Military chaplain, nursing home chaplain, hospice chaplain, hospital chaplain, college chaplain, and prison chaplain are all examples of chaplain jobs. A chaplain is a member of the clergy who works for a non-religious organization. Though most chaplains are Christians, chaplain jobs can also include people of other faiths.
Chaplain positions in the military entail providing spiritual guidance to military personnel and their families. The military chaplain supports all service members stationed at his base, whether they are airmen, sailors, soldiers, or marines. A military chaplain is usually assigned to a specific base or unit. During wars, chaplains accompany troops to provide assistance where they can, but they do not carry weapons or fight. When a serviceman dies, the military chaplain may be able to assist in notifying the family of the fallen serviceman.
In a nursing home, chaplain jobs entail interacting with residents and their families. Because nursing home patients are unable to attend traditional churches, nursing homes may have a small chapel on site. One of the chaplain’s responsibilities could include holding church services and sitting with individual residents in their rooms to pray with them as needed.
Chaplain jobs with hospice services are typically reserved for more solemn responsibilities. Hospice organizations assist people and their families who are nearing the end of their lives. Hospice may be called in to provide physical, emotional, or spiritual care to a terminally ill person. Last rites will be performed the chaplain, who will also pray with the patient and his family.
Working as a chaplain in a hospital allows you to interact with a wide range of people throughout the day. Most larger hospitals will have a chapel on site so that people dealing with a death or illness can find solace in the midst of the hectic hospital setting. Chaplains will work with the patient and his family to help them cope with an illness, the death of a loved one, or even to calm the individual so he can make a health-related decision.
Working as a chaplain on a college campus entails providing spiritual guidance and education to students and faculty. Smaller colleges may only have one or two chaplains for the entire campus, whereas large universities will have a chaplain for each denomination or type of faith. The chaplain may assist in the planning of church services and coordinate mission activities with the various student organizations on campus.
Working as a prison chaplain entails working with inmates who have never been exposed to religion. A prison chaplain’s responsibilities include leading Bible studies, hearing confessions, and administering last rites. During visitations, a prison chaplain may work with inmates’ families to help them cope with the stress of having a loved one behind bars.