Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions about the TFR Chaplaincy Program
How will T F R Chaplaincy Program be introduced to my employees?
Before the T F R Chaplain starts work with a client, an orientation meeting is held to explain the ground rules, including Chaplain confidentiality. This meeting is similar in tone and function to other benefits orientation meetings, with a time for questions and answers. At the end of the orientation employees receive a business card with the Chaplain’s contact information along with a description of services provided.
How will the T F R Chaplain care for my employees?
Every week the Chaplain will make a brief personal contact with every employee in your company. While providing an uplifting moment of encouragement, the Chaplain will build care relationships with the employees. The employee can call his Chaplain any time to help with personal crisis management for themselves and their family members. The result is that the 70% of employees who have no crisis support network in place will experience caring support as an extension of the company.
How does the Chaplain deal with employees who may not want a chaplain?
At the orientation the employees learn that they, not the Chaplain, make all decisions about interaction. Any kind of interaction with the Chaplain is strictly voluntary. The Chaplain will never “force” himself on any employee. Normally, all employees eventually come to enjoy a good relationship with the Chaplain simply because the Chaplain is there for no other reason than to care, and build a friendship with them.
Won’t the Chaplain in the work place interfere with employees getting their job done?
The amount of time the Chaplain spends at a given work site varies based on the number of employees he is trying to see at that location and the physical layout of the facility. The regular Chaplain visit to the work place is designed to be very brief and to not interrupt employee job performance. Typical chaplain/employee conversations are only a couple of minutes. If the employee would like more time to talk to or seek help from the Chaplain, other arrangements outside the workplace (such as a phone visit, a meeting at break time or lunch time, a meeting at a neutral site or employee’s home) are made. Only in times of severe crisis, and only with supervisor approval, would a Chaplain spend a prolonged period of time with an employee during their work time. Frequently, during a less–than–five–minute conversation, a Chaplain can offer help, hope and encouragement to a struggling employee. Of utmost importance is the fact that there is always a Chaplain available to help an employee or family member regardless of time, place or nature of need.
What types of activities is the T F R Chaplain typically involved in?
The Chaplain is an ordained minister and is certified to enter jail facilities, hospitals, and emergency rooms. Chaplains will assist your employees in hospital care, family and marriage care, substance abuse, stress management, and interpersonal conflicts. Your Chaplain can assist and help plan and perform wedding ceremonies and funeral services.
Is there anything the T F R Chaplain will NOT do?
T F R Chaplains will not: Interfere with the employee work process. Force a conversation or a relationship with an employee. Report to management regarding employee work habits. Break confidentiality of discussions with employees. Promote a particular religious group or church. Preach or proselytize.
Are T F R Chaplains Affiliated with any Denomination?
T F R Chaplaincy Services is a non-denominational organization, and therefore works well with every denomination and religious belief. No one denomination will be promoted over another. Each person’s religious beliefs will be respected.
How will the T F R Chaplain interact with my management team?
Your managers will find the Chaplain to be an effective management tool. Dealing with employees’ personal life issues can consume a skilled manager’s time, and he may not feel he is adequately trained to provide advice in most cases. The Chaplain is a valuable, well-trained resource that your managers can call in to help employees deal with delicate personal situations that employees bring to work from home.
How is the T F R Chaplaincy Program funded?
A flat fee per employee means that monthly invoicing is predictable. There are no additional fees to the employer based on number of crisis interventions, counseling, or hours of service outside the workplace.
What are the legal risks of bringing a faith-based program into the workplace?
The T F R Chaplain will operate under the parameters of the “White House Guidelines for Religion in the Federal Workplace,” Click here to see the full article.
It is interesting to note that during more than 60 years of workplace chaplaincy history, no company offering a Chaplain Assistance Program, nor any chaplain agency, has been the target of litigation concerning chaplain care.
To contact the Chaplain for information about providing services for your company please fill out the following form:
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