The Manager Spiritual Care reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Manager of Spiritual Care reflects the Spiritual Care and Education Mission Statement of Northwestern Medicine: “Inspired by the presence of the Sacred in all of its manifestations; we provide patients, families, staff and our communities with support, compassion, and counsel. We nurture religious, spiritual and emotional well-being through healing of the body, mind, and spirit.”
The Manager of Spiritual Care provides leadership, direction, expertise, education, consultation and resources in the areas of spiritual well-being and health, clinical spiritual care, spiritual development, advance directives and ethics. Interacts regularly with all levels of the organization including patients and visitors, clinical and non-clinical staff, physicians, leadership, volunteers and community clergy. Directly supervises hospital chaplains.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborates with NM leadership, though appropriate reporting structures, regarding areas of responsibility. Develops goals, objectives, and programs that are aligned with the strategic plan, organizational goals and initiatives.
- Demonstrates flexible leadership in adapting to organizational needs and changes for delivering Spiritual Care and Education within Northwestern Medicine. Implements established Northwestern Medicine policies, procedures and standards of care.
- Participates in hospital programs and activities. Serves on committees, task forces, and initiatives as assigned. Communicates with interdisciplinary leaders on a regular and timely basis.
Administration and Management Description
- Develops and implements a continuous quality improvement plan designed to monitor and improve performance.
- Promotes positive employee relations through coaching and feedback regarding work performance on a regular basis. Seeks input from administration, leadership teams, and clinical staff to ensure comprehensive feedback.
- Monitors, evaluates and counsels department staff and volunteers performance consistently between formal performance evaluations.
- Plans, monitors and manages the financial operation areas of responsibility. Ensures that payroll and accounts payable invoices are reviewed, approved, coded, and processed on a timely basis.
- Prepares and monitors operating budget designed to meet departmental and organizational strategies and goals. Able to explain variances.
- Recommends and implements new initiatives and improvements to existing programs and services.
- Engages in continuing professional education and development programs.
- Develops thoughtful change leadership for needs of departments including staffing, scheduling, program management, growth, or role definition changes.
- Facilitates growth and development of staff, including opportunities to learn new skills and advance boht personally and professionally; ensures staff completion of required competencies and review of key policies and procedures.
- Orders and maintains supply inventory as appropriate.
- Manage deparment schedule ensuring appropriate coverage.
Patient Care Description
- Provides spiritual care to patients and families through direct visitation and through consultation with staff caring for patients. Provides spiritual crisis intervention as needed.
- Conducts spiritual assessments and provides evidence-based interventions. Provides spiritual care for patients and documents all patient encounters in the medical record.
- Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings as needed. Advocates for patient, family, and visitor needs to interdisciplinary team members.
- Partners in decision making related to Advance Directives and Medical Ethics through identification and clarification of ethical concerns. Provides consultation on ethical issues for staff, the Ethics committee and hospital leadership.
Staff Care Description
- Provides spiritual care to staff including one on one support, as well as group debriefings, and educational events.
- Provides spiritual enhancement of staff through short-term crisis intervention as well as blessings, rituals and seasonal celebrations.
- Supports educational opportunities for staff on topics of spirituality and health, resilience, and spiritual well-being.
- Serves as resource to staff regarding religious and spiritual issues and perspectives related to clinical issues and decisions.
Community Clergy Description
- Maintains professional relationships with community clergy, judicatories, seminaries, and faith group representatives.
- Provides educational opportunities for the community on topics of spirituality and health as well as ethics and Advance Directives
- Supports area religious leaders with referrals, information, education, counseling, and consultation with patient/family permission in compliance with HIPPA regulations.