School chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support to school communities. They are in the prevention and support business: helping students find a better way to deal with issues ranging from family breakdown and loneliness to friendships and mental health.

They provide a listening ear and a caring presence for children and young people in crisis, and those who just need a friend. They also provide support for staff and parents in school communities

SU chaplains in Tas need to be:

• Committed Christians who are actively involved in a local Christian church
• Relational - this is a people-helping role
• Experienced and effective in working with young people
• Good communicators with a range of people in a range of settings
• Able to express their faith and beliefs appropriately
• Able to work with churches of all denominations
• Sensitive to the religious and cultural beliefs of others
• Able to work both independently and as a member of a team

Chaplaincy requires a unique skill set. SU recognises that chaplains come to their roles from a variety of backgrounds and with a diversity of qualifications and experience (both personal and professional). All new school chaplains must have a minimum of a Certificate IV in Youth Work, or Certificate IV in Pastoral Care or equivalent or higher qualification.  This must include mental health related and making appropriate referrals units of competency, or equivalent (CHCCCS016 - Respond to client needs; and CHCMHS001 - Work with people with mental health issues). Chaplains cannot be employed by SU without meeting or exceeding this minimum requirement. All chaplains will need to have a current Working with Children Check before they start work in a school.

If you are unsure about your qualifications please enquire at enquiries@sutas.org.au

SU can link you in with nationally recognised providers who can assist you in getting the necessary qualifications. Before electing to do some study check the qualification against the eligibility requirements of chaplaincy. SU Australia is one such organisation that offers a Diploma of Youth Work.

Yes. Each SU chaplain in Tas must demonstrate they are actively involved in a local Christian church. At least one of the three referees needs to be church pastor, minister or church leader.

All SU chaplains need to be able to sign SU's Aims and Belief statement.

No, the primary role of the chaplain is to provide care for the school community. This includes providing emotional and pastoral support, as part of the school's support team. While exercising their roles from within a Christian framework and promoting positive Christian values, SU chaplains will be sensitive to and respectful of people who hold beliefs and values different from their own. SU chaplains will be available to all students, staff and parents within their schools, regardless of religious affiliation.

SU only employs chaplains in Tasmania who work in primary and secondary schools, and colleges. As the largest provider of chaplains in Tasmania, SU has chaplains located over the North, North West and Southern areas of the state. SU does not employ chaplains in TAFE institutions, tertiary institutions, hospitals, prisons, or the corporate sector.

SU chaplaincies depend on a variety of funding sources including the Federal Government's National School Wellbeing Program administered through the Tasmanian Department of Education, Children and Young People, contributions from schools, donations from local individuals, businesses, groups and churches. One third of chaplaincy funding comes from the local community.

The SU Australia Institute of Training offers accredited training in Certificate IV in Youth Work and Diploma in Youth Work.

The Certificate IV Youth Work is a 12-month course involving an 'apprenticeship' with a youth worker. Diploma level is quality, in-service training for school chaplains and other youth ministry workers.

For more information, contact the SU Institute of Training Department on:  (07) 3632 2231 or visit:  www.suit.edu.au.

Most chaplains are employed part-time (ie 1 to 4 days per week).

SU employs a range of people to support school chaplains.

SU Field Development Managers deal with operational issues at a local level.

A team of administration staff are on hand to help with matters involving finances, pay, insurance etc. 

SU chaplains are contracted to work for 48 weeks of the year with 4 weeks paid leave (after a 6-month probation) and paid according to the number of days worked per week.  Leave and superannuation entitlements are paid.

Salary packages are in the range of $36,000 to $46,000 pro rata and include the option of a Fringe Benefit (FB) component, which can provide added benefits in comparison with fully-taxed equivalent salaries.

Applicants must addresses the Selection Criteria and meet the minimum qualifications (see above). Those that meet the required standard will be shortlisted for an interview.

Referee checks will be conducted, including the applicant’s current church leader. The selection panel may also contact people with whom the applicant has had association, but are not listed as referees.

Applicants will be selected on the basis of merit from information gathered through the selection process. As a Christian organisation, SU only appoints active members of Christian denominations.

For more information on SU school chaplaincy, contact enquiries@sutas.org.au or 03 6244 8422.