Syllabi — US‑NYS Chaplain Response Team, Inc. (US‑NYSCRT)
Effective: November 2025 • Contact: cpanameno@nyscrt.org • (516) 713‑4922 • NYSCRT.org
Core Disclosures
Religious Non-Degree Status. US‑NYSCRT provides religious, non-credit, non-degree training. ACPE Disclosure. US‑NYSCRT is not an ACPE-accredited center and does not award ACPE units. ACPE units are earned only at ACPE-accredited centers.
Pathway. Our training is pre-CPE preparation. See /pathway-bcc/.
I. Basic Chaplain Certificate — Syllabus (FOUNDATION)
Course Code: USNYS‑BASIC
Format/Hours: ~28 clock hours over 9 weeks (≈ 2 hrs./week)
Meeting: Fridays 7:00–9:00 p.m. (Uniondale, NY / Live Online)
Instructor: Rev. C. A. Panameño (or designee) • Office hours by appointment
Description
Foundational ministry training for chaplaincy in community and crisis contexts. Emphasis on interfaith presence, trauma-aware care, ethics/confidentiality, and coordinated service with community partners.
Prerequisites
- Age 18+, government photo ID, HS diploma/equivalent
- Pastoral/character reference (as requested)
- Basic tech access for online cohorts
Co/Post‑requisites (external; proof required to issue credential)
- CPR
- FEMA ICS‑100 / Introduction to ICS
- Concepts of Religious Literacy for Emergency Management
Course Materials
- US‑NYSCRT Basic Reader (provided)
- Handouts, case forms, and checklists (provided)
Learning Outcomes (graduates will be able to…)
- Define the role/scope of a community chaplain in interagency settings.
- Conduct a brief spiritual/psychosocial screening and make responsible referrals.
- Demonstrate ethics: confidentiality, boundaries, and documentation basics.
- Apply trauma-aware presence in hospitals, shelters, and community sites.
- Respond pastorally to grief, DV/abuse disclosures, addiction, and mental‑health crises (within chaplain scope).
- Communicate and de-escalate with cultural/language sensitivity.
- Coordinate care with EMS/LE/Fire, faith communities, and NGOs.
Assessment & Completion (Pass/No‑Pass)
- Attendance: ≥ 90% of scheduled hours
- Participation/Practical: Satisfactory (role‑plays, scenarios)
- Final Exam: 50 questions, score ≥70%
Credential Issued: Basic Chaplain Certificate (religious, non-credit) upon meeting all requirements and submitting co/post‑requisite proofs.
Weekly Schedule (subject to cohort calendar)
- Week 1 — What is a Chaplain? History; About CPE; scope & boundaries
- Week 2 — Services, Duties, Spiritual Assessment; Assisting the Homeless
- Week 3 — Interfaith Ministry; Disaster Spiritual Care; 7 Steps of CISD; Personal Readiness
- Week 4 — Chaplain in Multiple Settings (hospital, shelter, corrections); Self‑Care
- Week 5 — Domestic Violence & Abuse; Helping Abused Women
- Week 6 — Substance Use: Drugs & Alcohol (use/abuse/addiction)
- Week 7 — Grief & Bereavement; Mental Illness; Death Notification
- Week 8 — Elder & Child Abuse; Bullying/Cyber‑bullying; Autism Interaction
- Week 9 — Anger Mgmt.; Suicide Prevention; Conflict Resolution • Final Exam
Key Policies (summary)
- Conduct: Interfaith, non-denominational respect; no coercive proselytizing.
- Confidentiality: Follow scene protocol and documentation standards.
- Make-ups: Instructor discretion within published timelines.
- Refunds/Complaints: See /catalog-policies/ (governing version).
- Accessibility/Non-Discrimination: Reasonable accommodation available upon request.
II. Mental Health First Response Chaplain Certificate (Advanced)
Course Code: USNYS-MHFR
Format/Hours: 16 clock hours
Delivery Options: 4 evenings × 4 hrs (each) or 2 Saturdays × 8 hrs (each)
Instructor: Rev. C. A. Panameño (or designee) • Guest instructors as available
Description
The Mental Health First Response Chaplain (MHFR) course prepares chaplains and volunteers to recognize mental-health warning signs, respond safely, and connect individuals to appropriate help. Building on the Basic Chaplain Certificate, this training integrates trauma-informed care and psychological first aid principles within the chaplain’s scope of practice.
Participants learn the S.A.F.E.R. model — Scan for danger, Ask and listen, Firm up supports, Engage help, Recovery plan, and record — to stabilize people in crisis while maintaining ethical and interagency standards of care.
Eligibility
- Basic Chaplain Certificate (US-NYSCRT or recognized equivalent with proof)
- Recommended: FEMA ICS-200 and IS-700; current CPR certification
Course Materials
- US-NYSCRT Mental Health First Response Manual (provided)
- Handouts, case worksheets, safety plan templates, and de-escalation guides
Learning Outcomes (graduates will be able to…)
- Recognize signs of depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use
- Conduct rapid mental-health triage and identify risk levels (imminent, urgent, routine)
- Use de-escalation and grounding techniques to stabilize individuals in crisis
- Create and document brief Safety Plans with follow-up steps
- Coordinate effectively with 988, EMS, Fire/LE, and mental-health agencies
- Apply cultural and faith sensitivity when providing emotional support
- Practice team care and self-care to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue
Assessment and Completion (Pass/No Pass)
- Attendance: ≥ 90 =% of scheduled hours
- OSCE/Scenarios: Satisfactory performance (scene approach, stabilization, documentation)
- Knowledge Check: 25 items, score ≥ 70 %
- Credential Issued: Mental Health First Response Chaplain Certificate (Advanced); optional rocker/patch and ID update
Session Plan (choose A or B per cohort)
Option A — 4 Evenings
- Session 1 (4 h): Foundations of Mental Health Response; S.A.F.E.R.; Safety and Ethics
- Session 2 (4 h): Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma; Crisis Communication
- Session 3 (4 h): Suicide Prevention; De-escalation; Safety Planning
- Session 4 (4 h): Field Scenarios; Documentation; Responder Wellness
Option B — 2 Saturdays
- Day 1 (8 h): Foundations; Triage; Communication and Stabilization Techniques
- Day 2 (8 h): Crisis Simulation Lab; Documentation; Recovery Planning
📍Delivery and Registration
Format: In-person or hybrid sessions (Uniondale, NY + online option)
Tuition: $225 (includes training manual, handouts, and certificate)
Duration: 1 full day (7.5 hrs.) or 3 evenings (2–2.5 hrs. each)
Next Class: To be announced
Register: https://www.nyscrt.org/apply-enroll/
