Volunteer Chaplaincy with US-NYS Chaplain Response Team, Inc.
At US-NYS Chaplain Response Team, Inc., we proudly serve as Volunteer Chaplains dedicated to providing spiritual and emotional care in times of crisis. Our mission is to bring comfort, hope, and support to individuals and communities through compassionate ministry in various settings, such as disaster relief, hospitals, shelters, and community events.
OUR COMMITMENT
As inter-faith chaplains, we share a commitment to serving our fellow citizens in times of crisis, whether natural or otherwise. We believe in organized and effective service, not only to one another but to all who require our support. Our dedication is rooted in a pledge of loyalty to God, our country, and each other.
The US-NYS Chaplain Response Team: Who We Are
The US-New York State Chaplain Response Team Incorporated operates as a 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit entity, focusing on the training, development, and maintenance of highly skilled volunteer Inter-Faith Community Crisis Chaplains. These chaplains are equipped to provide support and collaborate with individuals, as well as various city, federal, religious, and secular agencies, and organizations, both in times of peace and during crises.
Our approach emphasizes active listening over speaking and offers honest moral and spiritual guidance to all, regardless of their beliefs or cultural background, while refraining from promoting any specific faith, belief system, or personal or political views.
What Does It Mean to Be a Volunteer Chaplain?
As Volunteer Chaplains, we offer our time and service without the expectation of payment. We work out of a personal commitment to ministry, driven by the desire to serve those in need. While we provide vital spiritual and emotional support, volunteer chaplaincy is different from professional chaplaincy in several ways:
| Aspect | Professional Chaplain | Volunteer Chaplain |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Master’s degree (M.Div.) and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) | Minimal or no formal theological education |
| CPE Requirement | Typically 4+ units of CPE | May have little or no CPE |
| Certification | Often certified by APC, NACC, etc. | Certification not usually required |
| Clergy Status | Often ordained clergy | May or may not be ordained |
| Role | Full-time/part-time, paid position | Voluntary, unpaid |
| Integration in Organization | Highly integrated into the care team | Limited integration, focused role |
| Availability | Full-time or on-call, often 24/7 | Limited or flexible availability |
Our chaplains serve based on availability, often responding to emergencies or scheduled community support. As volunteers, we do not hold the full responsibilities of professional chaplains, but our service is still critical in times of need.
Training and Certifications
Even though we are Volunteer Chaplains, we are committed to providing the highest level of care. To ensure our chaplains are equipped for the challenges they may face in crisis situations, each of our chaplains is certified in the following areas:
- FEMA IS100c – Incident Command System and Protocols: Our chaplains are trained in the basics of the Incident Command System (ICS), ensuring they understand emergency management protocols and can effectively work with first responders and other agencies during a disaster.
- FEMA IS505 – Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency: This certification helps our chaplains provide culturally and religiously sensitive care, ensuring respect and understanding across diverse populations.
- Mental Health First Aid: Our chaplains are trained to recognize and assist individuals experiencing mental health crises, offering initial support until professional help is available.
- First Aid, CPR & AED: We ensure our chaplains are prepared to provide basic life-saving techniques in emergencies, including first aid, CPR, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
- Opioid Overdose Reversal (Naloxone Training): In response to the opioid crisis, our chaplains are trained to administer life-saving measures, including the use of Naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses.
- 3 to 4 years of Bible Institute Theological Studies: Our chaplains have completed 3 to 4 years of theological Bible studies at Bible institutes from their respective councils, equipping them with a deep understanding of faith, theology, and pastoral care.
- 9-Week, 9-Chapter US-NYS Chaplain Response Team Training: Our chaplains undergo an intensive 9-week training program covering a broad range of topics that prepare them to serve in diverse and challenging environments. This training includes:
- Chapter 1: Understanding what it means to be a chaplain, the history of chaplaincy, and an introduction to Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
- Chapter 2: The roles, services, and duties of a chaplain, including spiritual assessment, chaplaincy evaluation, and tips for assisting the homeless.
- Chapter 3: Ministry in an interfaith environment, disaster spiritual care, critical incident stress debriefing, and preparedness for emergencies.
- Chapter 4: Chaplaincy in various settings and the importance of self-care for chaplains.
- Chapter 5: Domestic violence and abuse, and helping abused women understand their situation.
- Chapter 6: Understanding drug use, abuse, and addiction, as well as alcohol use, abuse, and alcoholism.
- Chapter 7: Grieving and bereavement, mental illness, and death notification procedures.
- Chapter 8: Elder abuse and neglect, child abuse and neglect, bullying and cyber-bullying, and interacting with individuals with autism.
- Chapter 9: Anger management, suicide prevention, and conflict resolution skills.
These certifications and training ensure that our volunteer chaplains are prepared to respond effectively in emergencies, offering not only spiritual support but also practical, life-saving assistance when needed.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to educate, maintain, and deploy highly skilled Inter-Faith Spiritual Care First Responders who can deliver quality and safe spiritual, emotional, and mental health support services, both in times of peace and during crises, 24 hours a day.
VISION STATEMENT
At the US-NYS Chaplain Response Team, Inc., we envision a nation where compassion, faith, and unity triumph over adversity. We aspire to be a beacon of hope and support, embodying the values that define the greatness of our country. Our organization serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, service, and community as we tirelessly strive to assist and uplift those in need.
Join us in our mission to make a difference and bring positive change to the lives of our fellow citizens. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient America. Thank you for your support and for being part of our journey.
Interested in Professional Chaplaincy?
While we do not offer professional chaplaincy training, we strongly encourage those with a passion for spiritual care to pursue further education and certification to become professional chaplains. Professional chaplaincy requires more formal education and training, such as completing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and multiple units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Certification from recognized chaplaincy organizations, such as the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) or the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), is also often required.
At US-NYS Chaplain Response Team, Inc., we are here to guide you on your journey toward professional chaplaincy. We can provide resources, mentorship, and connections to organizations such as the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training (ICPT), where you can pursue the education and experience needed to become a certified professional chaplain.
How We Can Help
If you’re interested in exploring the path to professional chaplaincy, our team is happy to:
- Offer guidance on education requirements and programs, including CPE.
- Connect you with institutions that provide formal chaplaincy education and certification, such as the ICPT.
- Support your growth as a chaplain, whether through volunteer service or pursuing professional credentials.
Join Our Team as a Volunteer Chaplain
By joining us as a volunteer chaplain, you’ll gain valuable experience serving in real-world ministry settings. It’s an opportunity to serve your community while discerning if professional chaplaincy is your calling. No matter where your journey takes you, US-NYS Chaplain Response Team, Inc. is here to support you every step of the way.
Become a Volunteer Chaplain Today!
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer chaplain with the US-NYS Chaplain Response Team, Inc., we invite you to reach out and learn more. Your service can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Contact Us:
+1 (516) 713-4922
Link to Volunteer Application
