Chaplain

Chaplain – Hunter Hub 1
Full-time Placement – Newcastle NSW

Uniting is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Pastoral Care Coordinator to provide spiritual and emotional support to residents, families, and staff across four Uniting residential aged care centres in the Hunter region. This role is integral in fostering a sense of belonging, comfort, and well-being within our communities.

With a combined maximum of 324 residents, you will offer direct pastoral and spiritual care across Uniting Narla Court (Belmont North), Uniting Koombahla (Elermore Vale), Uniting Garden Suburb, and Uniting Salamander Bay. Your presence will ensure that residents, their loved ones, and staff feel supported in times of need.

Additionally, you will oversee and coordinate the Hunter 1 Pastoral Care Team that provide care within these centres. This leadership component involves supporting, mentoring, and ensuring the effective delivery of pastoral care services across the region.

What We’re Looking For

We are calling a pastoral, prophetic, and organised leader with a background in chaplaincy and/or training in Clinical Pastoral Education. The ideal candidate will:

• Provide Chaplaincy support and pastoral care while leading a team across multiple sites.
• Value teamwork and accountability to colleagues and those they serve.
• Work effectively within an organisational structure while bringing a gospel perspective.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Demonstrate sound computer and administration skills.
• Support individuals across diverse backgrounds, including LGBTI+, cultural, theological, ecumenical, and interfaith communities.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• A Diploma or Degree in Theology, Ministry, or a related discipline.
• Ordination as a Deacon or Minister of the Word in the Uniting Church; or an ordained minister from another denomination willing to enter the Admission of Ministers process (placement limited to three years unless recognition with the Uniting Church begins within the first year); or a suitably qualified lay person eligible for Ministry of Pastor.
• At least two completed units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent.
• Successful Criminal History Records Check, Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT), Working with Children Check, and NDIS worker certificate
• Australian work rights (citizenship or visa).

Experience:

• At least two years in ministry, chaplaincy, or related community work.
• Ability to identify, document, and report changing care needs and preferences.
• Strong knowledge of the Uniting Church’s structure, systems, and theological principles.
• Understanding of spiritual and pastoral care issues affecting people in correctional settings.
• Empathy and affinity with vulnerable individuals.
• Experience engaging with a broad range of stakeholders across sectors.
• Theological leadership and ability to promote Uniting’s mission.

Even Better If You Have:

• Established relationships with congregations and community service groups.
• Experience in liturgical studies and adapting worship to diverse audiences.

What We Offer

Uniting supports professional development through training opportunities and provides day-to-day support from HR, IT, Finance, and other operational teams.

If you are a compassionate and committed leader called to provide spiritual and pastoral care within a correctional setting, we encourage you to apply.

Apply now and be part of a mission-driven organisation making a meaningful difference.

For all enquiries relating to the role please contact Pastor Jennifer Johnston (Chaplaincy Lead) via email at jjohnston@uniting.org

For all recruitment enquiries, please contact Fabio Ioviero at fioviero@uniting.org

Uniting contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

We provide support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on those experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability.

We acknowledge the Sovereignty of First Nations people over the lands of Australia and are committed to meaningful change so that First Nations people are strong, thriving and self-determining.

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation, committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people. We are proud of the diversity of our people and always welcome everyone, exactly as they are.