Caring Listener Role Description

Purpose of the Position:

Caring Listeners are part of the Caring Network at Foothills Unitarian Church.

In collaboration with the Minister for Community Care, Caring Listeners

offer emotional support and spiritual companionship to members and friends of Foothills experiencing hardship or transition in their lives.
connect individuals and families with other modes of caring within the Foothills Caring Network (e.g. meal delivery, Caring Kits).

Responsibilities:

Listen compassionately to those who need a caring presence.
Check in with people (usually via phone or email) to see how they are doing and if they need support.
Document connections made and needs outstanding.
Attend monthly reflection meetings and initial training.
Be available to ministers via email and phone; read/listen and respond to messages within 24 hours (excepting vacations and other unusual, occasional circumstances).
Refer care recipients to minister(s) and/or professional crisis assistance as necessary and appropriate.
Participate in annual Caring Check-In each winter: placing calls to church members whom we haven’t see in a while to see how they are doing and find out how we might offer support

Qualifications:

Caring Listeners will have good boundaries and open, compassionate spirits.
They will be able and willing to communicate, including reaching out to those they don’t yet know.
Caring Listeners are expected to maintain confidentiality.
They will be reliable with excellent follow-through.
Caring Listeners will have been significantly involved at Foothills for at least 6 months and will be a member of Foothills Unitarian Church. If an applicant is not yet a member, they have a plan in place to partner with Foothills as a member.
In accordance with our Safe Congregations standards, we perform confidential basic background checks on Caring Listeners.

Amount of Time Required:

Caring Listeners typically devote about ten hours a month to this role.

Length of Commitment:

Two years, with the possibility of additional one-year renewal. Training will take place in August.

Training and Support Provided by:

Rev. Elaine Aron-Tenbrink, Minister of Community Care

Chaplain Carla Vogel during Elaine’s sabbatical April 1 - July 31, 2026

Responsible to:

Rev. Elaine, with Rev. Sean or Rev. Gretchen made available in her absence.