Riverina Hub Chaplain

Chaplain – Riverina

• Full-time, Permanent Placement
• Location - Wagga Wagga (residence and office)
• Regular travel to Tumut, Griffith & Berrigan
• Applications close on Friday 12 September at 5pm

The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) is one of the nation's largest Christian organisations, formed in 1977 through the union of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian traditions. In NSW and the ACT, the Synod comprises three boards—Uniting, the Synod Board, and Treasury and Investment Services—supported by the Synod Office. The Synod Office provides ministerial, mission and shared services support, offering pastoral care, advisory expertise and strategic leadership in partnership with Presbyteries, Congregations and other Church bodies to deliver Synod's mission and ministry.

At Uniting, we believe in taking real steps to make the world a better place. We work to inspire people, enliven communities, and confront injustice. Our focus is always on the people we serve, no matter where they are at in their life.

About the Role

This is a key leadership role within Uniting's Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice team, offering spiritual and pastoral care to staff and clients across our services. Working in partnership with Presbyteries, Congregations and the wider Church, you will help bring the Synod's mission and ministry strategies to life. Reporting to the Director of Mission, you will provide ethical, theological and pastoral leadership while supporting and guiding regional team members.

This role is accountable to the Uniting Church's Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice and the Uniting Code of Conduct Policy.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual and pastoral care to clients, families, volunteers and staff, reflecting the Uniting Church's faith and values while respecting diverse beliefs and traditions.
• Lead worship and services, including Uniting liturgies, sacraments, ecumenical and interfaith services, and coordinate visiting ministers where needed.
• Support people in times of need, offering guidance, reconciliation, hope and meaning in moments of suffering, crisis and transition.
• Develop strong relationships with facility leaders, congregations, presbyteries and volunteers to strengthen pastoral and spiritual services across Uniting.
• Lead and support a Chaplaincy Hub team (where applicable), ensuring staff and volunteers are well-equipped, supported and resourced to deliver high-quality care.
• Contribute to the wider Church, building effective partnerships across the Synod and promoting Uniting as part of the Church's mission.
• Foster a safe and inclusive environment, modelling best practice in work health and safety and celebrating diversity in all its forms.
• Continue your professional and spiritual growth through ongoing education, training and supervision.

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate will bring theological training, pastoral experience and leadership skills, along with the following qualifications and experience:

• 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 recognition as a minister from another denomination willing to enter the Admission of Ministers process; suitably qualified lay people (eligible for Ministry of Pastor) are also encouraged to apply.
• At least 2 years' experience in ministry, chaplaincy or community work, with demonstrated ability to provide pastoral care in aged care, health, justice or community settings.
• Completion of at least 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of the Uniting Church, its polity, values and mission, with the ability to provide theological leadership in practice.
• Demonstrated experience leading pastoral staff and/or working collaboratively with chaplains from other denominations and faith traditions.
• Proven ability to engage with vulnerable people with empathy and compassion, adapting care to meet diverse needs.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with confidence using technology and managing documentation.
• Ability to build effective relationships with congregations, presbyteries, community groups and external partners.

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.

Contacts

For all enquiries relating to the role please contact Reverend Nigel Hawken (Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice Lead) via email at nhawken@uniting.org

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

Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Empowered by diversity At Uniting, inclusion isn't just something we value – it's how we work. Our culture and practice reflect the vibrant diversity of our colleagues, and the clients and communities we serve.

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