Director of Religious Studies

Lions Gate is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community rooted in Jewish traditions and values. A home to seniors who share a passion for the things that matter – lifestyle, care, community, and tradition – to those who share a passion for life and all its possibilities. 

Here at Lions Gate, we have created a high standard of living for all of our residents. We are committed to honoring the programs and traditions of the Jewish faith in our community. Our employees reflect this commitment through their warm and loving nature in providing care and services to all those that reside at Lions Gate. By becoming part of the Lions Gate community and committing yourself to the care and comfort of each and every resident we serve, we assure you that your life will also be enriched in many ways.

Job Summary:  The primary responsibilities of the Director of Religious Services are to attend to the spiritual needs of the residents (both Jewish and non-Jewish), and to nourish and sustain the Jewish cultural and religious environment of the Lions Gate Community. This is done through individual connections with residents and their families; cultural and educational programming for residents and staff; providing religious services (either through leading services directly, or arranging for their provision), and consultation with Lions Gate staff and Jewish Senior Housing. The Director of Religious Services will also be available to provide spiritual and educational support along with educational opportunities for residents of other Jewish Senior Housing facilities and Healthcare Service. 

Job Duties:

• Responsible for conducting Jewish religious services including: Shabbat, all major Jewish holidays, and Passover Seders for all residents in Independent Living and the HCC.
• Attends to and supports the religious and spiritual needs of residents all religions & will make referrals to clergy of non-Jewish tradition whenever requested by resident, their families or otherwise appropriate.
• Responsible for arranging for access to religious services and rite for non-Jewish residents (including Ashes for Ash Wednesday and Communion for residents in HCC, and when possible, showing services on TV or through streaming).
• Provides pastoral care to residents and their families, supporting them in times of illness, difficulty, and at end of life.
• Is an active participant on the communal life of Lions Gate, taking part in communal functions and activities, both religious and secular.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the Jewish religious objects used in the chapel and for worship.
• Provides adult educational opportunities appropriate for residents of Lions Gate on a regular basis.  These programs are offered independently and in collaboration with other departments.    
• Provides training for Lions Gate staff in the form of in-services, small group and individual instruction on Jewish religious, cultural, & ethnic concerns as well as spiritual issues concerning the elderly. 
• Provides emotional support for staff.
• Acts as a representative Lions Gate, JFCS and JFSNJ within the rabbinic and broader clergy community.
• Maintains active membership in good standing of the Tri-County Board of Jewish Clergy.
• As a member of the Executive Staff, the Director of Religious Services will work closely with all other departments to coordinate in caring for residents and providing for their religious, spiritual, mental and emotional needs. 
• Supervises and directs rabbinic intern.

Job Requirements

• Requires rabbinic or cantorial ordination, three years of relevant pulpit and chaplaincy experience after ordination, and a proven ability to work with the elderly.
• Schedule- 5 days a week; flexible schedule.

Professional Requirements

• Maintains clean and neat professional appearance per dress code policy.
• Wears identification at all time while on duty, or representing Lions Gate at functions.
• Demonstrates dependability and punctuality by reporting to work on time as scheduled.
• Complies with all Lions Gate policies regarding ethical business practices as outlined in the Corporate Compliance Plan.
• Maintains and ensures compliance with current requirements, including all State and Federal regulations and OSHA safety protocol and standards.
• Completes annual mandatory education requirements (Corporate Compliance, HIPAA, in-service, etc.)
• Assumes accountability for policies and procedures in the Employee Handbook.
• Maintains professionalism and positive behavior while providing quality services to resident/family members.
• Follows resident rights/abuse policies and procedures & follows established incident reporting procedures.
• Maintains and ensures resident and facility information as confidential material at all times.
• Maintains good rapport and cooperative working relationship with all departments, staff, co-workers & management.
• Obeys dietary laws for maintaining a kosher environment in identified areas.
• Attends departmental meetings and in-services as scheduled and required.
• Accepts assignments in a cooperative and positive manner.
• Performs all duties of jobs to assure the safety and protection of residents, self, co-workers & facility property.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops and professional affiliations.

Please submit your cv and/or credentials to Meredith Becker, COO, Lions Gate at: [email protected].