Pastoral Care Worker

• Chaplaincy

SMG offers ongoing pastoral and practical support through chaplaincy, Christian education, and wellbeing services to school communities in partnership with the combined Christian community and other organisations. 

SMG is the employer of more than 270 Pastoral Care Workers in SA government schools and is an approved Chaplaincy Service provider of the South Australian Department for Education (DfE) through the National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP). 

The Opportunity
Pastoral Care Workers (PCWs) are positive role models who deliver compassionate pastoral and practical support through their direct involvement within each a signed school, and school community.

Together with the support and resources of the local combined Christian community, a PCW has a unique opportunity to help young people and school communities discover Purpose, Value, and Hope.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide social, emotional, and spiritual support to students, staff, and families.
• Engage with the community, local churches, and external support services.
• Assist with wellbeing initiatives, group activities, and personal support.
• Collaborate with school leadership to ensure student welfare.
• Maintain confidentiality, adhere to ethical guidelines, and be a resource in critical situations.

The role may also include:

Whole of School Services

• Working with school leaders and wellbeing staff to create a school environment that promotes the wellbeing of all students.
• Supporting school camps, excursions and events.
• Supporting community activities that connect the school to external partners and organisations.
• Supporting school programs such as breakfast clubs, sporting group, social and other extra-curricular activities.

Group Services

• Supporting the delivery of structured social emotional learning programs.
• Running recess and lunchtime activities.
• Providing classroom support.
• Supporting learning groups – reading groups, homework groups.

One-to-One Services

• Working under the guidance of school leaders and trained wellbeing staff to support students experiencing difficult situations, including grief, crisis and personal or emotional challenges.
• Working with school leaders and wellbeing staff to provide information and referrals to additional supports, including community services.
• Providing individual learning support as agreed with school leaders and wellbeing staff.
• Mentoring and coaching.

Qualification & Experience

• Personal commitment to Christian faith and values.
• Relevant experience in youth work, counselling, or pastoral care will be highly regarded. 
• Strong communication and empathetic listening skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across Christian denominations.
• Ability to work with diverse religious and cultural beliefs.

To work as a PCW you must have or be studying a minimum qualification of:

• Certificate IV in Youth Work or Certificate IV in Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy that contains CHCCCS016 (‘Respond to client needs’) and CHCMHS001 (‘Work with people with mental health issues’).
• An equivalent or higher qualification which must include competencies in ‘mental health’ and ‘making appropriate referrals’ may also be considered qualified