The Spiritual Life Minister serves as a member of the Residential Treatment Team and is responsible for the delivery of spiritual life programming and services for children in psychiatric residential treatment at AK Child & Family.

These services are:

• Voluntary
• Non-denominational
• Culturally sensitive
• Age appropriate for the children.

• All positions at AK Child & Family may have responsibilities altered during the course of employment due to agency imperatives.

“AK Child & Family practices the Sanctuary Model which is a non-hierarchical, highly participatory, trauma-informed and evidence-supported whole culture approach, which helps the organization function in a safe, democratic and socially responsible manner and thereby provide effective treatment for clients and the community. We expect all of our employees, families and students to learn, understand and implement this model as part of their daily responsibilities and commitment to the culture of this agency.”

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The Spiritual Life Minister has demonstrated ability to work positively with children and adolescents.
• A working knowledge of child development and trauma informed care practices sufficient to understand the presenting issues of the students with whom s/he works and to develop spiritual life programming that is consistent with the treatment program of the students.
• The Spiritual Life Minister possesses a strong ecumenical understanding and orientation, which allows for working with all ethnic groups and is supportive of diverse spiritual and religious viewpoints.
• The Spiritual Life Minister demonstrates a theological orientation that is consistent with the mission and core values of AK Child & Family.

Education and experience:

• The Spiritual Life Minister holds at least a Bachelor’s degree or 4 years equivalent formal training in a human service field including theology, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• The Spiritual Life Minister is a member in good standing with a recognized church, denomination, or local faith community.
• The Spiritual Life Minister has at least two years’ experience working with youth in a community, residential, or clinical pastoral setting.