Apply in 3 Minutes: Chaplain

About BCC

Bairnsdale Christian College (BCC) is Prep-10 co-ed Christian school situated in Bairnsdale VIC. BCC is a vibrant community partnering with parents to educate, nurture & equip their children to the highest standard so they flourish wherever they are. BCC is wholeheartedly committed to excellence in Christian education so that students are “well known, well loved, and well taught” by dedicated trained Christian staff.

BCC is part of Christian Education Ministries, with 16 schools in 5 states, and is also the largest non-government Distance Education provider in Australia.

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety & Wellbeing

- BCC is a child safe organisation which welcomes all children, young people and their families.
- We are committed to providing environments where our students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Our child safe policies, strategies and practices are inclusive of the needs of all children and students.
- We have no tolerance for child abuse and take proactive steps to identify and manage any risks of harm to students in our school environments.
- We promote positive relationships between students and adults and between students and their peers. These relationships are based on trust and respect.
- We take proactive steps to identify and manage any risk of harm to students in our school environment. When child safety concerns are raised or identified, we treat these seriously and respond promptly and thoroughly.
- Particular attention is given to the child safety needs of Aboriginal students, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, international students, students with disabilities, those unable to live at home, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, and all other students experiencing risk or vulnerability.
- Inappropriate or harmful behaviour targeting students based on these or other characteristics, such as racism or homophobia, are not tolerated at our school, and any instances identified will be addressed with appropriate consequences.
- Child safety is a shared responsibility. Every person involved in our school has an important role in promoting child safety and wellbeing and promptly raising any issues or concerns about a child’s safety.
- We are committed to regularly reviewing our child safe practices, and seeking input from our students, families, staff, and volunteers to inform our ongoing strategies.

As a part of your application, you must read and support the Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy and the Child Safety Code of Conduct. These documents are also availablehere.

We’re praying for the right staff to come and join us, and we’re thankful that you would consider our College as a place where you will have meaningful relationships and do meaningful work.

Requirements

The School Chaplain provides pastoral care and spiritual support to students, staff, and the broader school community. The Chaplain plays a key role in developing and delivering programs that foster student wellbeing, Christian formation, culture, and community engagement, while also responding to individual and group needs through flexible and compassionate support.

Key Responsibilities
1. Chapel, Culture, and Spiritual Formation

- Organise weekly Chapel services that are engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with our Christian values.
- Encourage and support student involvement in Chapel through a student choir, worship band, readings, and prayer.
- Involve the wider Christian community (e.g., local churches, guest speakers, worship leaders) in Chapel and in the lifeof the school.

2. Lunchtime Engagement Programs

- Coordinate and deliver lunchtime programs designed to engage students socially, spiritually, and emotionally.
- Maintain existing Primary lunchtime program and, if capacity allows, explore opportunities for a Secondary lunchtime program.
- Create safe, inclusive spaces where students can connect, build relationships, and grow in their understanding of themselves and others.

3. Breakfast Club

- Oversee the delivery of the weekly Breakfast Club in collaboration with existing staff and student volunteers.
- Support volunteer coordination and ensure that food ordering and service run smoothly through existing systems.

4. Wellbeing and Pastoral Care

- Provide pastoral support to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, or spiritual challenges.
- Facilitate small group programs (e.g.,Cool Kids) supporting social-emotional learning and mental health, adapted to fit within the time allowance.
- Offer friendship mediation, support for neurodiverse students, trauma-informed care, and assist with crisis response as needed.
- Liaise with teaching staff, families, and external agencies to ensure effective and collaborative support.

5. Administration and Compliance

- Maintain appropriate records of pastoral interactions in line with privacy and school policy.
- Demonstrate understanding of and compliance with mandatory reporting obligations.
- Participate in school staff meetings and professional development as appropriate.

Key Selection Criteria
Essential:

- A committed Christian with a mature and active faith, able to articulate and model Christian values in a school context.
- Experience working with children and young people in a pastoral, ministry, or wellbeing role.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to relate effectively to students, staff, and families.
- Demonstrated capacity to prioritise tasks, multitask, and respond to urgent needs with calmness and discretion.
- Understanding of child safety, confidentiality, and mandatory reporting obligations.
- Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly in a dynamic school environment.

Desirable:

- Qualifications in Chaplaincy, Youth Work, Theology, Counselling, Social Work, or a related field.
- Experience running group social and emotional learning programs such as Cool Kids.
- Experience engaging with students from diverse backgrounds, including those with additional needs.

Hours and Conditions

- 2 days per week (exact days to be negotiated).
- School term-time only, with occasional attendance at special events (e.g., end-of-term services or evening programs).
- Working within a values-based, supportive, and community-oriented school environment.

Benefits

- Work with an authentic Christian team.
- EAP program with free counselling.
- Employee benefits & discounts program with 15-50% off leading retail brands.
- Be part of a faith community that shares regular devotions and prayer.
- Grow in your faith, skills, and experience.

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