What does a Chaplain do?

Chaplains offer spiritual support and guidance outside traditional churches, such as hospitals, prisons, hospice facilities, military bases and schools. The specific duties depend on the location, but they usually center around supporting individuals.

For example, Hospital Chaplains pray with and support patients and families facing difficult medical challenges. They may also work with families before and after the loss of a loved one. In a correctional facility, the Chaplain might lead spiritual services and offer counseling or guidance.

Chaplain skills and qualifications

Consider these skills and qualifications for your Chaplain job description:

• Strong verbal communication and active listening skills

• Ability to handle confidential information

• Deep empathy for others

• Crisis intervention skills

• Grief and bereavement coping strategies

• Background in mentoring individuals or groups

Chaplain experience requirements

Chaplain positions typically require previous experience in some spiritual care or service. Examples may include working as a Pastor, Counselor or Youth Minister. Organizations might also prefer candidates with experience in a specific industry. For instance, a hospice might ask for experience working as a healthcare chaplain. A children’s hospital might prefer someone with experience as a Youth Minister.

Chaplain education and training requirements

Formal education isn’t required for Chaplains, but some employers may prefer candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in spiritual care, theology or similar fields. Some organizations may request a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or a master’s degree in a similar field.

Some roles might require a Chaplain to be ordained. This is often the case when working for a hospital associated with a specific religion. While certification isn’t required, the Association of Professional Chaplains offers the Board of Chaplaincy Certification, Inc. (BCCI) Program. It includes board-certified chaplain (BCC) and associate-certified chaplain (ACC) options.

Job description samples for similar positions

The Chaplain job description might not fit your organization’s needs. Here are some additional job description samples for similar positions:

• Pastor

• Youth Pastor

• Therapist

Chaplain job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Chaplain and a Pastor?

While Chaplains and Pastors are spiritual leaders, they serve people differently. A Pastor typically serves in a church, providing leadership, sermons and guidance based on the principles of a specific religion.

Chaplains typically work outside of churches in hospitals, prisons and universities. They support people of all religious backgrounds and often help in times of need. Chaplains work with individuals or families for the majority of their work. While Pastors offer individual support and guidance, they also spend time tending to the entire congregation through sermons and missions.

How do you write an effective Chaplain job description?

Specify the primary work location for the Chaplain and list any off-site locations they may visit. Clearly describe the Chaplain responsibilities for the role, which might include praying, leading services, counseling and providing emotional support. You can set your Chaplain job description apart by emphasizing your organization’s values and describing the impact the candidate could have on the people they serve.

What makes a good Chaplain?

An effective Chaplain often has an interest in offering spiritual support to people from all backgrounds. Chaplains should have effective listening and communication skills to tailor their words of comfort to each individual’s needs. Empathy is essential, as the people Chaplains help often face difficult situations.

What does a Military Chaplain do?

In addition to offering spiritual guidance, Military Chaplains may offer relationship counseling to soldiers and their families.