EOI: High School Chaplain

Expression of Interest: High School Chaplain / Youth Worker

Location:
Tomaree High School, Salamander Bay

Employment Type:
Part-time 2-5 days per week

Additional employment opportunities may be available at local churches in addition to this role.

Start Date:
TBA

Are you passionate about supporting young people and fostering a culture of care, inclusion, and spiritual growth? Tomaree High School is seeking expressions of interest for a dedicated and compassionate
Chaplain / Youth Worker
to join our wellbeing team.

About the Role

The Chaplain / Youth Worker plays a vital role in nurturing the emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing of students. This position supports the school's values and wellbeing framework by offering pastoral care, mentoring, and engaging programs that help students thrive.

Purpose of the Role

To support the emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing of students within the school community. The chaplain/youth worker fosters a safe and inclusive environment, offering guidance, mentoring, and programs that promote resilience, connection, and personal growth.

Reports to

TBCE and School Principal

Qualifications & Requirements

• Relevant qualifications in youth work, chaplaincy, counselling, or social work
• Accreditation or endorsement from a recognized chaplaincy provider – minimum Certificate 1V in Youth Work or Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, or an equivalent qualification
• Competencies in 'Mental Health' and 'Making appropriate referrals'
• Current Working With Children Check and compliance with child protection policies
• Experience working with children or adolescents in educational or community settings
• Although the role, and school are not associated with AFES, we require the prospective applicant to align with the Values, and Doctrinal Basis.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Pastoral Care

• Provide one-on-one and group support for students facing personal, social, or emotional challenges.
• Offer a listening ear and practical guidance in times of crisis, grief, or transition.
• Refer students to appropriate professional services when needed.

Spiritual & Values-Based Engagement

• Facilitate voluntary activities that explore values, ethics, and spirituality in a respectful and inclusive manner. For example, lunch time groups discussing SRE and pastoral issues etc
• Support students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, promoting understanding and acceptance.
• Lead or assist in school events such as assemblies, reflection spaces, or wellbeing days.

Youth Development Programs

• Design and deliver workshops or initiatives that build leadership, resilience, and life skills.
• Encourage student participation in community service, peer mentoring, and extracurricular activities.
• Collaborate with teachers and wellbeing staff to support student engagement and attendance.

Community & Staff Collaboration

• Act as a bridge between students, families, and the wider school community.
• Facilitate community partnership programmes between the school and the wider community under the direction of the school Principal and the TBCE
• Work closely with school staff to identify and respond to student wellbeing needs.
• Contribute to a positive school culture through inclusive practices and respectful relationships.

In the School these duties may include:

·      Providing students with support and /or appropriate referrals in difficult situations such a during times of grief or when students are facing personal or emotional challenges

·      Developing relationships with, and referring student s to specialist services within the school as appropriate or externally, under the direction of the school Principal

·      Organising one on one or group sessions with students and staff

Skills & Attributes

• Compassionate and approachable with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to connect with young people and build trust
• Culturally sensitive and inclusive in approach
• Skilled in conflict resolution and emotional support
• Creative and proactive in program development

Character Qualities

• A warm, approachable presence with strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated experience working with young people in educational or community settings
• Ability to support students from diverse backgrounds with empathy and cultural sensitivity
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and mentoring skills
• A commitment to the values of the school and the broader educational community
• Commitment to child safety
• A commitment to the values and ethos of the Tomaree Board of Christian Education

KPIs Monitored by the TBCE Sub-Committee or member thereof

1. Integrity & Ethical Conduct

2. Demonstrates honesty and transparency in all committee dealings

3. Upholds confidentiality and ethical standards consistently

4. Avoids conflicts of interest and acts in the best interest of the TBCE

5. Collaboration & Respect

6. Engages respectfully with fellow members, staff, and stakeholders

7. Listens actively and values diverse perspectives

8. Contributes constructively to group discussions and decisions

9. Communication & Accountability

10. Communicates clearly and respectfully in meetings and reports

11. Fulfills assigned responsibilities and follows through on commitments

12. Provides timely and accurate updates to the committee

13. Humility & Teachability

14. Open to feedback and willing to learn from others

15. Demonstrates a servant-hearted approach to leadership

16. Seeks personal and spiritual growth in the role

17. Spiritual Maturity & Role Modelling

18. Models Christ-like character in interactions and decisions

19. Encourages spiritual growth within the school and broader community
20. Aligns with the values & ethos both the school and the TBCE
21. These KPIs can be used in performance reviews, self-assessments, or peer evaluations to ensure alignment with the mission and values of TBCE and the School

Key Issues Chaplains Face

In schools Chaplains support students, families and staff in different areas including emotional and mental health, as well as personal and family wellbeing. Individuals who would like to pursue a chaplaincy role should be aware of the scope of issues they may face. All chaplains are expected to engage with pastoral supervision or a Chaplaincy approved mentor throughout the year to reflect on their work and the issues they are facing

Specific topics and issues Chaplains may face included the following (but not limited to these)

o  Emotional wellbeing

o  Grief

o  Loss

o  Fears

o  Self Esteem

o  Behaviour management

o  Anger

o  Friendships

o  Relationships

o  Confidence

o  Leadership

o  Teamwork

o  Resilience

o  Positive choices

o  Social media

o  Communication

o  Mental health

o  Anxiety

o  Depression

o  Stress

o  Future

o  Cyber bullying

o  School work

o  Home life

o  Trauma

o  Illness (including terminal illness of a family member

o  Parent divorce or separati

If you feel called to support the next generation in a meaningful and faith-informed way, we'd love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your expression of interest, including a cover letter and resume.