​What is a Professional Chaplain?

Introduction
The word “chaplain” describes a person who functions in a supportive role in the social space between a community of beliefs and an organization. The support offered by a chaplain includes spiritual, emotional, existential, and religious support. The community of beliefs with which a chaplain identifies varies from religious to humanist and from ideological to spiritual. The secular institutions in which a chaplain works also vary widely and may include healthcare, correctional, educational, business, industrial, sports, first responders, disaster-relief, fraternal, political, and other such settings.
The setting in which the chaplain works often determines the level of qualifications the chaplain should have. The chaplain’s qualifications should parallel those of other professionals in the same institution. This document looks at the qualities, qualifications, and skills that are needed for the “professional chaplain” to work effectively in today’s multi-cultural, competitive, value-driven, and results-oriented institutions.
The following list is designed to help human resource professionals and administrators adjudicate one applicant from another and to inspire those seeking to become professional chaplains to pursue the highest standards in their discipline.
Qualities of the Professional Chaplain

• Demonstrates high emotional intelligence
• Demonstrates high level of self-understanding
• Demonstrates high spiritual maturity
• Demonstrates inclusion and respect for diversity
• Demonstrates high level of interpersonal skills

Qualifications of the Professional Chaplain 

• Relevant graduate degree and clinical training
• Adheres to Professional Chaplaincy Standards of Practice
• Adheres to Professional Code of Ethics
• Accountable to approved Spiritual/Faith Endorsing Group
• Accountable for obtaining and maintaining Board Certification

Skills of the Professional Chaplain

• Works collaboratively and effectively within the culture of the institution and influences culture when appropriate
• Integrates spiritual assessments, interventions and outcomes into overall plans of care
• Thinks critically and contributes meaningfully to the organization’s missional goals
• Effective, flexible, and resourceful in caring for others