Job Title: Roman Catholic Chaplain / Job Holder: Vacant
Office: Education Secretariat / Reports to: Episcopal Vicar for Education
Job Location: Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
JOB PURPOSE: Briefly describe the overall purpose or function of the job
The Chaplaincy Service works to provide care and support for students, to enable each individual to make the most of their opportunities at third-level. It is a first contact for all students, to determine the personal supports which may be required, to provide a pastoral care and spiritual support facility for students and to contribute to the development and delivery of the Student Services function with Maynooth University Campus.
The Chaplaincy Service must:
1. Be welcoming, approachable and available to all students, irrespective of any faith background,
2. Offer support by way of spiritual, pastoral or practical care,
3. Encourage and support students to be the best they can.
Responsibilities
Diocesan Education Secretariat / · To work within agreed structural arrangements as outlined by the Diocesan Education Secretariat;
· To consult with the Diocesan Education Secretariat in relation to directives which may be issued by Maynooth University and to implement such directives under the direction of the Diocesan Education Secretariat;
· In consultation with and as directed by the Diocesan Education Secretariat, adhere to and implement guidelines in relation to one-to-one contact with students, staff members and members of the wider community connected with Maynooth University.
Care / · Maintain a campus-wide presence and perspective;
· Maintain direct contact and active involvement with students ;
· Have a capacity to respond, intervene and be present at times of trauma, crisis, illness and grief affecting students;
· To offer a facility for all students where any issue or need can be discussed, and to advise on an appropriate University response;
· Offer a bridge to, and support for, other professional services on campus (e.g. counselling, health budgeting, access);
· Recognise and respond to the specific needs experienced at the beginning, middle and end of an academic year and of an academic career;
· Recognise and respond to the specific needs of special category students (e.g. international, disability, exchange) and their academic cycle;
· To support individual students involved in external events (e.g. medical, legal or other) as appropriate;
· To provide individual and group workshops in relation to life skills (e.g. integrating into college life, living with new people, being a good neighbour / house-sharer);
· To offer mediation among students experiencing difficulty with college life;
· To promote and develop peer care and peer mentoring projects for students.
Community / · To foster a quality relationship with all levels of academic and support activity (student services, clubs and societies, students’ union and other support services);
· To serve on, and contribute to, relevant campus committees which seek to develop and foster student welfare and support;
· Beyond the campus, to keep a confidential link to family, neighbourhood, church / parish, where appropriate, and a supportive link to vulnerable communities and individuals, where possible;
· To promote support groups/ community building / social action and development projects;
· To represent the University at interdenominational services, gatherings and other functions where appropriate;
· To be proactive in initiating Remembrance Services on the campus to take into account all faiths and none;
· To work closely with other pastoral care services and students’ union in relevant campaigns (e.g. health and wellness, social responsibility).
Spirituality / · To take time to share life, death, failure, pain, love, success, celebration in and beyond the campus;
· To arrange for appropriate faith services to be provided on-campus on key dates in church calendars;
· To promote retreat, consciousness raising, spirituality and religious programmes and services for the many faiths represented on campus;
· To advise University management on appropriate responses to specific student needs based on their religious faith;
· To develop and foster links to inherited or chosen faith or denomination, its leadership and ministry, its prayer and worship, as required by the student body;
· To offer opportunities for growth in faith, as well as accompanying experiences of non-faith;
· To promote the Quiet Room as an area of reflection and meditation for all.
General / · To prepare an annual report on the work of the Service;
· To conduct relevant administrative and organisational tasks for the effective delivery of the Service;
· To contribute to the overall development of support services for students on Maynooth University campus;
· To organise and participate in all activities, which relate to the wellbeing and development of Maynooth University students;
· To participate and co-operate in the extra circular activities of Maynooth University;
· To comply with policies and directives issued by the Diocesan Education Secretariat relating to Catholic Chaplains;
· To acknowledge and respect the students’ and staff members’ right to confidentiality which should be upheld at all times except where to do so would endanger self or others.
The above contains the main outline of duties. However it is inevitable that tasks may arise which may not fall within the remit of the above list of main duties. Staff members are therefore required to respond with a flexible approach when ad hoc tasks arise which are not specifically covered in their job description. Should an additional responsibility become a regular part of a staff member’s job, the Job Description will be amended to reflect this.
JOBHOLDER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Identify the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours required.Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):
· A primary degree in theology or equivalent:
· Formal training for ministry preferably at a post-graduate level
· Relevant pastoral experience
· Advanced counselling/facilitation skills
· An ability to use IT to enhance all aspects of their role
· An ability to deliver adult faith formation initiatives
Key Behaviours:
· A baptised Roman Catholic committed to the ethos of the Archdiocese of Dublin
· Strong organisational skills
· Team player
· Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
· Well-developed self-management
· Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrates networking and the ability to foster quality relationships with all levels in the University
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
Episcopal Vicar for Education
Diocesan Education Secretariat staff members
Diocesan Office staff members
Maynooth University staff members.
Maynooth University students
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