Chaplain & Community Engagement Pastor
Huonville and Geeveston Community Churches together with Geeveston Primary School (K-6) are situated in the Huon Valley Southern Tasmania. Huonville and Geeveston Community Churches are small churches with a desire to serving their local community. Geeveston Primary School over several years has partnered with Scripture Union (Tasmania) in the provision of a Chaplain. A unique opportunity has arisen where the School and Churches (with the support of Scripture Union and Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania) are able to provide a full-time equivalent role for a church based Community Engagement Pastor and a School Chaplain.
This is a great opportunity for someone who is seeking to work in both a community and church-based context.
Appointment
The appointment is a full time equivalent joint appointment between Huonville and Geeveston Community Churches (0.8FTE) and Geeveston Primary School (0.2FTE). With a combined remuneration package as determined by Tas Gov chaplaincy funding and Churches of Christ Vic/Tas. Remuneration package details are available on request.
Purpose
To develop a new role and initiatives that will be a living example of ministry cooperation between Geeveston Primary School and Huonville Community Church and Geeveston Community Church Inc where the local community children, youth and families are impacted through hope and compassion.
The Key Partners:
Huonville Community Church and Geeveston Community Church Inc
Huonville and Geeveston are a part of the Churches of Christ with a long standing commitment to demonstrating the love and care of God in concrete and tangible ways. Both congregations have a long history of partnership and cooperation with a desire to see a tangible ministry link between the church and community.
Scripture Union
SU Tasmania employs chaplains in 83 primary and secondary schools and colleges across the state. They are an integral part of the support staff in schools, providing spiritual and emotional support to school communities: students, staff, and families. SU Tas chaplains are funded by school communities, generous support from local churches and community organisations, and the National School Chaplaincy Program. SU Tas chaplains are selected based on their qualifications and skills.
Geeveston Primary School
Geeveston Primary School is a small, family school in the heart of the Huon Valley. Established in 1880, we have a long history in education and have undergone many changes, the latest of which was a change from a District High to a Primary School. This means that we have many purpose built learning spaces, including a separate kindergarten area, a gym, library, teaching kitchen, computer lab, art room, teaching garden and expansive playgrounds and play areas. The variety of teaching spaces provide enormous opportunities for our K-6 students who are involved in a number of programs that enhance their classroom learning including the Stephanie Alexander Program, Premier’s Reading Challenge, the Song Room music lessons and visiting coaches for a number of sports. These activities are conducted in an environment that fosters growth, encouragement and a sense of achievement for the students.
At Geeveston Primary School, our Aboriginal Education Worker supports staff and students to remain connected to land and culture. Valuing culture is a high priority at our school, as is the general wellbeing of our students. Our school nurse works collaboratively with staff, students and families to support a number of wellbeing initiatives including hand hygiene, healthy eating and mindfulness.
We also run a weekly Launching into Learning (LIL) program aimed at learners aged Birth to 5 years and their parents/carers. This program offers a unique opportunity for children to engage in play based learning within the school environment allowing the smooth transition to school.
Role Description / Responsibilities
In the chaplaincy role:
- A demonstrated ability to accept, respect and relate to all members of a diverse and multifaceted school community, and an understanding of the operation of schools.
- Have a broad understanding of young people and the issues that affect them.
- Have the confidence, ability and experience to communicate and work with young people.
- Have the ability to work in a team environment as well as being self-motivated and able to show initiative and flexibility.
- Have qualifications and/or experience in working with a person with mental health issues, know what falls within his/her level of competence and be willing to refer students at risk to the Student Support Team or Principal or other agencies or organisations for further support.
- Be willing to work and liaise with local church communities in respect to all issues associated with the Chaplaincy.
- Be able to tell SU Tas about your faith and your active involvement in the local Christian community.
In the Community Engagement role:
- Creating opportunities and developing awareness that Huonville and Geeveston Community Churches are working in partnership with children, youth and families.
- To initiate and innovate new opportunities for the Huonville and GeevestonCommunity Churches to intentionally engage with the local community.
- Working with the Work Team and churches to develop appropriate ways for all generations to participate in other parts of the common life of the church.
- To be present at least once per month in both churches for Sunday services.
- Providing updates through the Work Team to the Huonville and Geeveston congregations.
Expectations:
As such we expect the applicant will:
- Conduct: To demonstrate the values of Scripture Union (Tas) and Huonville and Geeveston Community Churches (as part of Churches of Christ in Vic/Tas). The successful candidate will be able to be Accredited with Churches of Christ in Vic/Tas.
- Confidentiality: To maintain confidentiality and to not divulge any unauthorised information about SU, School, Church and CCVT.
- Professional Development: To attend relevant programs that improve and enhance leadership/ministry skills appropriate to the position.
- Statutory Obligations: To adhere to all SU & CCVT policies, procedures and practices, and any relevant legislation. Work within Safe Church practices, ensuring all leaders are trained in Safe Churches, and following up applications for ministry leadership as required.
Selection Criteria
The appointee will have:
- A clear expression of a call for ministry and community missional engagement.
- The demonstrated ability in being an innovative self-starter, effective personal and time management with well-developed communication skills as a team player.
- Professionally the successful candidate will have one or more of the following:
- Diploma of Youth Work or equivalent.
- Certificate IV in Youth Work or Pastoral Care and an undertaking to gain a Diploma of Youth Work within two years of starting work.
- Relevant higher qualifications (e.g. teaching or theological degree).
- The Certificate or equivalent qualification must include competencies in ‘working with people with mental health issues’ and ‘making referrals – respond to client needs’. A copy of relevant qualifications including academic transcripts will be required with the application.
- Be (or willing to be) an Accredited Minister within CCVT.
- The application must include a current Working with Vulnerable People (Child Related Activity) Check, or evidence that this check has been applied for.
- Current National Police Check.
- The application must include evidence of COVID-19 vaccination to comply with Dept of Education requirements.
To apply for this position please forward a letter outlining your interest and suitability, specifically touching on our expectations and the role responsibilities. Please include your ministry résumé, addressing relevant training and experience, and the contact details of three referees. Applications should be emailed to CCVT Communities Team Leader Michael Vanderree at mvanderree@churchesofchrist.org.au.
