Community Services & Development,Health, Medical & Pharmaceutical,Other,Pastoral Ministries
The Opportunity
Are you committed to providing compassionate spiritual care to those in need? Join our team as a Hospital Chaplain at John Hunter Hospital, where you will play a crucial role in supporting patients, their families, and hospital staff.
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is dedicated to a mission of care across hospitals, prisons, seafarers, and universities. As the on-site Catholic Chaplain, you’ll offer spiritual and emotional care, creating opportunities for individuals to express their faith, find comfort, and uncover meaning during times of illness, crisis, and grief.
In this role, you’ll be a vital part of a multidisciplinary team, working alongside healthcare professionals to bring hope, purpose, and peace to those facing health challenges. You’ll provide pastoral care, be available for emergency calls, offer essential rites and rituals, and support hospital staff in their caregiving roles. Your work will uphold the Diocese’s mission to serve those in need with sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to holistic healing.
If you are a compassionate, empathetic individual with a dedication to spiritual care and a desire to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply and join our mission-driven team.
The purpose of this position is to provide Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care services to the patients, their families and staff at the John Hunter Hospital and other health facilities that exist on that site. The Catholic Chaplain will provide spiritual care and emotional support to patients, their families and staff in hospitals and healthcare institutions on behalf of the faith community. This position also plays an important role in enabling people to give expression to their faith; bringing reconciliation between people and with God; supporting those in suffering and crisis; helping struggling people find purpose and meaning, valuing and giving direction, hope and peace by bringing a theological perspective to the hospital’s philosophy and duty of care. As part of a multidisciplinary team, accredited chaplains work collaboratively to bring spiritual care that may contribute to the care and healing of patients. The incumbent commits to working within Work Health and Safety guidelines and Code of Conduct at all times whilst in the employ of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
Desired Skills and Experience
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
Sound knowledge of the Catholic Faith
Professional background in health or other related profession
Organise worship services and the celebration of sacraments
Work in a team and to work ecumenically
Basic understanding of and be conversant with the needs and practices of other faith traditions.
Relate well to patients, their families and staff and to provide them with pastoral care
Assist patients, their families and staff in their personal growth and ability to cope effectively with their situation, particularly in times of grief and loss
Strengthen the sense of community within the hospitals
Honour the ethic of confidentiality
Abide by the “Guidelines” and “Code of Conduct” for the hospital
QUALIFICATIONS
Background in health, theology or equivalent. Units in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) are essential.
Current Class C Driver’s Licence
Successful applicants must provide successful clearances in regard to Working with Children and Criminal background checks
Current Senior First Aid Certificate (Desirable)
Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:
Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
Your qualifications and experience in a similar position.
Applications close: 11:59pm Sunday 5th January 2025
Should a suitable candidate be identified during the advertising process, this position may be filled prior to the identified closing date.
Additional information
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.
All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.
