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Spiritual Direction Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain

Hayward, CA · On-site

$40.30 - $49.18/hr

Under direction, the Chaplain provides religious, spiritual and emotional support to patients, their loved ones, and staff; also plans, conducts and coordinates religious activities hospital wide.

Chaplain

Oakland, CA · On-site

$40.30 - $49.18/hr

Under direction, the Chaplain provides religious, spiritual and emotional support to patients, their loved ones, and staff; also plans, conducts and coordinates religious activities hospital wide.

Chaplain

Oakland, CA · On-site

$40.30 - $49.18/hr

Under direction, the Chaplain provides religious, spiritual and emotional support to patients, their loved ones, and staff; also plans, conducts and coordinates religious activities hospital wide.

Chaplain

Oakland, CA · On-site

$40.30 - $49.18/hr

Under direction, the Chaplain provides religious, spiritual and emotional support to patients, their loved ones, and staff; also plans, conducts and coordinates religious activities hospital wide.

Spiritual Development -- "Following Jesus" includes prayer and spiritual disciplines, fellowship ... Learn to plan and execute area fundraising events under the direction of an area supervisor and ...

Activities Assistant

Los Angeles, CA

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Assists in the coordination, direction and delivery of wellness and recreation programs to meet ... opportunities for resident emotional, physical, spiritual, social and intellectual ...

Activities Assistant

Crescent City, CA

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Assists in the coordination, direction and delivery of wellness and recreation programs to meet ... resident emotional, physical, spiritual, social and intellectual engagement Assisting with ...

Activities Assistant

Vista, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Assists in the coordination, direction and delivery of wellness and recreation programs to meet ... resident emotional, physical, spiritual, social and intellectual engagement Assisting with ...

Activities Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Assists in the coordination, direction and delivery of wellness and recreation programs to meet ... resident emotional, physical, spiritual, social and intellectual engagement Assisting with ...

Activities Assistant

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Assists in the coordination, direction and delivery of wellness and recreation programs to meet ... resident emotional, physical, spiritual, social and intellectual engagement Assisting with ...

Activities Assistant

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Assists in the coordination, direction and delivery of wellness and recreation programs to meet ... resident emotional, physical, spiritual, social and intellectual engagement Assisting with ...

Showing results 21-40

Spiritual Direction information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$62.8K

$96.7K

How much do spiritual direction jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for spiritual direction in California is $62,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is spiritual direction?

Spiritual direction is a practice where an individual meets with a trained spiritual director to explore their spiritual life, deepen their relationship with the divine, and discern spiritual growth. The process involves regular, confidential conversations focused on the directee's experiences, questions, and longings related to their faith or spirituality. Spiritual direction is not counseling or therapy, but rather a companioning process that encourages personal reflection, prayer, and awareness of the sacred in everyday life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spiritual director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spiritual Director, you need a deep understanding of spiritual practices, strong active listening skills, and often formal training or certification in spiritual direction or theology. Familiarity with spiritual assessment tools, frameworks, and sometimes record-keeping systems is beneficial. Compassion, nonjudgmental presence, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills that help foster trust and meaningful guidance. These skills and qualities are essential for supporting individuals on their spiritual journeys while maintaining ethical and professional standards.

What are common challenges faced by spiritual directors when working with diverse clients?

Spiritual directors often work with individuals from a variety of religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds. A common challenge is ensuring that guidance remains inclusive and respectful of each person's unique beliefs and experiences. It requires strong listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and ongoing self-reflection to avoid imposing personal views. Building trust while honoring confidentiality is also essential, as clients may share deeply personal thoughts and feelings. Many directors find ongoing supervision and peer support helpful for navigating these complexities.

What is the difference between Spiritual Direction vs Pastoral Counseling?

AspectSpiritual DirectionPastoral Counseling
CredentialsSpiritual directors often have spiritual or theological training, certifications varyRequires theological training, counseling licenses, or mental health credentials
Work EnvironmentOne-on-one spiritual guidance, often in religious or retreat settingsCounseling sessions in churches, clinics, or private practices
Industry UsageUsed in religious communities for spiritual growthUsed in mental health and pastoral care contexts

Spiritual Direction focuses on guiding individuals in their spiritual journey, emphasizing personal faith and spiritual practices. Pastoral Counseling combines spiritual guidance with mental health support, often addressing emotional and psychological issues. While both roles involve spiritual aspects, they differ in credentials, focus, and work settings.

What qualifications do you need to be a spiritual director?

To become a spiritual director, individuals typically need relevant spiritual or theological training, such as a certificate or degree in spiritual direction, theology, or pastoral care. Many also have personal spiritual experience and strong interpersonal skills; some organizations may require certification from a recognized spiritual direction program. Experience in counseling or mentoring can be beneficial, and ongoing supervision or continuing education is often recommended.

What are popular job titles related to Spiritual Direction jobs in California?

For Spiritual Direction jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Spiritual Direction jobs?

Cities in California with the most Spiritual Direction job openings:

Infographic showing various Spiritual Direction job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,754 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

$40.30 - $49.18/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Alameda Health System rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Summary
SUMMARY: Under direction, the Chaplain provides religious, spiritual and emotional support to patients, their loved ones, and staff; also plans, conducts and coordinates religious activities hospital wide. Performs related duties as required.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification, however, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.
1. Acts as a liaison between patient, family, and hospital staff during times of spiritual crisis, e.g. illness, dying, lengthy or difficult surgery.
2. Assesses and counsels employees, patients, and family members on moral, spiritual, domestic, and personal problems. Meets with patients and employees upon request, for private spiritual counseling.
3. Collaborates with members of the hospital care team in identifying and addressing spiritual issues.
4. Collaborates with other hospital programs and community agencies with which patients/families are involved.
5. Completes medical chart documentation for all patient and family visits; notes specific religious rites performed by outside clergy such as "the anointing of the sick."
6. Consults with and keeps Department Leader informed of activities, needs and problems related to patients, families, hospital staff and volunteers.
7. Consults with hospital staff regarding hospital ministry.
8. Evaluates patient needs for spiritual guidance and counseling and initiates or recommends individual programs and services to meet those needs and refers patient/family to community spiritual support as needed. Provides monthly statistics of activities to Department Leader.
9. Is a member of the Bioethics Committee and other committees as deemed appropriate. Participates actively in daily interdisciplinary rounding in medical/surgical units; rounds regularly in ICU (either as part of team or independently). Participates in family conferences.
10. Participates on special projects as directed/requested, including representing the hospital at interfaith meetings, community events etc. as requested.
11. Performs the duties of Chaplain in other religious matters. Maintains a supply of religious literature; prepares chaplain activity reports.
12. Provides liaison work between AHS facilities and social organizations as appropriate; may speak before such organizations concerning the work and purpose of AHS.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Board certified Chaplain through appropriate professional organization, or certification-eligible.
Education : Completion of theological studies for ordination from an accredited theological school and equivalent to graduation from college with a minimum of 12 semester units in counseling, psychology or a related field; AND Ordination or accreditation by the Roman Catholic Church, a recognized California Rabbinical Board, or a nationality recognized Protestant or other religious denomination.
Minimum Experience : Completion of one or a combination of the following: 1). Twelve months or four quarters of an approved full-time resident clinical pastoral training program; 2). The equivalent of one year of in-service training in case work, counseling and guidance, or experience on the clinical staff or classification committee in a facility such as a mental hospital, or guidance clinic.
Preferred experience : One year experience as a chaplain.
Preferred Licenses/Certification : 4 CPE units preferred, Good standing in your faith tradition as evidenced by ecclesiastical endorsement.
Preferred Licenses/Certification : Membership in a National Professional Chaplain Organization.
Pay Range $40.30 - $49.18
The pay range for this position reflects the base pay scale for the role at Alameda Health System. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, departmental equity, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the operational needs of the organization. Alameda Health System also offers eligible positions a generous comprehensive benefits program.

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