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First Responder Chaplain Jobs in Michigan (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 Michigan?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various First Responder Chaplain job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Campus Minister for Justice and Immersions

Flint, MI • On-site

Fairfield University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Implement Ignatian formation of immersion teams and leaders, and oversee planning of immersion opportunities including weekend, international, and spring break programs.

  • Coordinate justice programming within the Office of Campus Ministry, including preparing for trips, creating student groups, and facilitating advocacy conversations.

  • Provide pastoral counseling and spiritual accompaniment to students, faculty, and staff, primarily at Bellarmine Campus, and serve as a chaplain for campus students.


Job description

Job Description:

DIVISION: Mission and Ministry


DEPARTMENT: Office of Campus Ministry


JOB SUMMARY:
Works as a member of the Campus Ministry team, an integral part of life of the modern, Jesuit Catholic University. Campus Ministry at Fairfield strives to be a home where all - students, faculty, and staff - can engage questions of faith and justice, worship and pray together, and serve communities near and far. Faithful to our Catholic and Jesuit mission, and informed by our interreligious character, Campus Ministry staff serves as a pastoral resource on campus and offers dynamic programs that respond to the ever-changing needs of our diverse community.

In his/her role as the Campus Minister for Justice and Immersions, implements Ignatian formation of immersion teams and leaders, oversees the planning of new and existing immersion opportunities, including weekend immersions, St. Oscar Romero International Immersion Program, and Spring Break Immersion Program, leads justice programming in the Office of Campus Ministry, collaborates with the Center for Social Impact on building and maintaining the Community Engagement Hub in Bridgeport, and serves as a pastoral presence at Bellarmine Campus.


QUALIFICATIONS


EDUCATION:
Master's Degree in Theology, Divinity, or Pastoral Ministry. Practicing Catholic preferred.


EXPERIENCE:
2 years of experience within a college or university Campus Ministry environment, ideally showing deep engagement with first generation students, non-traditional students, and/or students in 2-year degree programs.


KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL NEEDED:
Deep knowledge of Ignatian Spirituality, Ignatian formation, Catholic Social Teaching, and Social Justice. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills.


UNUSUAL WORK CONDITIONS: Exposure to highly confidential information; evening and weekends in addition to five days a week. This is an 11-month position.


SUPERVISORY: NO


REPORTS TO: Director of Campus Ministry & University Chaplain

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Is ultimately responsible for the St. Oscar Romero International Immersion, the Spring Break Domestic Immersion program, and Weekend immersions, working closely with Program Coordinator and other Campus Ministry colleagues to ensure its success.


2. Coordinates justice programming for the Office of Campus Ministry, ensuring that a 'faith' that does justice' is interwoven in our work. Specifics include:

a. preparations for annual IFTJ trip

b. creating a student group (i.e. Students for Social Justice) and serving as its moderator

c. Facilitating conversations and opportunities for advocacy on justice issues facing the city of Bridgeport, Fairfield University, the wider community, and the world.

d. Collaborates with partners in Academics, the Center for Social Impact, and the Office of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs (among others) to ensure the university's promotion of justice is not distinct from its service of faith.


3. Collaborates with Center for Social Impact and student wellness staff at Bellarmine campus to support local service, community organizing, and the campus food pantry


4. Provides pastoral counseling and general spiritual accompaniment for students, faculty, administrators and staff, primarily to Bellarmine Campus, by:

a. engaging in intentional one-on-one meetings

b. providing pastoral counseling to students, faculty, and staff

c. addressing spiritual and social issues which impact the campus

d. responding to community crises and emergencies, as appropriate

e. Serving as chaplain for Bellarmine campus students and graduate students

f. Participating in staff meetings and development opportunities at Bellarmine Campus


5. Participates in the professional growth and development of the Office of Campus Ministry. This involves:
a. promoting an image of efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community and consistent with Campus Ministry's mission
b. participating in staff meetings as requested
c. being part of a collaborative team
d. acting as a responsible committee member as requested
e. communicating effectively with supervisor pertaining to departmental and/or University matters


6. Promotes safe and secure working conditions. This involves:
a. promoting the proper utilization of equipment, staff and materials
b. reporting immediately any unsafe working conditions to supervisor


7. Performs other related duties as directed or dictated by responsibilities. These may include
a. planning, organizing, and supervising the setup of liturgies and prayer services
b. serving as an adult leader on retreats
c. chaperoning domestic or international immersion trips


Duties may be changed and/or be added at any time.


Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Category:

Mission & Ministry - Admin

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

*Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 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.

Load a resume or CV first, then upload supporting documents including a cover letter at the bottom of the third page under the "My Experience" section where it says to upload a Resume/CV. You will be able to upload up to 5 other documents in this section. You will be unable to edit your application, so please have all documents available before applying. Faculty Positions: If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email the additional documents to the applicable contact in the job description. Staff positions: If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email them to hr@fairfield.edu