Youth Justice Chaplain

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

Position Title: Youth Justice Chaplain
Organisation: Islamic Council of Victoria
Reports To: ICV General Manager
Position Contact: Zakaria Wahid, General Manager, *************@icv.org.au 

The Islamic Council of Victoria

The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) is the peak body for Muslim organisations in Victoria. The ICV represents the wider Victorian Muslim community and has more than 76 member organisations located throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. 

Youth Justice Chaplains play a role in advocating for the dignity of young people, within the Youth Justice system and across the broader community. They work as part of an interfaith network, working alongside chaplains from many other faith groups. Individuals with qualifications as an Imam/Sheikh are desirable, but not required.

Responsibilities

Responsibility Area 1 – Provision of spiritual care

• Provide spiritual presence, spiritual care to clients
• Listen to the young person to identify their needs and frame of mind
• Respond appropriately to religious needs such as prayer, scriptural reading, rituals as mutually agreed with the client
• To provide as needed an informed resource in spiritual matters in treatment and care
• Respect the religious belief systems of the client and refrain from proselytising
• To provide consistency with arranged times of visits, and provide suitable notice of any variation or absence.
• To recognise where the clients needs are beyond your capacity to respond at the time, and refer to appropriate Youth Justice staff
• Lead worship/religious services, rituals, and religious instruction 
• Work with external faith-based and community organisations to support client needs
• Be an advocate for young people when necessary, both within the Youth Justice system and in the public arena. 
• Make appropriate referrals for material aid where necessary. 
• Prepare and support clients for parole 

Responsibility Area 2 – Procedures, Activities and Duties

• Ensure identification badge is worn at all times.
• Make contact with Youth Justice – Cultural Team at the beginning and the end of each shift
• Maintain clear records of Spiritual visits (including sign in and out), and communicate effectively with Youth Justice custodial staff
• Provide management reports on a monthly basis and provide to YJ CALD Programs Coordinator and YJ Programs and Education Manager on a monthly basis
• Observe all rules of privacy and confidentiality, including matters relating to prison confidentiality in general and prisoner/family confidentiality in particular.
• Participate in in-services, training and regular supervision sessions.
• Maintain accurate weekly logs of all Muslim clients that were provided spiritual support and the type of supports provided in a manner that can feed into the broader case management of a young person
• Lead and offer consultation to the Youth Justice Cultural Team in the organisation of key Islamic celebrations such as Ramadan and Eid. As well as create relevant educational material for staff and young people on key Islamic dates. 

Responsibility Area 3 – Workplace Health and Safety

• Participate in induction, orientation and training processes
• Be familiar with emergency codes and required responses
• Be familiar with relevant organisational policies, especially those relating to Child Safety
• Undergo Child Safety Training as required
• Maintain appropriate Working With Children Checks, Police Checks and any other relevant verification processes and checks
• Participate in COVID-Safe and Infection control training. Adhere to organisational and Youth Justice COVID-Safe plans

Key Selection Criteria:

• Qualifications in Theology or Islamic Studies: Detail relevant academic qualifications or certifications.
• Experience in Providing Spiritual Care: Describe experiences in offering spiritual guidance, particularly within diverse or youth-focused settings.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to engage empathetically with youth.
• Knowledge of Islamic Practices: Show understanding and experience in leading Islamic teachings and educational activities.
• Child Safety and Legal Compliance: Familiarity with child safety protocols, and maintaining relevant checks and clearances.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples of flexibility and innovative problem-solving in challenging environments.
• Professional Development and Workplace Safety: Commitment to ongoing learning and adherence to health and safety guidelines.

Desirable:

• Qualified Imam/Sheikh

Qualifications:

Relevant tertiary qualification/s in social work, psychology,  social sciences or other relevant area, or relevant experience in the social service or community sector. 

The ICV is an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity. We are equal opportunity employer.

Application Process:

Please submit a resume and cover letter which references the Key Selection Criteria and outlines your relevant experience and qualifications. Please include two professional references. All appointments to the ICV are subject to a reference check and will be required to submit a Police Check and Working with Children’s Check.