School Chaplain

Following the retirement of the current school Chaplain after 22 years of service, we wish to appoint a replacement for this vital role.

This job description should be read alongside the National Standards document for School Chaplains. In this document, "Chaplain" refers to both ordained and lay Chaplains. The Chaplain, through his/her work and witness, will contribute to the spiritual and pastoral care of all members of the school community.

He/she will have a central role in implementing the school vision statement and work with the Head Teacher in leading and developing the Catholic life of the school. He/she will nurture the faith formation and liturgical life of the school community. The Chaplain may also work to enhance the Religious Education curriculum where appropriate.

GENERAL DUTIES:

To be visible and approachable To be available for students, parents and staff. This may be by formal appointment or by being available informally To work with class teachers in supporting individuals and groups of pupils as appropriate to support the Headteacher in his/her role as faith leader in school To play a central role in the pastoral system To plan, prepare and lead liturgies and collective worship as required. These will include end of term services, Advent and Lent services, staff INSET days, special celebrations To support staff in their planning, preparation and leading of liturgies and collective worship To support students in their planning, preparation and leading of liturgies and collective worship To plan, prepare and facilitate Masses as required. To provide regular prayer opportunities for the staff, students, parents and the wider community. To prepare retreats where appropriate including residential retreats To promote and care for the Prayer Room/Chapel as a sacred space To ensure liturgical resources are adequate and appropriate To ensure the school environment and displays enhance the Catholic life of the school To engage with Continual Professional Development (CPD) relevant to the role of chaplain. To avail of opportunities for enhancing his/her own spiritual well-being To lead school based CPD for staff in relation to the Catholic life of the school. To work with the Head Teacher to carry out self-evaluation with reference to the Catholic life of the school. To liaise closely with the parish priest/Hillingdon Deanery/Diocese To celebrate and share the faith life of the school with the wider community To include the parish in school celebrations. To be a member of ACCE and use the opportunities the organisation offers for professional and spiritual development. To be a member of the Diocesan Chaplaincy Group or its equivalent, attending meetings regularly To liaise with Diocesan agencies, groups and individuals, where appropriate PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE: To understand and apply school policies in relation to health, safety and welfare Act as a role model and set high expectations of conduct and behaviour Support and promote positive values, attitudes and good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, equal opportunities, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Safeguarding Team and MyConcern. Attend relevant school meetings as required Respect confidentiality at all times Liaise with the line manager as appropriate ADMINISTRATIVE/CPD: To ensure administration is carried out in accordance with the current and related legislation. Undertake any training commensurate with the post. Any other reasonable duties as directed by the Headteacher. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

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