The Spiritual Health Practitioner assesses and responds to the emotional and spiritual needs of patients, families, and staff within an interprofessional team. They collaborate with community support groups and provide educational mentoring for students in spiritual care.
Requirements summary
Requires a Master's Degree in theological/spiritual studies and completion of four Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units. Candidates must hold or commit to obtaining CASC certification and maintain an active relationship with a recognized faith group.
Reporting to the Director of Spiritual Care or their designate, the Spiritual Health Practitioner is responsible for assessing and responding to emotional or spiritual needs and concerns. Provides spiritual care to patients/residents/clients, their family/friends and staff. Acts as a team player within an interprofessional team to achieve excellence in client centred care. Collaborates with other health care professionals and community support groups in educational, clinical and research endeavours related to client care, family needs and professional development of staff. Provides educational opportunities for students through mentoring and clinical consultations. Key partnerships are with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care – CASC regarding student education as well as with community religious/spiritual representatives with respect to consultation and support on spiritual issues.This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.QUALIFICATIONS:Qualifications:- Master's Degree with relevant theological/spiritual studies from a recognized institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or an institution with equivalent standing. - Completion of two basic, and two advanced units, of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in a health care setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. - Valid certification with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) as a Specialist or a commitment to certify within 2 years of hiring. - Maintains an active, ongoing, accountable relationship with a recognized denomination or faith group. Recent, related experience as a spiritual care practioner in an institutional setting preferred.ROLE
Specific
Expertise:
Applies specialized knowledge of spiritual care and pastoral counseling theory and practice with individuals, families and groups in a client centered model of care at bedside as well as in more controlled environments.
Shows advanced ability to forge rapport and therapeutic alliance through authentic mindful presence in critical moments with persons experiencing immediate crisis or long term life altering illness/injury.
Effectively and accurately utilizes both verbal and written communication skills when obtaining or providing advice/information in a group or individual setting.
Working knowledge of bio-medical ethics and a demonstrated ability to work within the spiritual worldview of patients and families to assist them with contextual decision making.
Demonstrates spiritual and cultural competency in working with a diversity of faiths and cultures and ability to assist clinical teams in providing care that promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between patients, their families and the health care team.
Possesses an understanding of health care team model and engages in inter-professional dialogue through seeking and providing consultation with professionals in other disciplines.
Works within the scope of practice articulated in the Ministry of Health document- Spiritual Health - A Framework for British Columbia’s Spiritual Care Professionals and adheres to the code of ethics referenced therein.
Actively participates in research initiatives and promotes best practices that relate to spiritual care, exhibits expertise in new developments in spiritual care and remains current through literature, consultation with experts, clinical practice evaluation and attendance at professional development activities.
Applies computer literacy skills with relevant software programs for clinical and clerical purposes including quality assurance practices and charting.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
Develops and maintains strong relationships with key internal and external partners to promote and enhance services provided with sensitivity to diversity and indigenous lens.
Practices the recognition, inclusion and support of all types and aspects of diversity at all stages of engagement, with an understanding of the issues faced by people from equity-deserving groups.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.SHARED
VALUES:You care for everyone:
You are compassionate, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of others.
You are respectful, treating people as equals, and valuing others’ perspectives and differences.
You are appreciative of others’ efforts and give them praise when it’s due.You are always learning:
You are open minded, always receptive to different perspectives and ways of doing things.
You are curious and ask questions to find a deeper understanding.
You share your expertise and mentor others by sharing your knowledge and experience.You strive for better results:
You are accountable, and take responsibility for what you say, what you do, and who you engage in achieving better results.
You are a solution finder, empowered to solve the challenges we face in healthcare.
You take ownership for growth and development and personal development, always seek feedback and opportunities to improve how we do things.This Role Description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of accountabilities, skills and competencies required. Details At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.Unless otherwise noted on the posting, internal job postings close at 8:00 AM Pacific Time on the listed Closing Date. Please submit your digital application via the Internal Career Portal prior to the Closing Date & Time.Nursing & LPN successful applicants will be notified by email.We regret that only short listed candidates will be acknowledged.This is an internal job posting for Vancouver Coastal Health employees only.
