1

First Responder Chaplain Jobs in Chicago, IL (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 ...

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

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$65.5K

$101K

How much do first responder chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for first responder chaplain in Chicago, IL is $65,503.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching First Responder Chaplain jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for First Responder Chaplain jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various First Responder Chaplain job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,503 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support patients, families, and staff through visitation, counsel, and sacramental support.

  • Assist patients in meeting their psychosocial, social, spiritual, and emotional needs during illness, injury, and death.

  • Document patient care information and respond to calls for crisis intervention and referrals for advanced directives.


Franciscan Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 273 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

452nd of 898 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 -Required

  • 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.


What Franciscan Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom