Pastoral Counselor
Position Category: Staff (Non-Exempt)
FLSA: Non-exempt
FTE: 5-10 hours per week.
Location: Remote
University Background:
The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders
for a global society who are strong in character and judgment,
confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service
and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the
university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and
graduate students who come from across the nation and around the
world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a
federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is
looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working
in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive
learning and work environment that values individual differences
and respects each person's dignity.
Basic Function:
Under the supervision of the Director of Student Affairs and
Enrollment at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) in
Berkeley, CA, the position's primary responsibility will be to
carry out the mission and vision of Pacific Lutheran Theological
Seminary by providing spiritual care to students. The position
performs spiritual assessments, provides spiritual/pastoral support
and makes referrals to meet the needs of the student.
Representative Duties:
- Provide spiritual care for students, through spiritual
direction or pastoral care for 5 - 10 hours per week
Make time to be a regular presence during online worship
services and in-person campus events - Life and Learning Together
Week (orientation), intensive classes (Fall and January), TEEM
Weeks (three times per year), and Commencement
Lead at least one Spiritual Care Group, meeting every other
week via Zoom, for first year students
Communicate with students in virtual platforms throughout the
semester to invite spiritual wellness
Respond to student crises as needed and directed
Be present at student meetings or committee meetings when asked
by students, staff, or faculty
Be able to lead check-in groups after significant events
Meet monthly with the Spiritual Care Team to listen and
check-in with one another, share any common threads that are coming
up in student life on campus, and consider how the Team senses
God's movement on campus
Refer students to additional help- from the PLTS
administration, therapists (including Cal Lutheran counseling
resources), recovery groups, etc. - when needed, and walk with them
through that process
Be available for consultation and input on spiritual formation
practices on campus, including input on spirituality days and
regular spiritual rhythms on campus
Perform other duties as assigned
Knowledge Of:
- Principles and practices of providing pastoral care and
spiritual direction, especially online
- Seminary policies, procedures, mission, and vision
- Departmental operations, procedures, specific rules and
precedents
- Dynamics of student life and issues in a seminary setting
- Excellent customer service protocol
- Principles of group facilitation and coordination
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
- Microsoft Office software, Google Suite, and Zoom
Ability To:
- Provide spiritual care/direction in an online format.
- Provide care that is trauma-informed and sensitive to diverse
life experiences.
- Determine appropriate action within defined guidelines.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to
effective team work.
- Integrate therapeutic framework into Christian theology.
- Provide spiritual assistance and guidance to others.
- Cope with conflicting perspectives.
- Interact effectively with individuals of different
backgrounds.
- Serve and care for others.
Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination equivalent to: Master's degree in Divinity and six
months of experience providing pastoral care in a parish, Christian
college, practical ministry, seminary, or other related
experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Certified in Spiritual Direction
Experience in providing pastoral care or spiritual direction in
higher education
Licenses and Other Requirements:
None
Physical Abilities:
Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; operate a
computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a
calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; communicate to
exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by
email; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or
transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve
files
Working Environment:
Primarily online with periodic in-person in Berkeley.
Hiring Range $35-$40
Posting Number: Staff005552022
Open Date: 08/10/2026
Close Date: 08/24/2026
Application Procedure/Special Instructions
To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/13533
California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal
opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race,
religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical
disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status,
sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender
identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable
law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied
the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program,
activity or facility of the University on the basis of these
factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state
laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University's
policies, procedures, and processes.
Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process
can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please
contact the Human Resources Department for further information or
to request an accommodation.
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