[Hiring] Chaplain - Bereavement & Grief Support @Stanford Health Care

Role Description

The Bereavement, Grief Support Chaplain provides specialized spiritual and emotional support to Stanford Health Care (SHC) staff and family members experiencing tangible and intangible loss and related grief. This role is dedicated to staff and family care and is designed to foster healing, resilience, and community through individual and group‑based grief support.

The chaplain will serve as a key member of the Spiritual Care Services team and a vital part of SHC's commitment to the well‑being of its staff as well as to families of SHC patients. In addition, the chaplain provides dedicated support to staff experiencing the emotional, spiritual, and moral impact of workplace violence.

The Bereavement, Grief Support Chaplain works as a team member in accordance with the Spiritual Care Services Mission and Vision Statements, following its Administrative Policies and Procedures.

What you will do

• Bereavement and Grief Support and Spiritual Care (75%):
  • Provide direct, confidential spiritual and emotional support and grief care to SHC staff and families of SHC patients following patient deaths, staff deaths, critical incidents, or other loss‑related events.
  • Respond to staff affected by workplace violence by providing immediate and ongoing care.
  • Facilitate grief support groups, including multi‑week peer support series and drop‑in Q&A sessions.
  • Coordinate and lead annual and ad hoc memorial services for staff.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of encounters and group participation.
  • Assist with spiritual care requests from SHC Outpatient Clinics and other programs as needed.
  • Maintain daily records of the Department’s activities.
  • Perform other duties as required or assigned by the Manager.
• Education and Resource Development (10%):
  • Develop and deliver grief‑related educational offerings for staff.
  • Curate and maintain a comprehensive database of grief care resources available to SHC staff.
  • Collaborate with HR and other departments to integrate grief education into staff wellness initiatives.
  • Provide education on the emotional and moral effects of workplace violence.
• Program Development (7.5%):
  • Evaluate program effectiveness through feedback and outcome measures.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development of SHC’s grief care continuum for staff and families.
  • Adapt effective elements from the families bereavement model for the staff context.
  • Build focused support pathways for staff affected by workplace violence.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to increase awareness of Spiritual Care Services.
• Team Collaboration and Administration (7.5%):
  • Attend Spiritual Care Services team meetings and contribute to departmental planning.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance staff support services.
  • Assist with departmental projects and initiatives as assigned by the Manager.
  • Serve on selected hospital committees as appointed by the Manager.
  • Assist with other administrative duties as assigned by the Manager.
  • Conduct and/or participate in Quality Improvement studies and clinical research initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in theology, divinity, or religious studies required.
• Graduation from a seminary or school of theology approved by a professional chaplain certifying organization required.

Requirements

• One (1) year of directly related work experience in a health care setting.
• Completion of Four (4) Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bilingual ability with English and Spanish.

Licenses and Certifications

• Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) preferred.
• National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) preferred.
• Neshama: The Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) preferred.
• Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) preferred.
• National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains (NAVAC) preferred.
• Ordination or commissioning by one's faith group preferred.

Benefits

• Base Pay Scale: Generally starting at $37.82 - $49.15 per hour.