Chaplain Academy
Behavioral Health Chaplaincy Specialist (NIMS Type 1)
The Behavioral Health Chaplaincy Specialist provides spiritual and emotional support to staff, emergency responders, and the public during times of stress. This specialist liaises on family support service options, meets with individuals experiencing difficulties during disasters, and advocates for responder respite and self-care.
Education & Licensure
- Education: Master's degree in theology, mental health, substance abuse counseling, or equivalent.
- Licensure: Professional certification in Mental Health/Counseling OR ordination/commission from a recognized religious body.
- Certification: Current certification as a Behavioral Health/Chaplaincy Specialist.
Experience & Fitness
- Experience: Two (2) years of experience as a cleric or chaplain relevant to disaster settings.
- Fitness Level: Moderate. Must be able to work while wearing mission-specific PPE.
- Background: Must pass background check (12 mo), sex-offender registry check, and criminal history check.
- Immunizations: Must maintain immunizations in accordance with current AHJ requirements.
Candidates must complete the following courses to meet the national baseline defined by the NIMS Training Program.
- IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS-200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
-
IS-368 (Retired - Course Unavailable)
- IS-505 Concepts of Religious Literacy for Emergency Management
- IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction
- IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction
- PFA Psychological First Aid Training (Minimum 4 hours)
- Shift Duration: Typically works 12 hours per shift.
- Self-Sustainability: Must be self-sustainable for 72 hours.
- Deployment Length: Deployable up to 14 days.
- Deployment Currency: Must function in an operational incident, exercise, or drill at least once every five years.
- Practice Currency: Ongoing, active participation with an established health care entity, NVOAD, or crisis intervention agency.
Academy Staff
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