Priest Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL INTRODUCTION: 

The Archbishop, visible principle of unity in his archdiocese, is called to build up the particular Church unceasingly in the communion of all its members, and to ensure that their diverse gifts and ministries, in union with the universal Church, serve to build up all the faithful and to spread the Gospel. (Apostolorum Successores 8).  He must take care that all the affairs which belong to the administration of the whole archdiocese are duly coordinated and are ordered to attain more suitably the good of the portion of the people of God entrusted to him.” (Apostolorum Successores 177). 

Each position employed in the Archdiocese helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description. 

GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE: 

The Roman Catholic Chaplain, serving 12-15 hours a week at a rate of $37 per hour, provides compassionate, patient-centered pastoral care to Catholic patients, families, and staff at University of Washington Medical Center (Montlake). Rooted in the mission of the Archdiocese of Seattle to reflect Christ’s radical love through service, compassion, and collaboration, the chaplain supports patients facing serious illness, crisis, and end-of-life, while integrating Catholic sacramental theology within an academic medical center environment. 

The chaplain works collaboratively with UWMC Spiritual Health & Well Being, Palliative Care, and interdisciplinary clinical teams to address spiritual distress, support patient goals of care, and ensure timely access to Catholic sacramental ministry. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES: 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Pastoral and Spiritual Care 

• Provide pastoral support to Catholic patients and their families through compassionate presence, active listening, spiritual guidance, and grief support. 

• Assess for spiritual distress and sacramental needs, including during serious illness, end-of-life, new cancer diagnoses, and transplant-related care. 

• Respond to requests for Catholic ministry in a timely and compassionate manner. 

Sacramental Ministry 

• Facilitate access to the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick by making appropriate referrals to priest chaplains. 

• Provide Holy Communion to patients as requested or coordinate sacramental care through trained volunteer Eucharistic Ministers when appropriate. 

• Serve as a resource for staff, patients, and families regarding Catholic Church teachings, sacramental theology, and ethical considerations. 

Interdisciplinary Collaboration 

• Implement & coordinate a lay Camillus Ministry program at UWMC 

• Coordinate patient care with UWMC Spiritual Health Clinicians and members of the Palliative Care team. 

• Participate, as able and when requested, in patient care conferences, family meetings, and interdisciplinary rounds. 

• Collaborate respectfully within a pluralistic healthcare environment while maintaining fidelity to Catholic identity and practice. 

Documentation and Compliance 

• Record spiritual assessments and clinical encounters in patients’ electronic medical records in accordance with UWMC and departmental standards. 

• Comply with all institutional requirements, including annual trainings, to maintain affiliate status at UWMC. 

Volunteer and Ministry Oversight 

• Recruit, train, and support volunteer Eucharistic Ministers serving Catholic patients at UWMC. 

• Provide ongoing formation and pastoral support to volunteers to ensure high-quality and compassionate ministry. 

Expanded Ministry Responsibilities 

• Be available to provide Catholic pastoral support, as requested, to patients at the Fred Hutch Cancer Care clinic. 

• Serve as an engaged and responsible member of the UWMC Spiritual Health & Well Being Department, participating in staff meetings and departmental initiatives as able. 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required Qualifications 

• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church. 

• Endorsement for Catholic ministry as required by the Archdiocese of Seattle. 

• Ability to function effectively within an interdisciplinary and interfaith healthcare environment. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred. 

• Completion of four (4) units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) preferred. 

• Certification or eligibility for certification through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) preferred. 

In all aspects of this role, the Roman Catholic Chaplain embodies the Archdiocese of Seattle’s call to be a Church of action, a people of hope, and a community rooted in Gospel truth, offering compassionate presence and collaborative care that reflects Christ’s radical love to those who are suffering. 

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits is offered including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.