Head Of Chaplaincy And Pastoral Practice

**Head of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice - Placement commencement date will be Dec 1st, 2024**

**Sydney CBD as a base location with travel within NSW.ACT**

**About the role**:
This position is a Synod placement for Ordained Ministers, or an employed position through the Synod Board as an employee of the Synod Office. This position works operationally under the management of Uniting in the Mission Directorate to execute the Synod's and Uniting NSW.ACT's strategies in mission and ministry in partnership with presbyteries, congregations, working groups and other bodies. The position is responsible to the Uniting NSW.ACT Director of Mission. The Minister is also connected to a local presbytery for pastoral oversight.

This Head of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice role is an inspiring leadership opportunity within Uniting's Mission Directorate. You will play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice team, delivering high-quality spiritual and pastoral care across Uniting's services. Your leadership will help shape the team's growth, influence, and impact while promoting a collaborative and inclusive environment.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Leadership and Development**: Provide inspirational leadership to Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practitioner teams, fostering professional growth and ministry formation through innovative activities and learning plans.
- **Strategic Alignment**: Work closely with the Director of Mission to translate strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring alignment and effective coordination across Uniting.
- **Operational Management**: Plan for the recruitment and deployment of Chaplains and Pastoral Practitioners to meet staff and client needs while maintaining effective records and reporting on the effectiveness of services.
- **Pastoral Oversight**: Oversee the delivery of quality spiritual and pastoral care, ensuring practices are current, innovative, and reflective of Uniting's mission.
- **Collaboration and Relationships**: Build and nurture relationships with local congregations, presbyteries, volunteers, and external community groups, enhancing the profile of Uniting and the Uniting Church as leaders in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice.
- **Inclusive Environment**: Promote a safe and supportive environment for all staff, celebrating diversity and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.

**About You**:

- **Experience**: A seasoned leader with at least eight years** (8)** of experience in providing theological leadership, particularly within complex and large organisational contexts, preferably in the NFP sector.
- **Pastoral Skills and Ministry Expertise**: Experienced ordained minister (or capacity to be commissioned as a Pastor in the Uniting Church), with deep knowledge of spiritual care, chaplaincy, and ministry best practices. You have a strong theological foundation and a passion for providing innovative, compassionate pastoral support to a diverse range of individuals and communities.
- **Administrative and Management Skills**: Proven administrative and management expertise, with the ability to oversee a large, geographically dispersed team. You are skilled in managing resources, delegating tasks, and ensuring effective team coordination.
- **Understanding of the Uniting Church**: Membership and strong knowledge of the Uniting Church's polity, structure, and processes, and a demonstrated ability to work within its frameworks.
- **People Leadership**: Proven experience in leading and developing teams, with a focus on pastoral practice, spiritual care, and ministry formation.
- **Collaborative Mindset**: Skilled at navigating complex environments, building trust-based relationships, and influencing outcomes through collaboration.
- **Passion for Social Change**: A commitment to Uniting's mission and values, with a deep passion for creating positive social impact, especially for the most disadvantaged.

**Even Better If**:

- You have established connections with congregations and community service groups, enhancing your ability to foster missional relationships and further Uniting's influence.

**This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the Uniting Church community and beyond, guiding Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice with compassion, integrity, and vision.**

***Uniting PD - Head of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice.docx**

**What We Offer You**
- A rewarding career with a leading human services organisation.
- Access to our U rewards program with exclusive discounts.
- Flexible work hours for work-life balance.
- Access to Fitness Passport - Live your best life.
- A supportive and inclusive and collaborative work environment.
- Opportunities for professional growth.

**When you're part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you're part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people who are really making a difference to the world around them.**

**We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Churc