PROFESSIONAL CHAPLAIN COMPETENCIES
Section I. Theory of Pastoral Care Competencies
TPC1: Articulate a theology of spiritual care that is integrated with a theory of pastoral practice.
TPC2: Incorporate a working knowledge of psychological and sociological disciplines and religious beliefs and practices in the provision of pastoral care.
TPC3: Incorporate the spiritual and emotional dimensions of human development into the practice of pastoral care.
TPC4: Incorporate a working knowledge of ethics appropriate to the pastoral context.
TPC5: Articulate a conceptual understanding of group dynamics and organizational behavior.
Section II: Identity and Conduct Competencies
IDC1: Function pastorally in a manner that respects the physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries of others.
IDC2: Use pastoral authority appropriately.
IDC3: Identify one’s professional strengths and limitations in the provision of pastoral care.
IDC4: Articulate ways in which one’s feelings, attitudes, values and assumptions affect one’s pastoral care.
IDC5: Advocate for the persons in one’s care.
IDC6: Function within the Common Code of Ethics for Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors, Pastoral Educators and Students.
IDC7: Attend to one’s own physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
IDC8: Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
IDC9: Present oneself in a manner that reflects professional behavior, including appropriate attire and personal hygiene.
Section III: Pastoral Competencies
PAS1: Establish, deepen and end pastoral relationships with sensitivity, openness and respect.
PAS2: Provide effective pastoral support that contributes to well-being of patients, their families and staff. (assoc.,
prov. & BCC)
PAS3: Provide pastoral care that respects diversity and differences including, but not limited to culture, gender, sexual orientation and spiritual/religious practices.
PAS4: Triage and manage crises in the practice of pastoral care.
PAS5: Provide pastoral care to persons experiencing loss and grief.
PAS6: Formulate and utilize spiritual assessments in order to contribute to plans of care.
PAS7: Provide religious/spiritual resources appropriate to the care of patients, families and staff.
PAS8: Develop, coordinate and facilitate public worship/spiritual practices appropriate to diverse settings and needs.
PAS9: Facilitate theological reflection in the practice of pastoral care.
Section IV: Professional Competencies
PRO1: Promote the integration of pastoral/spiritual care into the life and service of the institution in which it resides.
PRO2: Establish and maintain professional and interdisciplinary relationships.
PRO3: Articulate an understanding of institutional culture and systems and systemic relationships.
PRO4: Support, promote and encourage ethical decision-making and care.
PRO5: Document one’s contribution of care effectively in the appropriate records.
PRO6: Foster a collaborative relationship with community clergy and faith group leaders.
PRO7: Demonstrates familiarity with published research findings that inform chaplain clinical practice through reading professional journals and other materials.