Assess and respond to patients/residents/clients' emotional, spiritual, and existential needs.
Provide appropriate spiritual care and liturgical support in accordance with established standards of practice.
Accept referrals from all disciplines and provide respectful, culturally sensitive spiritual support and counseling.
Establish and implement spiritual care plans based on assessed needs.
Provide formal and informal consultations and assessments to staff, community clergy, interdisciplinary team members, and students.
Initiate and/or participate in spiritual care services to support worship according to clients' faith traditions.
Ensure availability of clients' religious preference/affiliation information for lay visitors, community clergy, and spiritual care providers.
Conduct memorial services on request and provide support to those who mourn.
Liaise with community clergy and religious/spiritual leaders and make referrals for ongoing spiritual care needs.
Participate in orientation, mentoring, and serve as a preceptor for students as directed.
Adhere to clinical guidelines, policies, and procedures for spiritual/pastoral care.
Assist in reviewing and recommending improvements to spiritual care standards and participate in implementation.
Review literature and follow developments in spiritual care; participate in projects to reduce risks and improve quality.
Support staff experiencing distress and promote a values-based culture
Spiritual Health Practitioner BC Cancer Abbotsford, BC The Spiritual Health Practitioner is responsible for assessing and responding to the emotional, spiritual needs and existential concerns of patients/residents/clients, their family/friends and staff by assessing and providing appropriate spiritual care as well as liturgical and educational support in accordance with established standards of practice. As part of an interdisciplinary team, works to achieve excellence in client centered care, education and research within a complex multi-site environment. Provides educational opportunities for students through mentoring and clinical consultations. Key partnerships are with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care - CASC and with community religious/spiritual leaders and faith groups to provide consultation and support on spiritual issues. What you’ll do
Accepts referrals from all disciplines and provides spiritual support, care and counseling that is respectful of, and sensitive to, diverse spiritual/religious and cultural traditions for patients/residents/patients, their families and for staff by assessing spiritual needs and establishing and implementing a plan that provides appropriate spiritual and liturgical support.
Ensures awareness of spiritual care services by providing formal and informal consultations and assessments to staff, community clergy, interdisciplinary team members and students. Reviews needs and/or specific clients’ status, problem solves and provides guidance/knowledge in the management of the client/client group to facilitate a conductive learning environment and ongoing development.
Initiates and/or participates in spiritual care services to ensure clients have the opportunity to worship according to their faith tradition. Ensures that information about client’s religious preference/affiliation is available for use by lay visitors, community clergy and other spiritual care providers. Conducts memorial service on request and provides support to those who mourn.
Liaises with community clergy and other religious/spiritual leaders and makes referrals when needed to ensure continued delivery of spiritual care services to clients requiring ongoing support.
Participates in orientation, mentoring and serving as a preceptor for students as directed.
Adheres to clinical guidelines, policies and procedures in the field of spiritual/pastoral care to ensure competent and effective client treatment.
Assists in reviewing standards such as those established by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA) and BC Health, makes recommendations for changes to improve the quality of spiritual care offered and participates in the implementation of changes.
Reviews literature and follows developments in the field of spiritual care. Participates in projects/initiatives that result in the reduction of risks and improvements in quality of spiritual care services. What you bring
Qualifications
A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to Master's Degree with relevant theological/spiritual studies from a recognized institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Completion of at least one advanced unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalency. Consistently able to demonstrate the CASC core competencies. Membership in good standing with the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care (CASC) Two (2) years of experience as a spiritual health practitioner in an institutional setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experiences.
Applies specialized knowledge of pastoral/spiritual care and or pastoral counseling theory and practice with individuals, families and groups in a client centered model of care at bedside as well as in more controlled environments. Advanced ability to forge rapport and therapeutic alliance through authentic mindful presence in critical moments with persons experiencing immediate crisis or long term life altering illness/injury. Working knowledge of bio-medical ethics and a demonstrated ability to work within the spiritual worldview of patients and families to assist them with contextual decision making. Demonstrates spiritual and cultural competency in working with a diversity of faiths and cultures and assists clinical teams in providing care that promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between patients, their families and the health care team. Communicates effectively with spiritual care colleagues as a supportive member of the departmental team and participates in research activities. Possesses an understanding of health care team model and engages in inter-professional dialogue through seeking and providing consultation with professionals in other disciplines. Works within the scope of practice articulated in the Ministry of Health document- Spiritual Health - A Framework for British Columbia’s Spiritual Care Professionals and adheres to the code of ethics referenced therein. Applies computer literacy skills with word processing for clinical and clerical purposes including quality assurance practices and charting. Promotes a values based culture that reflects the mission and vision of the organization and provides spiritual support to staff experiencing distress.
Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
Salary Range
$69,218 - $99,501/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location
32900 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 0C2 Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of
Work: Tuesday, Wednesday, 0800-1600. Requisition # 202676E What we do BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia. BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province.
Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.
Learn more about
PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code. One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca. Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for
Justice (2019), the
Declaration
Act
Action
Plan and
Remembering
Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
Requirements
Master's-level education with relevant theological/spiritual studies from a recognized institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
Completion of at least one advanced unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalency.
Consistently demonstrate CASC core competencies and maintain membership in good standing with the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care (CASC).
Two (2) years of experience as a spiritual health practitioner in an institutional setting (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide pastoral/spiritual care and pastoral counseling in a client-centered model.
Advanced ability to build rapport and therapeutic alliance with individuals in crisis or long-term illness/injury.
Working knowledge of bio-medical ethics and ability to work within patients' spiritual worldview.
Demonstrated spiritual and cultural competency across diverse faiths and cultures.
Ability to communicate effectively with spiritual care colleagues and participate in research activities.
Knowledge of Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility, including commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination.
Knowledge of legislative obligations and provincial commitments in BC Cancer contexts (e.g., TRC Calls to Action, In Plain Sight, UNDRIP, BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, etc.).
Computer literacy for clinical and clerical purposes (word processing, quality assurance practices, charting)
Master's Degree with relevant theological/spiritual studies from a recognized institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools
Completion of at least one advanced unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalency
Research participation
Pastoral counseling
Knowledge of Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility
Anti-racism and Indigenous-specific anti-racism commitments
Benefits
Municipal pension plan
Comprehensive benefits package
WorkPerks discount program
Psychological health & safety programs
Holistic wellness resources
Annual statutory holidays (13)
Generous vacation entitlement and accrual
Professional development opportunities (2,000+ in-house courses)
Indigenous Cultural Safety training
Indigenous-specific anti-racism training
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility training
Mental health and well-being training
Remote work friendly employer (eligibility may vary, depending on position)
Posting details
Employment type
Temporary, Part Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
CA$69,218 - CA$99,501/yr
Location
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Posted
Aug 14, 2026
Application
Employer website
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Cancer contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system. Core Competencies
Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.). You have:
Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach. What we bring Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more. Job Type: Temporary, Part-Time (0.40 FTE until August 23, 2027
Spiritual care assessment and planning
Spiritual and liturgical support
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) completion or equivalency
CASC core competencies
Therapeutic alliance and rapport building
Mindful presence in critical moments
Bio-medical ethics knowledge
Working within patients' spiritual worldview
Spiritual and cultural competency across diverse faiths and cultures
Inter-professional collaboration and consultation
Mentoring and precepting students
Orientation and mentoring
Clinical guideline and policy adherence
Charting and computer literacy (word processing, quality assurance practices)
Legislative obligations and provincial commitments knowledge (BC Cancer/PHSA context)
Liaison with community clergy and religious/spiritual leaders
Memorial service support on request
More openings at Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA)
BC Cancer Spiritual Care Roles Require Specialized Preparation
Spiritual Health Practitioner roles in British Columbia cancer care typically seek advanced theological or spiritual education, CPE training, and demonstrated CASC competencies to support patients, families, and care teams. Candidates may be more competitive when they clearly document accredited master’s-level study and CPE equivalency; review the posting’s requirements and benefits, which are AI-summarized from the original description to save research time. The role lists pension, comprehensive benefits, wellness resources, and WorkPerks.