Officer - Identity & Community

**Introduction**:
About Us

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle serves the people of the Newcastle, Hunter and Manning regions which have a population of some 150,000 Catholics. Through its parishes, pastoral groups, and its agencies of Catholic Schools, CatholicCare, St Nicholas Early Education and other agencies the diocese provides faith, spiritual, pastoral, educational, social welfare, and community development. The Diocese employs approximately 4,000 staff across its parishes and agencies. Our wider community is also supported by many volunteers.

The Diocesan Curia consists of those institutions and persons that assist the bishop in governance. The Curia also assists in providing services and pastoral care that parishes are no longer able to provide. Thus, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Curia includes:

- Diocesan Offices - Bishops Office, Office of Safeguarding, Pastoral Ministries and CEO Office.
- Diocesan Agencies - CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, Catholic Schools Office, St Nicholas Early Education, Hunter Community Housing, Catholic Development Fund, and Diocesan Shared Services.

Benefits of Working With Us
- Receive an attractive salary with salary packaging available;
- Receive up to 3 additional days leave, between the Christmas and New Year period annually;
- Paid parental leave;
- Flexible working arrangements;
- Staff Birthdays & Anniversary Recognition;
- Ongoing training and development opportunities;
- A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers;
- Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport;
**Description**:
The Pastoral Ministries, within the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, has undergone a process of reimagining, renewal and rebuilding. A number of new positions have been identified, replacing previous roles within Pastoral Ministries, to assist the diocese in supporting the diocesan foundations of Identity and Community, Worship and Prayer, Formation and Education, Mission and Outreach, and Leadership and Structure.

The Opportunity

The Pastoral Ministries Team is currently seeking an Officer
- Identity and Community to join their passionate and dedicated team. This is a Permanent Full-Time position and is based at our Newcastle West office.

This position is to support the work of Pastoral Ministries by accompanying parishes to create a connected and engaged community that is mission focused.

**Skills and Experiences**:
Experience/Criteria
- Faith expressed through commitment to the Catholic Church and its teachings
- Ability to minister to and support staff from diverse backgrounds
- Awareness of maintaining boundaries and the capacity to identify and facilitate referrals to relevant support agencies
- Engaging others in collaborative processes grounded in dialogue that develop supportive relationships
- A well-developed and mature spirituality, prayer and faith life
- A reflective, creative, resilient, flexible, well-organised person who enjoys exploring new possibilities
- Previous experience in working with multiple stakeholders for the purpose of serving the wider community
- Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills, and ability to use a variety of communication tools

**Qualifications**:

- Tertiary studies in Theology, Liturgy, Ministry, Religious Education, Teaching, Pastoral Care or equivalent experience
- CPE 1 or a willingness to complete
- Current Class C Drivers Licence
- Working with Children Check
- Criminal background checks
- Experience and understanding of the Pastoral Plan and organisation of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle (Desirable)

**To Apply**:
Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter individually addressing each of selection criteria under the headings of Experience/Criteria and Qualifications.