Job Information
CommonSpirit Health Chaplain in Bakersfield, California
Requisition ID: 2026-466006 Employment Type: Full Time Department: Chaplaincy Services & Pastoral Care Hours/Pay Period: 80 Shift: Day Weekly Schedule: 8:00am - 5:00pm Remote: No Category: Chaplain
Job Summary and Responsibilities
The Chaplains of Mercy & Memorial Hospitals minister to the patients, families, staff, physicians, volunteers, and visitors at the three Dignity Health hospitals in Bakersfield. Consistent with the mission and values of Dignity Health, the Staff Chaplain is a professional who provides spiritual care for patients, families, staff, and physicians. Responsibilities include to ensure that religious, spiritual, cultural, and ethical needs of patients and their loved ones are met. Chaplains work regular day shift and share coverage of nights and weekends according to a published schedule.
Job Requirements
Required:
Licensure
Board Certification with NACC, APC, NAJC, or ACPE within one year of hire into position. Applicant that is eligible for certification must demonstrate their progress toward certification. Provision to extend the one year time frame may be granted on occasion for emergencies. Good standing requires maintenance of Continuing Education and Peer Review requirements for renewal of certification while observing a professional code of ethics required by your Professional Organizational Standards. Endorsement by ecclesiastical authority required.
Education
MDiv or MA in Theology, Pastoral Care/Counseling, Divinity, or equivalent. Understands and is able to apply the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (USCCB).
Training
Clinical training of at least four units in Clinical Pastoral Education at an accredited ACPE hospital center.
Experience
Experience ministering in an acute care and emergency services setting to a multi-cultural, underserved, and disenfranchised population. Collaborating as a member of Interdisciplinary Teams. Working closely with Social Workers, Care Coordinators, and Palliative Care nurses. Consulting for ethical issues.
Where You'll Work
Founded in 1910, Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital is a 229-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Bakersfield, California. Serving nearly 90,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including Level II NICU, cancer care, women’s health, and orthopedics. Additionally, Mercy Hospital Downtown & Mercy Hospital Southwest have been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. They are both Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Centers. Mercy Hospital Downtown offers the only inpatient Oncology Unit in Bakersfield while Mercy Hospital Southwest has the only Obstetric Emergency Department in Bakersfield.
One Community. One Mission. One California (https://youtu.be/RrPuiSnALJY?si=pvQgPZ6ZWZM60TPV)