Requirements for the role

Qualifications

SU Chaplaincy’s minimum standard is a Diploma of Youth Work. Applicants with an equivalent or higher qualification in a relevant field may also meet these requirements.

Recognised Qualifications

Diploma of Youth WorkCHC50413 or CHC51408 and must include units of competency in ‘making appropriate referrals’ and ‘mental health’.

Diploma of Youth Work	CHC50413 or CHC51408 and must include units of competency in ‘making appropriate referrals’ and ‘mental health’.
Diploma of Counselling	CHC51712 or CHC51015 and must include units of competency in ‘making appropriate referrals’ and ‘mental health’.
Bachelor of Education	With eligibility for registration with the Queensland College of Teachers and must include units of competency in ‘making appropriate referrals’ and ‘mental health’.
Bachelor of Psychology	With eligibility for registration with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and must include units of competency in ‘making appropriate referrals’ and ‘mental health’.
Bachelor of Social Work	a qualification consistent with the requirements for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers and must include units of competency in ‘making appropriate referrals’ and ‘mental health’.
Diploma of Ministry/Christian Leadership	These qualifications do not meet DoE’s minimum requirements Prior to employment applicants must hold CHC40413 Certificate IV in Youth Work(or CHC41812) including units in ‘making appropriate referral’ and ‘mental health’.
Bachelor of Theology	These qualifications do not meet DoE’s minimum requirements Prior to employment applicants must hold CHC40413 Certificate IV in Youth Work(or CHC41812) including units in ‘making appropriate referral’ and ‘mental health’.
Bachelor of Ministry	These qualifications do not meet DoE’s minimum requirements Prior to employment applicants must hold CHC40413 Certificate IV in Youth Work(or CHC41812) including units in ‘making appropriate referral’ and ‘mental health’.

For comprehensive information on SU CHAPLAINCY qualification requirements refer to SU Chaplaincy Minimum Qualification requirements

Other Qualifications

Applicants who hold the following qualifications may still apply for SU CHAPLAINCY positions. If successful, applicants will be required to undergo relevant study in any of the aforementioned fields so as to reach minimum qualification standards within the first 3 years of their employment.

Certificate IV in Youth Work1 (CHC40413)	Must include units of competency in ‘making appropriate referral’ and ‘mental health’.
Certificate IV in Pastoral Care 1 (CHC41112)	Must include units of competency in ‘making appropriate referral’ and ‘mental health’.

Important: ALL qualifications must be nationally accredited VET or higher education qualifications.

If you are planning to enrol with an RTO (Recognised Training Organisation) please ensure it is a Nationally Recognised Training program and includes units of competency in ‘making appropriate referrals’ and ‘mental health’. As an example the two units of competency may be, or be equivalent to or higher than CHCCCS016- Respond to client needs and CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues.

If you would like to find out information about relevant training options offered by Scripture Union Queensland (RTO 30548) then visit their website http://training.suqld.org.au/

Vibrant Christian Faith and Character

SU CHAPLAINCY requires that all Chaplains

Demonstrate a living and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Demonstrate a strong Christian Character evidenced by servant leadership, valuing of people in general and marginalised people in particular.
Demonstrate leadership experience in a Christian ministry.
Subscribe to one or both of the creeds of the Christian church (Apostles’ Creed and/or Nicene Creed)
Be an active member or adherent of a local Christian church.

Personal Competencies

Suitable Chaplaincy Candidates will exhibit the following competencies

Christian Framework and Spiritual Support	An understanding of the core teachings of the Bible. An ability to articulate its message appropriately and apply them to real life situations. Committed to working with various Christian denominations and have an appreciation for the theological issues important for working in an interchurch context. 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.
Professional knowledge and proficiency	An understanding of the theories and practicalities of providing pastoral care and spiritual support to the school community. A track record of working effectively with children and young people and broad understanding of the issues affecting them. Experience in ‘Adventure based learning’ and group work facilitation is highly desirable. Valid Working with Children Check is essential. Blue Card (Queensland or a Working With Vulnerable People card (ACT).
Motivational ‘fit’	Chaplains are often dealing with complex social and emotional issues and should find satisfaction through engaging and relating with people. Motivated by compassion for others, striving to support good outcomes for staff, students and their families.
Teamwork (cooperation)	The ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with all stakeholders and partners (Principal, LCC, teaching staff, student support staff, agencies, Churches, volunteers etc) for the benefit and wellbeing of students.
Rapport Building	The ability to proactively develop relationships in the school community, with students, staff and parents across all age groups and cultural backgrounds.
Oral Communication	An ability to communicate ideas effectively with a range of people in a range of settings, including the ability to communicate faith issues openly and respectfully, remaining sensitive to the faith and belief systems of others.
Written Communication	An ability to express ideas clearly in any written format (memo, email, letter) with the appropriate organisation and structure.

More information on these competencies can be found in the SU Chaplaincy Role Statement

Additional Requirements

Chaplaincy applicants are required to consent to their personal information to be provided to relevant State Department of Education for the purposes of assessing the suitability for employment as a Chaplain.

Successful Chaplaincy candidates will need to provide either a copy of their birth certificate or passport before they are permitted to commence employment.

Working with Children Checks – SU Chaplaincy

QLD Applicants

Applicants for Queensland Chaplaincy positions must hold a current “Blue Card” issued by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General for the purposes of child-related employment.
Chaplain’s must hold a current and valid Paid (“job ready”) or Exemption Card to work in schools. Details on how to register an account with the Blue Card Services and apply online are available here.
If you are a registered teacher or sworn police officer, you will need to hold a valid and current exemption card. If your card does not have an expiry date, you must renew it by 31 August 2023 or it will automatically expire.
SU QLD will not employ any applicant until we have either:
- A copy of the applicant’s valid Paid (Job Ready) Blue Card on file; or
- A copy of the applicant’s valid Exemption Card on file, where the applicant is a registered teacher or police officer.
Blue Cards and Exemption Cards are issued by the Blue Card Services once a Working with Children Check has been carried out. If a person is deemed to be eligible, they are issued with a positive notice letter and a Blue Card or Exemption Card.
Most online applications for people with no police information should be processed within five business days. It might take longer if further information is required or if police or disciplinary information is received.

Interstate Applicants

If you are applying and live outside of QLD, please contact support@suqld.org.au to discuss your interest and the relevant checks.

International Applicants

If you are not an Australian citizen, you will be required to provide evidence of permanent residency status. False or misleading applications may be withdrawn from the application process.