Diversity Inclusion Mental Health

Michael A. Chambers, MDIV., D.MIN., CPM®, BCC-PTSD

Cell Phone: 443-***-**** Email: ************@*****.*** United States Citizen U.S. Army Veteran, 10-Point Preference PROFILE: Results-driven leader with in-depth experience providing clinical mental health services to Veterans and their families in a healthcare environment. Multifunctional senior advisor with over 30 years of leadership and management experience in the public and private sectors. Demonstrated experience with strategic planning and policies; project management, data research and analysis, logistics management, and organizational maintenance. Able to assess needs, processes, and performance, and implement improvements. Strong communication skills with an ability to deal with a diverse audience on a variety of complicated issues. Possesses real- world leadership skills and a solid foundation of logistics knowledge.

■ Senior Pastoral Care and Leadership ■ Administrative and Operational Oversight

■ Chaplaincy Services Program Development and Management

■ Policy Development and Decisionmaking ■ Spiritual and Mental Health Counseling

■ Human Resources Management ■ Teaching/Mentoring ■ Conflict Management VANDERBILT COHORT SELECTION 2021

Selected to participate in the Mental Health Integration for Chaplain Services (MHICS) cohort beginning Fall 2021 (National Program through the VA)

Invited to apply for the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Integrative Chaplaincy through Vanderbilt Divinity School.

“We received many more MHICS applications than there are slots available from chaplains across VA, making for very difficult acceptance decisions. Participants represent a range of geographic locations, supervisory responsibilities, and clinical activities and share a vision for integrative care.”

(Keith Meador, MD, ThM, MPH, Director, VA Mental Health and Chaplaincy) EDUCATION

Doctor of Ministry, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH ATS Accredited Master of Divinity, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, LA ATS Accredited Bachelor of Business Administration, Faulkner University, Montgomery AL Clinical Pastoral Education:

2 Units (800 hours), VA Medical Center, Perry Point, MD, 2015-2016. (600 clinical)

1 unit (400 hours), Healthcare Chaplaincy Network ™, ACPE- Accredited Clinical Pastoral Education, New York, NY 10006, 2017. (300 clinical hours worked)

1 unit (400 hours), Transitioning Pathways, LLC, Fleming Island, FL 32006, 2017.

(300 clinical)

CERTIFICATIONS

VISN 8 Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training-2021-2022

Certified Public Manager, Sixteen-Month Nationally Accredited Management Program, University of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.

Certification, Leadership Development, Coaching & Speaking John Maxwell Group, Orlando, FL

Board Certified Chaplain- Special Competency in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-PTSD National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains.

Board Certified Chaplain-Board of Chaplaincy Certification, Inc. an affiliate of APC

Board Certified Chaplain- National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains.

Certificate of Community Building Strategies, University of Baltimore, Baltimore Maryland. Michael A. Chambers, D.MIN., CPM®,BCC ■ 1-443-***-**** ■ ************@*****.*** 2

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Acting Health System Specialist May 2022-Present

Orlando VA Medical Center 40 hours/week

13800 Veterans Way, Orlando FL 32827 GS 13/ Step 1 Serves in an executive staff support role for the Associate Director for Operations, Office of the Director, which includes the facility Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Direct Reports to the Associate Director include the HAS, Pharmacy, Fiscal, FMS, Safety, Privacy, and Human Resources.

Provides staff support to the Medical Center Director, developing strategic plans, coordinating committee assignments, developing background information, and monitoring progress of group assignments.

Serves as resource person, responsible for providing administrative leadership and coordination in the development, implementation, evaluation, interpretation, revision, and when necessary, corrective action of administrative functions, activities, operations and programs for the Associate Director .

Works collaboratively with administrative and clinical service staff throughout the organization to plan and promote efficiency and effectiveness in assuring access to care for Veterans throughout the Orlando VA Health Care System.

Senior Staff Chaplain November 2018 - Present

Orlando VA Medical Center 40 hours/week

13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827 GS-0060-12/ Step 5 Provide pastoral care through individual counseling and group sessions for Veterans, their families, and healthcare staff. Lead an interdisciplinary approach to pastoral/spiritual care in all critical healthcare programs of the Center. Contribute to the wider community through publications, teaching, mentoring, BUSINESS ACUMEN: Expert knowledge of business practices and trends sufficient to identify and create opportunities for long-term partnerships and value-added initiatives to consistently grow and improve the Veterans’ support services of the agency. Provide management direction and technical assistance to staff and internal/external customers. Develop outreach strategies for presentation to a diverse audience building support based on shared interests and needs. Work to eliminate potential barriers to success due to misinterpretation and ambiguous language included in Federal, State, and local policies and procedures. TECHNICAL DIRECTION AND LEADERSHIP: Principal advisor to the Chief of Chaplain Service empowered to set policy, objectives, and overall chaplaincy services direction of the organization. Act in the absence of the Chief with full decision-making authority ( 11/29- 12/04/20 and 04/19/22-04/27/22). Draw on knowledge of the structure, regulations, practices, and programs of healthcare delivery systems to deliver professional pastoral care of the highest quality and to ensure staff compliance with the standards of cognate groups such as the Association of Professional Chaplains and the Joint Commission. Possess broad and diverse background in all administrative elements of the organization (budget, finance, resource Michael A. Chambers, D.MIN., CPM®,BCC ■ 1-443-***-**** ■ ************@*****.*** 3

management, and strategic planning to prioritize objectives for continuous growth to support veteran patients and their families.

Significant Accomplishments (In the Role of Acting Chief ):

Coordinated Chaplain Service for Mass Casualty Exercise-Collaborated with mental health, nursing staff and emergency management. Presented an after-action report detailing the strengths, weakness,opportunities and threats.

Developed and provided documentation to support COVID-19 support positions for 2021. Briefed Associate Director on increased staffing and resource requirements to address the critical pastoral, spiritual, and mental health needs of COVID-19 patients and their families, families who lost loved ones to the virus, and the planning of memorials for victims of the pandemic

Provided support to the Associate Director on new compliance requirements for the Chaplain Staff in response to COVID-19. Developed and delivered new and innovative communications platforms to provide spiritual care to stay connected to those served by the Medical Center (VA Video Connect, virtual meetings, services, and staff interactions). Remained current on pandemic scenario circumstances and protocols to keep patients, their families, and staff safe (visiting policies, State and local protocols for social distancing, prevention) and communicated these changes to the Associate Director in real time. Result: Set the standard and continue train interdisciplinary staff members on COVID-19 spiritual care guidelines as change evolves. ADMINISTRATIVE, TECHNICAL, AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT: Use comprehensive working knowledge of Federal and local VA administrative processes to effectively oversee support operations of various chaplaincy clinical practices, policies, and operating procedures including VHA Directive 1111 and the updated responsibilities of Chief Chaplains in the VA medical facilities. Comply with the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains (NAVAC) annual training requirements to maintain certification. Monitor and advise pastoral team of staff Chaplains to ensure accreditation requirements of NAVAC and the Board of Chaplaincy Certification, Inc. for board certified chaplains are met and maintained. QUALITY ASSURANCE: Apply organizational and analytical skills in leading the day-to-day activities of operational staff and interdisciplinary teams while staying abreast of changes to service requirements and changes in business operations of the Medical Center. Challenge effectiveness of established procedures if a negative impact affects Veteran program/project objectives and outcomes. For instance, develop management resource management strategies for coordinating and integrating the proper roles and mix of staff supporting religious expression, spiritual and mental health care, and other clinical programs of the Medical Center. Analyze impact of manpower augmentations or reductions to recommend courses of action to maximize resources to ensure no adverse outcome to services provided to veterans and their families. RISK MANAGEMENT: Work collaboratively with major stakeholders and organizational leaders to identify potential risks/threats to Veteran health care programs; jointly develop plans to adjust program requirements/controls to avoid or reduce risks via increased funding, schedule revisions, or revised performance goals. Implement quality control action plans to minimize impact of potential risks/threats. Develop and disseminate internal policies and procedures to tighten oversight and monitoring of mission-critical mental health program Michael A. Chambers, D.MIN., CPM®,BCC ■ 1-443-***-**** ■ ************@*****.*** 4

management initiatives.

Process improvement. Regularly collect feedback (from both internal and external groups) on assigned clinical healthcare program activities and use data to improve business and management processes, e.g., performance reports, assessment questionnaires to identify knowledge gaps, observed feedback on barriers to effective job performance, and historical performance data. Document best practices and leverage technology to maximize efficiencies and program resources. Accountable for the overall outcome of assigned programs/projects supporting the goals and objectives of the organization.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Gained in-depth knowledge of clinical health care practices/trends and regulatory guidance through hands-on experience in multiple clinical settings (Intensive/Critical Care Unit, Mental Health Services, Primary Care, and Rehabilitation/Long Term Care Units/Community Living Centers. Lead and oversee various stages of VA chaplain and mental health services program life cycles to implement and execute mission-critical initiatives in support of the facility, Veterans Integrated Service Network, and VHA goals. Successfully integrate specialized psychological and sociological theory with an advanced approach to spiritual and mental healthcare programs and initiatives to provide critical guidance and leadership to assigned team members. Perform cost benefit analyses; develop detailed, structured plans to initiate selected projects; define program objectives and align with organizational goals and objectives. Perform program management processes including critical path analysis, risk analysis, and goal achievement. Contribute to investigative project studies to evaluate overall services and benefits to veteran patients and their families and compile data for management review.

Significant Accomplishments/Assignments:

Lead and manage the expansion of Chaplain Services in the Daytona Beach Outpatient Clinic, Deltona Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (October 2020-Present). Perform dual pastoral roles visiting both hospital patients and those in community-based occupational clinics to offer pastoral care and emotional/mental health support and counseling. Focused on first of its kind program to bridge the two resources to ensure patient-centered care for Veterans and their families in both a hospital and community-based outpatient clinics to address critical pastoral counseling and guidance. o Created an integrated care team of qualified health care professionals and staff to ensure continuous and reliable care at both locations.

o Conduct clinical education programs. Provide pastoral training, mentoring, and guidance, as recognized subject matter expert, on administrative and operational clinical standards, procedures, and processes. Efforts are ongoing to integrate best research with clinical expertise and patient values for optimum parallel care in both environments. o Monitor and measure quality of care through close review of organizational structures, processes, and outcomes relevant to patient and community needs. Result: Provide reliable, consistent critical pastoral and counseling resources to Veterans and their families in community-based clinics in real-time and in person (eliminating the need for them to travel a significant distance to receive the same standard of care at the hospital center).

Michael A. Chambers, D.MIN., CPM®,BCC ■ 1-443-***-**** ■ ************@*****.*** 5

Grant Per-Diem. Lead and direct the effort to provide assistance to Veterans looking for housing. This is an extension of the Daytona Outreach Clinic. Currently addressing the critical needs of 20 homes Veterans and their families.

Community Outreach and Clinical Training. Partnered with healthcare professional and Suicide Prevention Care Teams to develop training material. Event planned for April 15, 2021 to educate clergy on community-based services and services available through the VA. Intended Result: Provide local clergy with the tools and information necessary to establish Veteran outreach programs to provide critical pastoral/spiritual and mental health support to Veterans and their families in their communities. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Build strategic partnerships and collaborative relations with leaders, peers, internal and external customers, and veteran patients and their families to effectively introduce change initiatives in the work environment. Strategically focus on building support for proposed policies, practices, and service changes through open lines of communications at all levels. Create cross-functional communication tactics to drive chaplaincy services and program initiatives forward and resolve differences of opinion in a professional and tactful manner. Significant Accomplishments:

Conduct daily wellness checks and morning meditations for VA staff within the Intensive Care and Surgical Units ((March 2020-Present). Provided Spiritual Resilience Care Plan for the Nursing Managers in the Intensive Carr and Surgical Units. Result: Positive feedback from staff that pastoral care during morning huddles is a source of hope and a method of coping in the precarious season of the pandemic.

Share Spiritual Knowledge with VA Health Care Personnel at all levels. Participate in educating health care staff and trainees about the role of chaplains and the importance of religion and spirituality to many patients in their health and wellness. Engage in a pluralistic team approach to maintain an open approach to the diverse thoughts, ideas, and opinions of the staff. Result: Improved skills essential to patient and family care to included situation assessment, responsive to myriad situations, documentation, and recognizing and communicating issues of spiritual distress to members of the team. PROVIDE SPIRITUAL AND PASTORAL CARE for Mental Health, Hospice and Palliative Care Units. Perform sacraments, rituals, ordinances, and worship services to meet the needs of patients of all faith groups. Provide clinical intervention and patient response through care and advice on a range of difficult and complex issues in accordance with principles and practices of clinical and moral ethics. Provide culturally competent care to individuals of varying races, cultures, religions, nationalities, and ages.

Lead and participate in mental health triage of patients at point of entry to the Center and when working in local community mental health facilities. Assess and document the urgency of emotional and mental health related problems in collaboration with others involved (treatment teams, policy, emergency services personnel, and family). Rely in part on service delivery models to ensure the response to emergency situations best meets the needs of the patients. Result: Accurate risk assessment to determine severity of mental state and immediate needs. Michael A. Chambers, D.MIN., CPM®,BCC ■ 1-443-***-**** ■ ************@*****.*** 6

RECOGNIZED SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT for the Interdisciplinary Team of Mental Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care. Consultant for the Suicide Prevention Care team. Support all aspects of pastoral care including individual and group counseling, worship leadership, and patient/family education. Assure patients have the opportunity for free exercise of religion. Continually strive to prevent proselytizing from any source. Significant Accomplishments/Assignments:

Participating Member of Diversity Inclusion Committee. Committee members include senior representatives of the VA, special emphasis managers, EEO managers, and a Veteran Experience Officer. Group focused on increasing outreach and services to underserved minority population in the community and surrounding areas. Efforts are ongoing as needs evolve. Result: Better understanding of VA program services availability for staff and the population served.

VA-wide Public Service Announcement to support the “Hesitation to Vaccination Campaign”. I was asked to share my story about my vaccination experience. Interview led by a Senior Health Specialist from the VA to encourage more underserved and skeptical members of society to get the vaccine in an effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. PSA is scheduled for nationwide broadcast. REGULATORY POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND CLINICAL PRACTICE STANDARDS: Led the effort to revise VA regulatory policy relevant to Veterans’ memorial services due to limited resources available to perform duties in current timeframes of up to 3 hours for each service. Result: Reduced timeframe by 50 percent without compromising the respect, compassion, and caring due Veterans and their grieving families. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: Exercise daily communication with leaders, peers, Medical Center staff, and others involved with critical VA chaplaincy services and programs to provide for patients’ spiritual and mental health needs. Develop stakeholder relationships with all levels of staff internally and in the external communities served to meet overarching goals including community organizations, veterans’ organizations, patients and their families. Use exceptional communication skills for conflict management and resolution of administrative and operational issues during the conduct of daily operations. Provide guidance and advice on various health information and issues to individuals, groups, patients, and treatment teams.

Communicate with individuals in diverse and underserved communities in the area. Cultural norms are kept in context to execute proper case actions. Prepare reports, briefing papers, and detailed file documentation to support proposed care plans for individuals with emotional and mental health conditions. Apply and interpret relevant laws, regulatory guidance, and agency policy to support recommendations. Facilitate case resolution actions between Veterans, their families, and the organizations that service them. Collaborate with local community organizations to assist with effective multi-stakeholder coordination efforts to ensure the highest quality service and care. TECHNOLOGY: Possess an expert mix of business and technology acumen along with the ability to bridge the two areas when leading/managing teams engaged in the use of technology. Michael A. Chambers, D.MIN., CPM®,BCC ■ 1-443-***-**** ■ ************@*****.*** 7

Utilized all available technology to successfully respond to a variety of communication issues to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Significant Accomplishments:

Face Time for Families and Veterans COVID-19 and End of Life. Offered opportunities for veterans and families to maintain communication while hospitalized with COVID-19 and End of Life moments. Result: The initiative afforded a reduction of emotional stress and intense worry for veterans and their families.

Utilized Orlando VA VVC via IPad for Patient Family Virtual Communication

(Inpatient units/ED) for actively dying and bereavement counseling for families.

Facebook and YouTube: Develop and present weekly sermons and teaching from the Bible Digitally-Online for an average viewership of 300 veterans and non-Veterans.

Digital Newsletter: Provide inspirational messages through an electronic newsletter for the staff and veterans that receive care at the Orlando VA Medical Center.

Text Messaging: Create morning inspirational messages and offer counseling through texting for Military Activated VA Nursing Staff Members on Navy Hospital Ship- Mercy for Corona virus Response.

Prayer Conference Call Line. Created a prayer line for individuals Sunday through Friday. Persons can submit their prayer requests via an app from 6-6:30am. Callers receive encouragement from the Sacred Text, Sharing of Experiences, and Prayer over submitted requests. Result: Ongoing pastoral care for veterans and non-veterans challenged by COVID-19, Hospice and Palliative, End of life, Family Systems, Mental Health and Meaning Complexities.

Moral Injury Group VANTS Line. Facilitate Moral Injury groups for veterans residing at the Domiciliary of the Orlando VA Medical Center. Result: Conference calls provide a coping method for moral injury and an opportunity to discuss ways to prevent it from controlling everyday life. Calls are approximately 45 minutes with an average of 10 veterans per Moral Injury group.

Chaplain (Fee-Basis) June 2017 – November 2018*

Orlando VA Medical Center 30 hours/week

13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL (2,340 clinical hours worked)

*Worked as contractor during this period prior to selection to fill a permanent GS-12 position with the VA Medical Center (clinical hours equate over 13 months of service). Performed the duties of a VA GS-12 Staff Chaplain. Provided comprehensive spiritual and pastoral care and religious guidance for veteran patients, family members, and significant others at the Orlando VA Medical Center. Supported all aspects of pastoral care including individual and group counseling, worship leadership, and patient/family education. Assured patients had the opportunity for free exercise of religion. Continually strove to prevent proselytizing from any source.

PERFORMED SACRAMENTS, RITUALS, ORDINANCES, AND WORSHIP SERVICE to meet the needs of patients of all faith groups. Provided care and advice on a range of difficult and complex issues in accordance with principles and practices of clinical and moral ethics. Michael A. Chambers, D.MIN., CPM®,BCC ■ 1-443-***-**** ■ ************@*****.*** 8

Provided culturally competent care to individuals of varying races, cultures, religions, nationalities, and ages.

SHARED SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE WITH VA HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL at all levels. Participated in educating health care staff and trainees about the role of chaplains and the importance of religion and spirituality to many patients in their health and wellness. Engaged in a pluralistic team approach to all assignments.

COMMUNICATED REGULARLY WITH OTHER CHAPLAINS, STAFF, AND PERSONS from the community to provide for patients’ religious needs. Communicated health care information to individuals, groups, patients, treatment teams. Developed and maintained liaisons with a variety of outside organizations. Provided information and assistance to internal and external stakeholders including patients, families, staff members, community organizations, and veterans organizations.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE: Drew on knowledge of the structure, regulations, practices, and programs of healthcare delivery systems to deliver professional pastoral care of the highest quality and to ensure compliance with the standards of cognate groups such as the Association of Professional Chaplains and the Joint Commission. CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Planned and organized work, set goals, measured and documented outcomes. Prepared supporting documentation and recommended methods to improve care to senior level officials. Participated on and led workgroups, committees, and teams. Documented care in electronic medical records (EMR) systems. Significant Accomplishments:

Supported special events ceremonies, including presentation of the Invocation and Benediction at the annual POW-MIA Recognition Ceremony (9/2017).

Received note of thanks from Orlando VA Medical Center’s Bereavement Coordinator (7/2017). She stated, “Chaplain Chambers, thank you for the exceptional teamwork today regarding the loss of our Veteran on 3 East…we look forward to our continued work together. Welcome!”

Continued to pursue professional development to acquire and expand pertinent knowledge and skills in pastoral counseling, behavior health, and other areas. Completed multiple continuing education classes in spiritual care in 2017, including Clinical Pastoral Education specific to the VA Administration.

SENIOR PASTOR May 2016 – March 2022

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 40+ hours per week 539 George W. Engram Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Serve in dual senior leadership positions within the church. Provide vision, spiritual leadership, and direction for Florida-based Baptist church with 600 members. Nurture the spiritual well-being of church members, including service members, veterans, and their families and those subscribing to no specific faith.

Michael A. Chambers, D.MIN., CPM®,BCC ■ 1-443-***-**** ■ ************@*****.*** 9

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP: Provide executive oversight and direct supervision to 50 volunteers and 10 paid administrative and ministry staff. Ensure the compassionate delivery of ministry services and support to the congregation and the community. Strive to strengthen church commitments to outreach through mature leadership, loving church relationships, spiritual vitality, and a familiarity with the needs of the community served.

Coronavirus Response Outreach. Organized a program to provide weekly meals for the staff assigned to the ICU of the Halifax Hospital, Daytona Beach, FL.

Lead volunteer effort to provide meals to the homeless population of Daytona Beach and vicinity severely affected by the pandemic.

OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT: Served dual role as Senior Pastor of Greater Friendship Baptist Church and Chief Executive Officer of the Friendship Academy, a separate 501c3, of the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Oversee support and education for over 100 children from 6 weeks of age to Kindergarten. Lead and supervise staff of 17 individuals. Currently working through the accreditation process to ensure compliance with National Baptist Chaplaincy Convention requirements.

Prepared and recommend yearly budget for Board approval and then manage organization's resources within those budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations

Managed the human resources of the organization according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws and regulations

Assured the organization and its mission, programs, and services are consistently presented in strong, positive image to the community served.

Oversee fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals and administrating fundraising records and documentation. MINISTRY PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Adapt priorities and projects to address demographic change of congregation and community while affirming core church mission. Assess ministry effectiveness in achieving goals to establish ongoing accountability. Oversee and direct efficient use of limited resources; cultivate relationships between volunteers, staff, and community members receiving services. Encourage feedback from congregation and community to measure effectiveness of ministry programs and services. Incorporate changes where improvement is required. Work to maintain a fresh vision and provide assistance to church leaders, staff, and volunteers through opportunities for spiritual reflection and retreat. Cultivate relationships with current and potential church leaders to further the goals and mission of the ministry.

Significant Accomplishments:

Created a spiritual leadership development framework for church lay people. Utilize 1-on-1 training methods, offsite retreats, workshops, and diverse background and experience to assist volunteers and staff in leading church ministries to align with established goals and initiatives.

Michael A. Chambers, D.MIN., CPM®,BCC ■ 1-443-***-**** ■ ************@*****.*** 10

National Baptist Program on Mental Health. Lead collaboratively with another community pastor to develop and implement national program on a local level.

Lead Monthly Ministry in Training Sessions for Lay People. Development and present training to church leaders and others to assist them in supporting congregational values and initiatives. Result: Provides attendees a sense of purpose and allows for meaningful participation in

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