Associate Chaplain

The Associate Chaplain will minister to the La Sierra University community through programming worship services, managing Spiritual Life Department resources, and mentoring student leaders.   The purpose and function of the Associate Chaplain is to help our students, faculty and staff of the university :

To Meet God

To assist in the development of their Spiritual Relationship and to give opportunities for personal experience, and

To assist students, faculty, and staff in their faith development.

Duties and Responsibilities

Planning, programming and mentoring :

• Plan and execute worship services for various departments, programs, and events
• Coordinate Criminal Justice weekly worships on both campuses
• Various on-campus worship services
• Athletic Retreat worships
• Freshman Orientation worships
• Plan and execute various spiritual programs and activities in collaboration with student ministry directors
• Oversee Weekly Chapel Services
• Oversee Weekend Spiritual Activities
• Oversee Sabbath School
• First Service
• Rendezvous
• Retreats
• Participate in dorm worships as needed
• Conduct Bible studies and spiritual conversations with small groups and individuals
• Mentor and develop student leaders and ministry directors, including :
• Chapel Program Director
• First Service director
• SALSU Spiritual Vice President
• Departmental Student Chaplains and Worship Coordinators
• Athletics Student Care Coordinators
• Coordinate a circle of care for students, faculty, and staff with other campus resources

Once a month meeting with Spiritual Life Coordinators across campus

Attend monthly North American Division Missions Advisory Zoom Meeting

Coordinate with North American Division to send out student missionaries

Collaborate with various on-campus groups for service learning / outreach opportunities

Plan and implement local and short-term mission trips

Clerical and Office Functions.

Other duties as assigned

Pastoral Care, Counseling and Presence

Leadership and Professional Development

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Qualifications :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee will be responsible administratively for specific activities, projects, programs or coordination of services within the functional area.

Education / Experience :

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required in Religion or Counseling. Master of Divinity, Pastoral Studies or any equivalent preferred. Three to five years of experience in a related field. Employee should have a broad understanding of religious and faith traditions, with a strong understanding of Christianity and Adventism. Previous experience in worship planning and spiritual programming.

Language Ability :

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, clients, customers, and the general public.  Ability to train and monitor others’ performance.  Ability to present and resolve conflicts and address delicate situations. Ability to motivate and persuade others.

Math Ability :

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability :

Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Problems are highly varied, complex and often non-recurring and novel, and require creative approaches to resolutions.  New concepts and approaches may have to be developed.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills :

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have expertise in the use of general computer software like Microsoft Office Suite.

Certificates and Licenses :

Expected to be granted a ministerial license. Valid Driver's License.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

This job supervises the First Service Director, SALSU Religious Vice President and shared supervision of other employees as needed and / or when department head is absent.

Work Environment :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and / or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus.

Additional Information

Ability to provide spiritual and pastoral care and nurture.

Ability to provide personal and pastoral counseling when necessary.

Ability to organize and facilitate office, planning, and committee meetings.

Be capable of mentoring, teaching and preaching.

Position requires effective time management skills.

Ability to be adept at oral and written communication.

Possess problem solving and decision making skills and abilities.

Ability to work well in a team environment.

Ability to understand the need for discretion.

Ability to train student employees and volunteers.

Employee will be expected to attend various retreats and conventions, activities and events.

Ability to travel on occasional mission trips, as well as home and / or hospital visits when needed.

Salary :   $68,640.00 plus generous benefits :

Required Skills

Required Experience