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First Responder Chaplain Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Schedule Hours: 1st Shift: 6 am - 2:30 pm | 2nd Shift: 10:30 am - 7 pm | On Call: 7 pm - 6 am ... Respond promptly to calls for crisis intervention in assigned areas providing spiritual and ...

Schedule Hours: 1st Shift: 6 am - 2:30 pm | 2nd Shift: 10:30 am - 7 pm | On Call: 7 pm - 6 am ... Respond promptly to calls for crisis intervention in assigned areas providing spiritual and ...

First Responder Chaplain information

How to become a firefighter chaplain?

To become a firefighter chaplain, candidates typically need to be ordained or credentialed clergy and have experience working with emergency services. Many departments prefer applicants with training in crisis intervention, counseling, or chaplaincy certification, and some may require background checks and specialized training in fire service operations. Volunteering or working closely with fire departments can also improve chances of placement.

What does a first responder chaplain do?

A first responder chaplain provides spiritual support, emotional comfort, and crisis intervention to emergency personnel and victims during and after incidents such as accidents, natural disasters, or violence. They often work alongside emergency teams, offering counseling, grief support, and spiritual guidance in high-stress situations. Certification in chaplaincy and familiarity with emergency response protocols are typically required.

What are First Responder Chaplains?

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.

Where do chaplains make the most money?

First responder chaplains tend to earn higher salaries in regions with larger emergency services budgets and higher living costs, such as urban areas or states with higher average wages. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the size of the organization they serve. Generally, chaplains working for government agencies or large hospitals in metropolitan areas tend to have higher earning potential.

Do firefighter chaplains get paid?

Firefighter chaplains are typically volunteers, but some departments may offer stipends or part-time pay for their services. Compensation varies depending on the department and whether the chaplain is a paid staff member or volunteer. Many chaplains serve in a voluntary capacity while providing spiritual support during emergencies and community events.
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What cities in Indiana are hiring for First Responder Chaplain jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most First Responder Chaplain job openings:
Infographic showing various First Responder Chaplain job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 6% Internship, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Chaplain (PRN-Alt)

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


Franciscan Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 267 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

493rd of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Franciscan Health Munster Campus701 Superior Ave Munster, Indiana 46321

The Chaplain supports patients, families, and staff in developing a sense of acceptance of all aspects of illness and to incorporate them into their Christian or spiritual development. This position provides pastoral ministry through visitation, counsel, and staff sacramental support to patients, families, and staff and assists patients in meeting their psychosocial, social, spiritual, and emotional needs during a period of illness, injury, and death.

WHO WE ARE

With 11 ministries and access points across Indiana, Franciscan Health is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest. Franciscan Health takes pride in hiring coworkers that provide compassionate, comprehensive care for our patients and the communities we serve.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

  • Schedule Hours: 1st Shift: 6 am - 2:30 pm | 2nd Shift: 10:30 am - 7 pm | On Call: 7 pm - 6 am.

  • Work at both the Munster and Dyer hospitals.

  • Assist local religious groups and clergy persons to care for the sick/injured of their congregations, such as encouraging patient's active connection to their faith group during and after illness or notifying them of the patient's admission/discharge.

  • Collaborate, communicate, and participate in multifaceted delivery of holistic patient care through interdisciplinary care rounding, appropriate referrals, departmental meetings, family conferences, hospital committees, and education in order to meet patient needs.

  • Document patient care information and ensure timely and accurate completion of patient care records in accordance with policies and procedures.

  • Provide a clinical basis to the ministry by sound, applied spiritual and psychological principles including active listening, reflection, discussion, and prayer.

  • Provide ethical consultation to patients/families/staff upon referral.

  • Respond promptly to calls for crisis intervention in assigned areas providing spiritual and emotional support to patients/families.

  • Respond to all direct referrals for Advanced Directive consultation.

  • Ensure spiritual services made available to the majority of new patients and families in assigned areas and follows-up on offerings as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Theology or related field- Required

  • Master's Degree- Preferred

  • Ecclesiastical Endorsement -RequiredUpon Hire

  • 1 year of Chaplain experience in a healthcare institution- Preferred

  • National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) Certification- Preferred

  • Familiarity with Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services (ERD's)- Preferred

TRAVEL IS REQUIRED:

Up to 50%

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of Franciscan Alliance to provide equal employment to its employees and qualified applicants for employment as otherwise required by an applicable local, state or Federal law.

Franciscan Alliance reserves a Right of Conscience objection in the event local, state or Federal ordinances that violate its values and the free exercise of its religious rights.

Franciscan Alliance is committed to equal employment opportunity.

Franciscan provides eligible employees with comprehensive benefit offerings. Find an overview on thebenefit section of our career site, jobs.franciscanhealth.org.


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