Program Director Clinical Pastoral Education - Pastoral Education

CHRISTUS Health is a leading not-for-profit Catholic health system with a comprehensive network of hospitals, clinics, and health ministries spanning the United States and several international locations, including Latin America. Committed to holistic care that attends to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients, CHRISTUS Health integrates compassionate service with advanced medical and pastoral practices. The organization emphasizes faith-based values and community engagement, focusing on improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities alike. Through its international ministries, especially in Mexico, Chile, and Colombia, CHRISTUS Health fosters cross-cultural partnerships to provide meaningful spiritual and pastoral education in diverse healthcare settings.

The role of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program Manager at CHRISTUS Health is pivotal in sustaining and expanding the organization's spiritual care initiatives across its international ministries. This full-time leadership position involves managing the day-to-day administration and oversight of the Clinical Pastoral Education program, ensuring it aligns with the rigorous standards set by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). The Program Manager is responsible for designing and delivering curriculum, supervising students’ clinical pastoral work, and fostering collaborative relationships with academic institutions and church agencies internationally.

A unique aspect of this role is its bilingual requirement, as the Program Manager must fluently communicate in both English and Spanish, facilitating effective engagement with ministries in Latin American countries as well as with teams in the United States. The Program Manager is expected to lead CPE units twice annually, manage contractual relationships with educators, and establish a professional advisory group comprising diverse stakeholders to enhance pastoral education. Travel is extensive within CHRISTUS Health ministries, supporting the development and assessment of pastoral education services in various regions.

The position demands not only advanced theological education, such as a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Divinity, Theology, or a related field, but also rich professional experience, including at least five years as a CPE Certified Educator with supervisory responsibilities. There is also an expectation for certification as an ACPE Certified Educator within two years of hire and a denominational endorsement, underscoring the spiritual and professional commitment required. Emphasizing accountability, creativity in program development, and student-centered learning, the Program Manager advocates for high-quality pastoral education and spiritual care, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and promoting innovative educational delivery methods such as virtual distance learning. This role is integral to supporting CHRISTUS Health’s mission of providing holistic, spiritually sensitive care through clinical pastoral education, making a significant impact on the spiritual formation of chaplains and pastoral care providers internationally.