

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and 6 months to one year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Pay: $17.75 per hour. Eligible for $1 bilingual or overnight differential.
Training: We provide a robust training curriculum that will support our employees throughout their career. Training provided within the first year of employment includes: De-escalation & Safety; Mental Health First Aid; Substance Abuse & Mental Health; Human Trafficking; Trauma Informed Care; and many more.
Benefits: In addition to being part of a higher purpose while working in a challenging yet rewarding environment, eligible Catholic Charities employees receive a generous benefits package, including:
  • Extensive Paid Time Off (equivalent of 4 weeks accrual for new employees - increasing based on tenure) promoting work-life balance.
  • 15 Paid Holidays annually (shelters are 24/7, so if a holiday is worked, holiday pay is included.)
  • Sabbatical Leave Program: Employees who have completed seven years of continuous full-time service are eligible for a paid sabbatical leave to support rest, renewal, and professional or personal growth. Eligible staff may take 4 weeks of sabbatical leave.
  • 403b Retirement Plan with Agency contribution of 4% & match up to 2% of annual compensation.
  • May be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through Federal Student Loans and many more benefits.

**Part-time employees (20-29 hours per week) also receive paid annual leave, company-paid holidays, and a 403 (b) retirement plan with agency contribution and match.
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
If you are ready to answer the call and make a difference, please submit your application online at ccdenver.org/careers. We look forward to meeting you!
We conduct background checks as part of our hiring process.
Drug-Free Workplace
Catholic Charities serves all with respect, dignity, and without discrimination in compliance with all local, state, or federal law. Consistent with applicable laws, Catholic Charities makes all decisions involving any aspect of employment or volunteer relationships without regard to any status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law, other than those positions which are deemed ministerial in nature (such as Chaplain requiring a clerical background). Unlawful discrimination and/or harassment is inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
EEO/AA
Salary Description
17.75/hr ($1 bilingual differential)