School Chaplain

Job Description
Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School has over 2900 students from K-12 at campuses in Moonee Ponds, Essendon and Keilor East. We have outstanding staff, facilities and programmes to enhance student well-being and learning and develop courageous, creative, curious, ethical, persistent, reflective and strategic thinkers. PEGS promotes the safety, well-being and participation of all students, including supporting children from culturally diverse backgrounds and those with individual needs.
The School provides a diamond education, with a co-educational Kindergarten programme, single-sex education at the Junior Schools and Middle Schools from Years 7 to 10 and co-education at the Larkin Centre (Years 11 to 12).
The School is associated with the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania within the Uniting Church in Australia. Religious Education classes are compulsory for students up to Year Nine, designed to foster the ideas of social development and awareness within a Christian framework and student wellbeing and care is an important facet of the programme.
The Role
We are seeking an engaging and forward-thinking School Chaplain to provide spiritual leadership and support for the school. The role is full time ongoing and may include teaching Religious Education classes to Middle School boys and/or girls from Years 7 to 9. The ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting the emotional, spiritual, and well-being of students in a way that fosters creativity, inclusivity, and personal growth.
As a member of the School's Chaplin team, you will lead the school's Religious Education programme and oversee all religious activities within the school including the Commencement, Easter, Mid-year, Valedictory and Christmas Church Services.
The School Chaplain will create a secure and confidential space, and implement innovative pastoral support and techniques to enhance well-being. You will assist in leading church services, attend school assemblies and develop and implement creative programs that encourage self-expression, mindfulness, and personal development. Collaborating and supporting the Principal and the Senior Leadership to lead the staff to integrate innovative approaches to spirituality and character development into the curriculum, to contribute to a holistic educational experience and be willing to contribute to co-curricular activities.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Minister of the Word or Deacon in the Uniting Church or another Christian faith
• A strong Christian theology with a liberal and open attitude towards people of all faiths, with the ability to work well with all groups of staff and students.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with secondary students
• An energetic, caring, warm and pro-active approach
• Demonstrated experience supporting student wellbeing and providing chaplaincy services, preferably within a school environment
• A strong commitment to child safety, including demonstrating an understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children with diverse needs and backgrounds
• An inspiring and engaging speaker able to connect with students, staff and families
• Strong curriculum knowledge, with a desire to develop innovative curriculum
• A desire to collaborate with other staff members
• Effective ICT skills
• A commitment to actively supporting and engaging in the broader school life, including co-curricular activities
• Support for the values and policies of the school
• Secondary teaching qualifications and experience teaching Religious Education would be an advantage.

If you are a compassionate and creative individual who is dedicated to supporting the holistic development of students in an educational setting, we invite you to apply for the position of School Chaplain.
Benefits

• A collaborative and supportive environment
• Excellent facilities and resources
• Excellent professional development opportunities and staff wellbeing support
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

Previous experience within the school or education sector is desirable and you must have eligibility to work in Australia and have a valid Working with Children Check.
Please see the position description for further details.
To Apply
Please provide a letter of application that addresses your suitability to the requirements of the position, a resume and the names of three referees to Mrs Simone Fisher, Director of Human Resources via the link.
Applications are due as soon as possible.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we will maintain strict privacy and confidentiality regarding your application.
Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity principles and understands the importance of diversity and inclusion. We recognise that everyone has the right to an equitable, safe and productive environment and to be treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, disability or sexual orientation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
PEGS promotes the safety, wellbeing and participation of all students, including supporting children from culturally diverse backgrounds and those with individual needs.