Lead Chaplain

At Cooper University Health Care, our commitment to providing extraordinary health care begins with our team. Our extraordinary professionals are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhanced access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies and research protocols. We have a commitment to our employees to provide competitive rates and compensation programs.  Cooper offers full and part-time employees a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement. We also provide attractive working conditions and opportunities for career growth through professional development.

Discover why Cooper University Health Care is the employer of choice in South Jersey.

The Cooper University Healthcare Pastoral Care Department is the department best positioned to provide peace, calmness, & comfort for patients, families, and staff by providing spiritual care and compassionate presence & listening.

That’s because the Pastoral Care Department is able to:

•  Provide spiritual care for all individuals with or without a specific religious affiliation because of the unique training the team has had.
• Listen and provide this compassionate care because they have the allocated time, capacity, and resources this type of care requires.

A Hospital Chaplain plays a pivotal role within the healthcare system, providing compassionate spiritual care and emotional support to patients, their families, and hospital staff. In an environment where medical treatment is often paired with moments of profound uncertainty and emotional stress, chaplains offer a comforting presence that transcends religious denominations and cultural backgrounds. They serve as empathic listeners, guiding individuals through the complexities of illness, injury, and grief, and helping to restore a sense of peace and hope. A chaplain's presence can be that beacon of hope and stability in the often-chaotic hospital environment. 

The Lead Chaplain works in coordination with the Director of Consumer Experience to oversee day to day operations, on-call schedule, appropriate daily coverage, arranges monthly educational programs, conducts daily huddles, ensures documentation is completed and daily dashboard represents work completed by Chaplains.  Represents the department throughout Cooper Health Care at appropriate committees, councils and educational programs and provides opportunities for all Chaplains in such activities.

Makes recommendations for providing and expanding Chaplain Department services. 

The Lead Chaplain will maintain the role of a Hospital Chaplain in addition to leadership responsibilities.

• 7-10 years’ experience as healthcare chaplain preferred.
• Completed CPE, currently enrolled in CPE program or has some CPE education in conjunction with other certification to support Pastoral Care responsibilities.

• BA or BS bachelor’s degree in theology, Religious Studies, or a related field
• Graduate Seminary degree Master of Divinity, or specialized training within denominational guidelines (e.g., Eucharistic Minister, ordained deaconate, etc.) or equivalent theological degree

• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) certification- Completion of at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or currently enrolled
• Ordination or endorsement from a faith community preferred
• Membership in a nationally recognized professional Chaplaincy certifying group.
• Certification from a recognized chaplaincy organization (e.g., APC, NACC, NAJC)

• Experience in a healthcare setting
• Social intelligence, i.e., ability to engage others meaningfully & emotionally.
• Personal and spiritual commitment to supporting the welfare of others.
• Personal and spiritual commitment to a faith system which is socially relevant.
• Proven history of maintaining a non-judgmental and inclusive approach to diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
• Functional understanding of, and openness to, various religion-philosophic biases of a large array of individuals.
• Sophistication in professional health teamwork.
• Basic comprehension of the disciplines associated with own special area of expertise