The Rescue Mission is seeking a fulltime Associate Chaplain to work on our Main Campus in Syracuse, NY. The Associate Chaplain is responsible for meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of the men, women and families residing at Rescue Mission programs. Regardless of religious affiliation or lack of religious affiliation, this position ministers within the spirituality of the persons they serve. The Associate Chaplain develops and coordinates activities for residents and community members. This position encourages resident stimulation, independence, and promotes individual potential through individual and group activities. The Associate Chaplain helps establish a sense of community among the residents and community members while engaging them in physical, intellectual, social, and recreational activities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develops rapport with clients and provides support, encouragement, and motivation towards building and/or maintaining independence while maintaining appropriate professional employee-client boundaries at all times.
• Ministers to clients by building relationships with them, including providing confidential non-judgmental listening, counsel, guidance, direction, and support. Provides crisis counseling and intervention, bereavement counseling, guidance in ethical decision-making, mediation for conflict resolution, and worship, prayer and devotional opportunities.
• Provides Chapel services, Bible studies, and developing opportunities for clients to experience fellowship on a weekly basis.
• Collaborates with internal and external programs to provided spiritual services to our clients. Participates or oversees programs for our clients: residential field trips, spiritual life activities in the shelter, etc.
• Maintains rapport with clients by proactively arranging continuing contact, resolving concerns, and scheduling one-to-one interactions. Documents efforts and/or concerns in client records as required.
• Participates as a team player in Program Services to provide the best possible care for every client who enters Rescue Mission facilities. Actively engages in client Hospital visits and funeral coordination if needed.
• Shares pertinent client information via documentation, participation in meetings, and on an individual basis as needed with Program Staff while maintaining confidentiality as appropriate.
• Creates and implements a monthly activities calendar that includes physical, intellectual, and social activities, as well as individual, small group, and large group activities, and campus-based and community-based activities. Alters monthly activities based upon residents needs and interests, seasonal activities, and special occasions (such as birthdays, holidays, etc.)
• Encourage social interaction and healthy relationships, physical well-being, and community involvement from all residents, including active or passive participation.
• Participates in department meetings, all staff meetings, and as needed upon request.
• Promotes a safety-first attitude by setting a positive example and ensuring all employees are following safety policies and procedures.
• Regular and predictable in-person attendance is an essential requirement of the job.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bible college or seminary degree preferred, not required
• 3+ years related experience required
• Prior experience in an inner-city ministry, or homeless services desired.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Needed to Perform Effectively in this Position

• Passion for the mission and vision of the organization
• Ability to provide Biblical counsel on a wide range of serious issues
• Ability to understand Biblical principles and apply them to everyday life
• Ability to coordinate other religious holidays and practices
• Effective communication in the areas of preaching, teaching, and/or counseling
• Knowledge of various religions and perspectives
• Manages time efficiently
• Excellent Customer Service skills
• Ability to listen empathetically and provide non-judgmental counsel
• Vision for the value and worth of each individual
• Effective public speaking skills and ability to present to large groups
• Client-focused and service oriented
• High degree of emotional intelligence

Additional Requirements

• Must follow CDC guidelines regarding Covid-19 up to, but not limited to, wearing a mask/face covering when working.
• Full vaccination against Covid-19, including booster (when eligible) are required for specific facilities. For facilities that do not require Covid-19 vaccines, full vaccination and booster (when eligible) are strongly encouraged.
• Must exhibit high integrity, character according to the Bible, and must be willing to interact with clients in a Godly manner according to the Bible.
• Must be willing to perform some daytime, evening and weekend duties to ensure contact with all clients in these programs. Holidays are required.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License preferred.
• Ability to relate to people in a warm and friendly manner.
• Demonstrates excellent organizational and time management skill.
• Demonstrates professionalism in all activities.

Schedule:

2-week Training Period: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday 8:30am - 4pm; Thursday 12pm - 8:30pm (Sundays & Mondays off)

Regular Schedule Post Training Period: Sunday through Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm; Thursday 12pm - 8:30pm (Fridays & Saturdays off)

Pay:

$18 - $20 per hour

Working at the Rescue Mission is a chance to have more than just a career. It is a chance to be part of a team that makes a difference every day. Our Mission and Values are practiced in our day-to-day actions throughout the organization. The Rescue Mission has been changing lives for more than 130 years with around the clock services providing help for today and hope for tomorrow.

We are proud to offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Flexible Spending Accounts, Paid Time off, Group and Voluntary Life, Short -Term Disability and more!