This page outlines the vacancy and the key skills and responsibilities for the role.
St John's Care (SJC) Community ChaplainCanberra, Australia
Reference: 6690572
An exciting new opportunity exists for a suitably qualified person to serve as a Community Chaplain within a respected parish-based local charity.
About St John's Care The Anglican Parish of St John the Baptist (Canberra) is a thriving and historic Christian church in the heart of Canberra. For thirty-four years, one of our key ministries has been St John's Care (SJC), a medium-sized, registered charity comprising a mixture of paid staff and volunteers.
SJC provides benevolent relief to individuals experiencing poverty, suffering, and distress, with the aim of breaking the cycle of disadvantage, isolation, and economic hardship. Some of our programs include emergency relief, case management and community meals. See www.stjohnscare.org.au.
The Role The creation of the new role of SJC Community Chaplain reflects our commitment to truly holistic care, addressing a wide range of human needs including physical, economic, relational and spiritual.
The chaplain's role will be diverse and wide-ranging. Under the direction of SJC's Executive Officer, their primary task will be to support clients seeking pastoral care or grappling with spiritual anxieties or questions, ensuring they receive appropriate Christian ministry or referral. They will also play a key role in building on SJC's welcoming and hospitable culture, ensuring clients feel loved and supported from the moment they arrive at SJC.
The chaplain will be expected to work collaboratively and as an integrated member of a team of other staff and volunteers, providing case management, emergency relief and other services as needed.
Qualifications and experience Qualifications may include Diploma(s) or above in Theology, Pastoral Care, Chaplaincy, and/or Allied Health disciplines. Other training in aspects relevant to human services delivery (e.g. case management in mental health, domestic violence, financial counselling, addiction issues) is desirable.Experience may include voluntary or paid chaplaincy or pastoral care roles (lay or ordained) in settings such as mental health care, hospitals, gaols, defence organisations or other community or allied health settings. Experience in applying trauma-informed care, especially in relation to domestic violence, is desirable.Applicants must have a Working with Vulnerable People clearance through the Office of Regulatory Services (ACT), and Safe Ministry clearance, prior to confirmation of employment.Selection CriteriaSpiritual and Theological Formation: Credible account of how their theology, spirituality, and Christian beliefs and practice relate to the range of human experience they will encounter at SJC, and how these beliefs and practices align with St John's Anglican Christian ethos.Pastoral Care Skills: Proven ability to engage with vulnerable populations empathetically, using active listening and other tools of pastoral care, while maintaining professional boundaries.The ability to work collaboratively: The ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team including volunteers, case workers and support staff, to achieve holistic care outcomes.Cultural Competency: Ability to work sensitively and inclusively with individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, respecting different faith traditions and non-religious perspectives.Case Management Skills: The ability to assess and understand a client's physical, economic, relational and spiritual needs, establish meaningful goals, and guide them in formulating a tailored action plan.Working Knowledge of Community Resources: Awareness of available local community resources (government, religious, etc) in order to make effective referrals for additional support would be an advantage.Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing needs and demands in a dynamic environment, and demonstrate proactivity in identifying emerging needs.Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with clients, staff, volunteers, and the wider community.Other information and contact details The role is full-time; however, part-time arrangements could be considered for the right candidate. Other information, including pay and supervisory arrangements, can be found in the full position description, available here.
To learn more about this role, please contact Mr Jason Haines, Executive Officer SJC (0466 231 960, ******).
(To discuss the wider parish and ministry context, including the relationship between the parish and SJC, contact Rev'd David McLennan, Rector of St John's on 0468 634 351, ******).
Expressions of interest addressing the selection criteria, including the contact details of two referees, should be submitted to ****** by COB Friday 13 December 2024.
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