College Chaplain 2026 – Full time

Your unique opportunity

We seek a caring and compassionate College Chaplain to join our faith-based community in Cairns, Queensland.

We are looking for a dedicated individual to provide spiritual and pastoral support to our students, staff, and families, fostering a safe and supportive environment for all.

About the Role

As a College Chaplain, you will be a vital presence in our school community. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Provide impartial, confidential pastoral care to students and staff. Build genuine and positive relationships with students from K-12, acting as a trusted, warm, and friendly adult.
• Share and live out Christian values in an authentic and tangible way, making faith relevant to students' daily lives. Model Jesus' teachings through example, and offer spiritual guidance and encouragement.
• Consistently communicate positively about students, even when addressing challenging behaviours. Provide a caring and impartial presence, and celebrate student successes with genuine encouragement.
• Oversee and implement key staff-focused and student-focused programs and initiatives as directed by the Principal.
• Act as a key point of contact for parents, effectively communicating and collaborating to support student wellbeing.

This is a non-teaching role that focuses on the pastoral needs of the school community.

Commencing on 16 January 2026, this position is full-time.

Relocation assistance is available.

Skills and experience

The successful candidate will be a highly relational and empathetic individual who can positively impact our school community.

The successful candidate will also be fully aligned with the Christian values and beliefs of Freshwater Christian College, and seek a role providing opportunities to utilise their talents and skills to make a difference in the lives of our students and the wider College community.

Essential qualifications and requirements

Essential

• Diploma of Youth Work (Chaplaincy) or a Certificate III in Human Services (Youth) or similar.

• Hold a positive notice (Working with Children Check) Blue Card.

• Able to affirm the College's Statement of Faith.

• Able to comply with College policies, procedures, codes of conduct, and training requirements, including those related to work health and safety, risk management, child protection, and confidentiality.

• Able to work with all members of the College community.

• A willingness to assist in extracurricular activities after normal working hours.

• Be legally permitted to work in Australia.

Highly Regarded

• Committed and mature Christian who is actively involved in a local church.

• Experience in effectively working with young people.

• Ability to express their faith and beliefs appropriately and to be able to communicate this effectively to students across the range of ages in the College.

• Ability to work independently as an individual and to show initiative.

• Ability to personally cope with crises, eg, bereavements.

• Have a broad understanding of the issues faced by children and youth.

• Awareness of a range of outside agencies where student referral may be necessary.

Why Join Our Community?

Located in beautiful Cairns, our school offers a tropical lifestyle and a close-knit community. We provide a supportive and collaborative culture where staff are encouraged to grow and thrive in their faith and professional practice.

Don't delay, apply now

Applications close at 8 am on 13 October 2025.

The College reserves the right to remove the job advertisement when a suitable applicant is found.

Freshwater Christian College is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people. All potential employees will comply with the College's Child Protection Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy and Procedures.