Job summary Thank you for considering an appointment at Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, part of the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group. We are seeking to appoint an experienced and motivated multi-faith chaplain who shares our passion for providing excellent spiritual, pastoral and religious care to patients, visitors, and staff. We wish to appoint someone who can work flexibly and creatively as part of our multi-faith team. The successful candidate will demonstrate substantial spiritual and pastoral care experience in a multifaith setting and be endorsed by their faith community or belief group. Previous experience of healthcare chaplaincy is essential. Ideally you will be registered with the UKBHC. Our Chaplains are committed to providing effective and appropriate spiritual and pastoral care to all the patients, visitors, and staff within the Kettering General Hospital community. The successful candidate will be able to work collaboratively within the Spiritual and Pastoral Care team to deliver a timely and sensitive service across the hospital, often providing support to people in times of crisis and at the end of life. Main duties of the job 1. Work collaboratively within the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team and our volunteers delivering a safe and effective service meeting the needs of the Trust in providing spiritual, pastoral, and religious care for patients, visitors, and staff. 2. Visit all wards and departments, providing spiritual and pastoral care to patients and their visitors as appropriate. 3. Provide an approachable presence within the hospital and to build working relationships with all wards and departments, delivering spiritual and pastoral support to staff as appropriate. 4. Work with the Lead Chaplain to provide a service committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that the Spiritual and Pastoral Care service is accessible to people of all faiths and none, within our hospital community. 5. Working with the Lead Chaplain to ensure that suitable facilities are provided for religious observance, prayer, and reflection for all who require them. 1. Work in partnership with faith representatives in the community to provide religious, spiritual, and pastoral care. Support the provision of corporate acts of worship, and to lead services as appropriate. 3. Share in a 24/7 On-Call Out of Hours Service (for which an on-call allowance is paid, as is payment for the out of hours response time on-site) as Duty Chaplain. This is approximately one weekday on-call per week and one weekend day per month. The requirement is to be on-site within 30-45 minutes. About us Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close any adverts before the closing date once we have received sufficient applications Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital NHSTrust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire. Our Excellence Values Compassion Accountability Respect Integrity Courage We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals. Date posted 19 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Pro Rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number 264-6987647-COR Job locations Kettering General Hospital Rothwell Road Kettering NN16 8UZ Job description Job responsibilities 1. To work with the Lead Chaplain and collaboratively with all members of the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team to ensure the timely and appropriate response to referrals and requests for spiritual, religious and pastoral care support, playing a full part on the On Call rota (minimum one day/night per week and one Sunday per month) as required by the service and taking responsibility for ward-based visiting. 2. To engage proactively and communicate effectively with colleagues to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to the provision of spiritual, religious and pastoral care to patients, their families and carers, and to staff, seeking to meet the needs of those of all faiths and philosophies of life. 3. To develop understanding of End of Life and Bereavement Care and use active listening and pastoral care skills to support those who are dying, their relatives and those who are bereaved. 4. To have pastoral responsibility for visiting all wards and clinical areas as well as for certain areas of the Hospital in relation to special projects (for example Co-ordinate and Supervise Volunteers - A&E Pastoral Care Team, Maternity Care, Family Care Service, Weekday Ward Visiting Team, Patient Experience, Staff Wellbeing) developing pastoral expertise in those areas and be able to share this learning with others. (Areas to be agreed with the Lead Chaplain, depending on the candidates experience and interest, to include leading on responsibility for volunteers). 5. To be committed and able to maintain the patient-facing nature of the chaplains role and possess the personal physical, psychological and spiritual robustness to work in all clinical areas including those of high infection risk and all Covid-19 secure environments. 6. To help with the planning, preparation and (where appropriate) the delivery of faith-based services and other significant festival celebrations in the world faith calendar, respecting the traditions and beliefs of all who work in partnership with the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Service. 7. To conduct pastoral care services, funerals and memorials, as requested, primarily in relation to emergency weddings, infant deaths and adult funerals. 8. To maintain all records and data management in accordance with Information Governance policies and procedures, and to assist in project evaluation processes and preparation of reports as required. 9. To be prepared to undertake evening and/or weekend activities in agreement with the Lead Chaplain. 10. To be prepared to take part in Major Incident Response in accordance with Trust policies and procedures. 11. To work in accordance with the Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust values, policies and procedures, fulfilling statutory and mandatory Trust training requirements and undertaking any necessary training that supports the work in agreement with the Lead Chaplain. 12. To undertake other duties as may be requested by the Lead Chaplain to facilitate the smooth running of the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team to ensure delivery of excellent spiritual, religious and pastoral care services to the Trust. 13. To be a fully registered member of the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplains (UKBHC) and of the College of Health Care Chaplains (CHCC). Job description Job responsibilities 1. To work with the Lead Chaplain and collaboratively with all members of the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team to ensure the timely and appropriate response to referrals and requests for spiritual, religious and pastoral care support, playing a full part on the On Call rota (minimum one day/night per week and one Sunday per month) as required by the service and taking responsibility for ward-based visiting. 2. To engage proactively and communicate effectively with colleagues to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to the provision of spiritual, religious and pastoral care to patients, their families and carers, and to staff, seeking to meet the needs of those of all faiths and philosophies of life. 3. To develop understanding of End of Life and Bereavement Care and use active listening and pastoral care skills to support those who are dying, their relatives and those who are bereaved. 4. To have pastoral responsibility for visiting all wards and clinical areas as well as for certain areas of the Hospital in relation to special projects (for example Co-ordinate and Supervise Volunteers - A&E Pastoral Care Team, Maternity Care, Family Care Service, Weekday Ward Visiting Team, Patient Experience, Staff Wellbeing) developing pastoral expertise in those areas and be able to share this learning with others. (Areas to be agreed with the Lead Chaplain, depending on the candidates experience and interest, to include leading on responsibility for volunteers). 5. To be committed and able to maintain the patient-facing nature of the chaplains role and possess the personal physical, psychological and spiritual robustness to work in all clinical areas including those of high infection risk and all Covid-19 secure environments. 6. To help with the planning, preparation and (where appropriate) the delivery of faith-based services and other significant festival celebrations in the world faith calendar, respecting the traditions and beliefs of all who work in partnership with the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Service. 7. To conduct pastoral care services, funerals and memorials, as requested, primarily in relation to emergency weddings, infant deaths and adult funerals. 8. To maintain all records and data management in accordance with Information Governance policies and procedures, and to assist in project evaluation processes and preparation of reports as required. 9. To be prepared to undertake evening and/or weekend activities in agreement with the Lead Chaplain. 10. To be prepared to take part in Major Incident Response in accordance with Trust policies and procedures. 11. To work in accordance with the Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust values, policies and procedures, fulfilling statutory and mandatory Trust training requirements and undertaking any necessary training that supports the work in agreement with the Lead Chaplain. 12. To undertake other duties as may be requested by the Lead Chaplain to facilitate the smooth running of the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team to ensure delivery of excellent spiritual, religious and pastoral care services to the Trust. 13. To be a fully registered member of the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplains (UKBHC) and of the College of Health Care Chaplains (CHCC). Person Specification Educations, Training and Qualifications Essential First Degree in Theology/Religious Studies or Equivalent Professional Qualifications to Level 6 or above. The candidate should be in good standing with and formally endorsed by their relevant Faith Community or Association - (for example - ordained priest or lay minister in good standing with their faith community or authorising body and having permission to practice.) Evidence required. Evidence of continuing personal and professional development. Membership of the United Kingdom Board for Health Care Chaplaincy (UKHBC). Knowledge and Experience Essential Currently working as a healthcare chaplain and/or spiritual and pastoral care in an hospital setting. Experience of successful team working. Experience of working on projects with targeted outcomes, deadlines and reporting processes. Experience of working in a multi faith team and/or in an international setting with people of other faiths and beliefs than own. Skills Essential Excellent listening skills and ability to respond appropriately during in-depth one to one encounters. Ability to build rapport and develop trust. Ability to be calm, empathetic and compassionate in distressing situations. Able to recognise and to maintain professional boundaries. High quality oral and written communication skills. Computer and word processing skills. Ability to prioritise tasks and manage a range of activities. Ability to provide Spiritual and Religious Care for the dying, critically ill and newly bereaved, including those experiencing sudden death or pregnancy loss. Pastoral or Counselling skills or other relevant training / certification. Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes Essential Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users Knowledge of the NHS and committed to accepting and supporting others across the full Equality Diversity and Inclusion agenda without prejudice or bias. Understanding of Equality and Diversity legislation. Knowledge of and sensitivity to a range of religious denominations, world faiths and religious traditions, cultures and life philosophies. Need to fulfil the emergency on-call requirement of being on-site within 30 - 45 minutes. Requires physical, emotional and spiritual stamina and to be able to walk substantial distances around the hospital site with long periods of standing presence at bedside. Ability to recognise and manage personal stress and to maintain clear judgements and decisions under pressure. Sustained exposure to high levels of emotional distress in breaking news of a close family member's death, being present in the hospital mortuary to support bereaved family members to see their loved ones. Potential risk and exposure to contact and/or presence of body fluids, medications, communicable diseases and infections, as well as their mitigations - wearing of PPE including scrubs - is an inevitable part of current Spiritual and Pastoral Care practice. Understanding of the place of spirituality in a large secular organisation. Evidence of theological and religious studies in the past three years. Full driving licence. Person Specification Educations, Training and Qualifications Essential First Degree in Theology/Religious Studies or Equivalent Professional Qualifications to Level 6 or above. The candidate should be in good standing with and formally endorsed by their relevant Faith Community or Association - (for example - ordained priest or lay minister in good standing with their faith community or authorising body and having permission to practice.) Evidence required. Evidence of continuing personal and professional development. Membership of the United Kingdom Board for Health Care Chaplaincy (UKHBC). Knowledge and Experience Essential Currently working as a healthcare chaplain and/or spiritual and pastoral care in an hospital setting. Experience of successful team working. Experience of working on projects with targeted outcomes, deadlines and reporting processes. Experience of working in a multi faith team and/or in an international setting with people of other faiths and beliefs than own. Skills Essential Excellent listening skills and ability to respond appropriately during in-depth one to one encounters. Ability to build rapport and develop trust. Ability to be calm, empathetic and compassionate in distressing situations. Able to recognise and to maintain professional boundaries. High quality oral and written communication skills. Computer and word processing skills. Ability to prioritise tasks and manage a range of activities. Ability to provide Spiritual and Religious Care for the dying, critically ill and newly bereaved, including those experiencing sudden death or pregnancy loss. Pastoral or Counselling skills or other relevant training / certification. Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes Essential Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users Knowledge of the NHS and committed to accepting and supporting others across the full Equality Diversity and Inclusion agenda without prejudice or bias. Understanding of Equality and Diversity legislation. Knowledge of and sensitivity to a range of religious denominations, world faiths and religious traditions, cultures and life philosophies. Need to fulfil the emergency on-call requirement of being on-site within 30 - 45 minutes. Requires physical, emotional and spiritual stamina and to be able to walk substantial distances around the hospital site with long periods of standing presence at bedside. Ability to recognise and manage personal stress and to maintain clear judgements and decisions under pressure. Sustained exposure to high levels of emotional distress in breaking news of a close family member's death, being present in the hospital mortuary to support bereaved family members to see their loved ones. Potential risk and exposure to contact and/or presence of body fluids, medications, communicable diseases and infections, as well as their mitigations - wearing of PPE including scrubs - is an inevitable part of current Spiritual and Pastoral Care practice. Understanding of the place of spirituality in a large secular organisation. Evidence of theological and religious studies in the past three years. Full driving licence. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Address Kettering General Hospital Rothwell Road Kettering NN16 8UZ Employer's website https://www.kgh.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)