PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Director of Jewish and Spiritual Life is responsible for maintaining Ovation in accordance with the dictates of Jewish Law and developing and presenting a complete program of Rabbinic and pastoral care services throughout the Ovation Communities campus. The Director is responsible for maintaining communication with the congregational Rabbis. Questions regarding kashrus, Shabbos, Jewish Holidays and other issues of Jewish Law are ultimately under the Director even when services are outsourced. The Director is responsible for actively directing, coordinating, and participating in the delivery of pastoral care services and support for Jewish programming, ensuring that all requests for pastoral care are responded to in a timely manner. The Director will ensure that the spiritual life program is aligned with Jewish Law, the values of the organization, and consistent with strategic initiatives. Because of the nature of this job, outside employment will not be permitted.
CUSTOMERS/CLIENTS SERVED BY POSITION:
Residents, family members, staff, volunteers, community members, vendors, and anyone that has a relationship with Ovation Communities in any manner.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of Rabbinical experience. Experience as a chaplain working in a health care setting preferred.
Education: Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Chaplaincy training is required.
Must possess the credentials of a Rabbi required to be relied on regarding matters of Jewish Law by the Orthodox congregational Rabbis in the community. This will require the Director to be Sabbath Observant and keep a level of kashrus to the standards of the Orthodox community.
Other: Demonstrate an ability to work well with colleagues, and to delegate responsibilities to others.
Demonstrate professional, effective and efficient verbal, written and electronic communication.
The Director must be able to lead religious services.
JOB DUTIES:
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary:
1. Plans, develops, coordinates and conducts Jewish worships services including daily worship services, Sabbath, Festivals, High Holidays and special prayer services for patients/residents, associates, and others at Ovation.
2. Helps prepare the campus for Passover as well as the Seders.
3. Laining the Torah as needed at religious services.
4. Offers a D'var Torah at Ovation Board and Committee meetings.
5. Provides the final directives regarding issues of Kashrus and Jewish Law for Ovation.
6. Ensures religious services are conducted by a competent leader.
7. Develops and promotes, either directly or in collaboration with others, spiritual life programs that are meaningful, engaging, and meet (or exceed) the expectations of residents (regardless of faith).
8. Conducts and/or coordinates classes and discussion groups for residents to enhance their lives by addressing their spiritual life needs.
9. Seeks volunteers from congregations and Jewish Schools to help with religious services, programming, learning with residents and creating meaningful Shabbos experiences.
10. Promotes cultural competency for associates and volunteers on Jewish practices and customs. Develops and maintains relevant spiritual life policies and procedures.
11. Committed to maintaining relationships with all stakeholders including residents (their families/friends), associates, lay leaders, area clergy and the broader community.
12. Provides counseling/guidance to residents (their family members), and others, as necessary, including providing support to residents receiving end-of-life care.
13. Acts as the staff liaison to the Chaplaincy & Religious Life Committee and assists the Chair in creating meaningful content for meetings, as well as summarizing campus programming, activities, worship services, and Jewish holiday observances.
14. Maintains and submits records/reports of spiritual life programs and services, as required and prepares necessary information for inclusion in residents' health record as needed for skilled nursing and assisted living residences.
15. Provides pastoral counseling to residents and staff as needed or appropriate.
16. In coordination with activity associates help to plan, direct and coordinate activities of religious assistants and volunteers.
17. Provides written and oral reports/recommendations to the President concerning spiritual life programs and services, as requested, necessary or appropriate.
18. Provides explanations of policies and procedures to associates, patients/residents (their families), visitors, and others, as necessary.
19. Speaks at civic functions and organizational meetings upon request.
20. Prepares an annual budget for the Jewish and Spiritual Life Department.
21. Assists with fundraising for Ovation’s Jewish and spiritual life programs as requested.
22. Provides leadership of religious prayers and functions as needed.
23. Participates as a member of the palliative care team.
24. Other duties as requested.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
1. Carries out all duties in accordance with Ovation’s mission and person-centered care philosophy.
2. Demonstrates knowledge of and respect for the rights, dignity, and individuality of each resident and facility information.
3. Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
4. May be called to the facility during emergency conditions, as necessary.
5. Appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of residents, associates and the internal function of the organization.
6. Must demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property.
7. Follows written and verbal direction.
8. Working knowledge and ability to comply with facility policies and procedures for workplace safety including infection control procedure, application of universal precautions for blood borne pathogens, use of personal protective equipment and handling of hazardous materials.
9. Demonstrates the ability to complete duties and projects within an allotted time.
10. Willingness to respond to procedural changes including additional tasks and projects as assigned.
11. Able to carry out the essential functions of this job (without reasonable accommodation) without posing specific, current risk of substantial harm to health and safety of self and others.
12. Maintains current job knowledge through reading industry literature and computer system updates/changes.
13. Participates in seminars and conferences as required and approved.
14. Has basic computer skills and the ability to learn software as required.
15. Other duties may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
FACTORS AFFECTING WORK PERFORMANCE – attendance, dependability, achievement, interpersonal skills:
1. Friendly, pleasant, and calm demeanor.
2. Set hours which will include consideration of Shabbos and Holiday demands of the position.
3. Participate in management, staff, and other meetings to support facility operations as directed.
4. Represent Ovation Communities and department in a professional and positive manner within and outside the community.
5. Be a constructive collaborator with other Ovation staff.
6. Active participant in team building committees.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and to use hands to file and type often. Requires viewing of computer screens. Excellent verbal communication skills and excellent vision and hearing required.
Must be able to push/pull/carry up to 50 lbs. on occasion. Must be able to perform under the normal stressors of an office environment (such as deadlines and standards)