Volunteer
A Spiritual Care Volunteer provides spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and staff through compassionate presence, active listening, and prayer. Volunteers respect each individual’s cultural, religious, and personal values and affirm their right to spiritual and religious support.
Singing River Spiritual Care Information
The role of a Singing River Spiritual Care Volunteer is a vital part of the care we provide. We deeply value the compassionate presence volunteers bring to patients, families, and staff during times of illness, uncertainty, and stress.
Spiritual Care Volunteers serve as part of the Spiritual Care Department and support individuals of all faith backgrounds. Volunteers work alongside professional chaplains and provide care within a clearly defined scope.
Requirements for Spiritual Care Volunteers
Ordination or Faith Community Endorsement
Applicants may be ordained clergy or non-ordained individuals with demonstrated spiritual maturity. If you are not ordained, a letter of recommendation from a faith leader is required. This ensures that each volunteer is supported and recognized by a faith community and meets appropriate standards for spiritual care.
We also welcome applicants who have completed Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or who are currently enrolled in a chaplaincy or CPE program and seeking supervised clinical experience. All volunteers serve within the scope of the Spiritual Care Volunteer role and receive appropriate orientation and oversight.
Patient Rounds Commitment
Spiritual Care Volunteers provide a compassionate presence, active listening, and spiritual support to patients, families, and staff. Visits may include prayer, words of encouragement, or simply being a comforting presence.
Volunteers provide spiritual support and involve a professional chaplain when needs become more complex, such as during end-of-life conversations or times of significant emotional or spiritual distress.
On-Call Support (Based on Training and Comfort Level)
Some Spiritual Care Volunteers, based on their training, education, and experience, may be comfortable assisting with on-call or urgent spiritual care needs. Others may not.
Participation in on-call support is based on preparation and comfort level. All situations requiring professional chaplain involvement are coordinated through the Chaplain Manager or designated professional chaplain.
Training and Ongoing Support
All Spiritual Care Volunteers participate in orientation and ongoing training provided through the Spiritual Care Department.
Singing River Policies & HIPAA Compliance
All Spiritual Care Volunteers must adhere to HIPAA regulations and follow Singing River Health System policies. Volunteers should regularly check email for updates on policies, procedures, and spiritual care announcements.
How to Become a Spiritual Care Volunteer
- Submit an Application: Complete the application below.
- Interview: once your application is received, the Chaplain Manager will schedule an interview.
- Complete Singing River Onboarding: this includes background checks, training modules, a drug test, and other requirements.
- Attend Orientation & Training: New volunteers will attend an orientation and begin training with the Chaplain Manager.
Spiritual Care Volunteer Application
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