Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Are Chaplaincy positions full time or part time?

SU CHAPLAINCY offer both full time and part time Chaplaincy positions, depending on the level of community funding available. Some Chaplaincy positions are across more than one school.

 

2.  What is an LCC and what is its role?

LCC stands for Local Chaplaincy Committee. The LCC is comprised of supportive school staff, parent, and local church representatives. This committed and dedicated team offers practical support, fundraising and accountability for the operation of each Chaplaincy service. LCC’s support Chaplaincy services through regular meetings, practical involvement in the Chaplaincy program and various fundraising ventures.

3.  What does spiritual engagement look like in the context of an SU Chaplaincy service?

SU  Chaplain’s provide an additional dimension to a school’s care by supporting the spiritual needs of students regardless of their faith or beliefs. For students who seek it, Chaplains can help them explore worldview in relation to spirituality, values and ethics in a safe and respectful environment. This may be in the form of one-to-one spiritual conversations, or relevant supportive groups.

4.  What does a Chaplain do during the school holidays?

Chaplains are entitled to four weeks Annual Leave per annum which is to be taken during the summer (December to January). During any school holiday periods not accounted for by leave, Chaplains are required to participate in student holiday programs or activities and/or other ‘non-contact’ Chaplaincy activities. This may include:

  • Participation in a holiday camp or community program where students from the Chaplain’s school are involved;
  • Professional development;
  • Building community networks;
  • Preparation and planning (for Chaplaincy events, programs and activities); and
  • Building the LCC.

5.   What are the Selection Criteria on which Chaplaincy candidates are considered?

Your application will be assessed against your demonstrated ability to meet SU Chaplaincy’s ‘Requirements for the role’:

● Demonstrated ability to meet SU Chaplaincy’s ‘Minimum Qualification requirements’

● Demonstrated ability to work within SU Chaplaincy’s ‘Christian
framework and Spiritual Support’ requirements, including:
○ an ability to articulate appropriately the Christian message of hope and apply that message of hope to real life situations; and
○ an understanding of other faith and non-faith perspectives, and how to work respectfully with, and support, people from other faith and non-faith perspectives.

● Demonstrated ability to meet SU Chaplaincy’s requirements for
‘Professional knowledge and proficiency’, including:
○ a track record of working effectively with children and young people and broad understanding of the issues affecting them; and
○ a demonstrated understanding of the boundaries and practicalities involved in providing pastoral care to the school community.

● Demonstrated ability to meet SU Chaplaincy’s other ‘Personal
Competencies’ (motivational fit, teamwork, rapport, and
communication), including:
○ a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a range of people in a range of settings.
○ a demonstrated ability to work both as a member of a team and independently.
● Hold a current relevant ‘working with children’ check or applicable approved exemption.

6.   What is the salary for SU  Chaplains?

SU Chaplains are employed on a maximum term basis (after 6-month probation) and paid according to the number of days worked per week. Starting salaries are determined by the Chaplain’s demonstrated, relevant experience and relevant qualifications. Salary packages include the option of a Fringe Benefit (FB) component, which provides significant benefit in comparison with fully-taxed equivalent salaries.

7.   What professional supports are in place for SU Chaplains?

SU Chaplains are supported by Field Development Managers. Field Development Managers offer support, service and expertise to the Chaplains and schools. Chaplains are required to engage in regular professional supervision by an approved provider. SU CHAPLAINCY provides quarterly in-service training days and an annual four day residential conference. Chaplains are encouraged to maintain their personal network of church and community supports.

8.   Where can I study a Certificate IV qualification that meets the Department of Education qualification requirements?

Scripture Union Australia Ministries Limited Training (RTO 30548) offers nationally recognised Certificate IV and Diploma qualifications in Youth Work. SU has been training Youth Workers for the chaplaincy role for more than 25 years. For more information visit the website http://training.suqld.org.au/.

You can also search for RTO’s offering relevant qualifications using the National Register of VET http://training.gov.au. If you are planning to enrol with an RTO (Recognised Training Organisation) please ensure it is a Nationally Recognised Training program and contains the two essential units of “Work With People With Mental Health Issues” (CHCMHS001) & “Respond to Client Needs” (CHCCCS016), or a later version of these.

 

9.   I hold a minimum qualification but it does not include both of the essential units. What can I do?

If you have completed a minimum qualification (as outlined in ‘Requirements for the Role’, ie Diploma or higher) but the qualification did not include the two essential units, “Work With People With Mental Health Issues” (CHCMHS001) & “Respond to Client Needs” (CHCCCS016), or an acknowledged equivalent version of these, you would need to do so before commencing employment. You can complete your application and may still be considered for a position, provided you are enrolled and will need to complete the two units prior to commencing work as a Chaplain.

More relevant training options offered by Scripture Union Australia Ministries Limited (RTO 30548) for these subjects is available via the website  http://training.suqld.org.au/

You can also search for RTO’s who may be offering these units using the National Register of VET http://training.gov.au.

10.  Does SU CHAPLAINCY employ Chaplains in private schools?

SU Chaplains are employed to work in State primary and secondary schools in and some Private schools. 

 

11.  Once I have completed my Chaplaincy application what is the process?

The recruitment process will be as follows:

Please Note: Chaplaincy positions in rural and remote schools can commence at any time. Where applicants do not meet DoE’s minimum qualification standard, the offer of employment and start date are dependent upon receiving a approved waiver for minimum qualifications from DoE.

  1. Online Application is submitted and processed by SU CHAPLAINCY staff.
  2. 1st Round Screening interviews
  3. 2nd round, school based, interviews
  4. New Chaplains induction – compulsory training held prior to each new school term.

12.  I still have unanswered questions, who can I talk to?

If you still have questions regarding SU Chaplaincy, or your Chaplaincy application please contact support@su.org.au.