Lay Chaplain

Vacancy Lay Chaplain

Hours per week 37 

Working weeks Term Time plus 1 day

Additional remuneration will be paid for retreats outside school time 

Grade 7

Salary £19,481-£20,673 actual

Closing Date Thursday 5th September 2019 @ 9:00am

Interviews Week commencing 16th September

All Saints is an 11-16 school, situated near the northern boundary of Kirklees.  We are a Catholic school with students attending from diverse cultural backgrounds, which contribute to the distinctive ethos. All Saints Catholic College enjoys an “Outstanding Judgement” from the Leeds Diocese – Section 48 Inspection (May 2018).  In July 2017, Ofsted judged All Saints ‘good’ in every category.

Pupils like and value their school where pupils from different cultures and religions are able to be part of this Catholic community, living daily together as one happy family.   We are on an upward journey of continuous improvement in a dynamic environment with a close-knit family feel. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our college making substantial progress under current leadership. In turn, we are looking for a candidate committed to playing a part in transforming the lives of our young people.  In return, we offer a competitive salary and staff wellbeing package. Visits to the College are welcome.

The College serves as a witness to the Catholic Faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. The post therefore requires a practising Catholic who can show by example and from experience that he or she will ensure that the school is distinctively Catholic in all its aspects.

This appointment is with the governors of the school under the terms of the Catholic Education Service contract signed with the governors as employers and endorsed by the Bishop or his representative.  It is subject to the current conditions of service for support staff and other current education and employment legislation.  

The governing body and the Diocese acknowledge the importance of the role of the chaplain and will actively offer long term support, encouragement, affirmation and realistic challenge to the successful candidate.

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 Principal and Assistant Principal 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.

Main duties will include:

- Be visible and approachable around the school

- Support the Principal in his/her role as faith leader in school

- To play a central role in the pastoral system

- Support and further develop the spiritual, religious and liturgical life of the school

- Plan to celebrate Mass and the sacraments regularly, liaising with local clergy

- Support staff and pupils in their planning, preparation and leading of liturgies and collective worship

- Help with the provision of suitable resources for the prayer life and worship of the school

- Develop a school retreat programme for pupils

- Support students to participate in the sacramental life of the Church, where appropriate

- Develop a programme of transition events with partner primaries 

- Help with sensitive issues, advising on the Church’s teaching

- Support and enhance the RE curriculum, where appropriate

- Have input into the school development plan, its operation and review

- Challenge and support on standards, morals and the values of the Christian life

- To report to and work with Governors/Directors to promote the Catholic ethos and distinctive nature of the school

- Attend where possible staff meetings and any other meetings as appropriate

- To engage with Continual Professional Development (CPD) relevant to the role of chaplain

- To lead school based CPD for staff in relation to the Catholic life of the school

- 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

What we would like from you; 

- Practising Catholic in good standing with the Church

- Well organised, self-motivated, able to act on initiative with a ‘can do’ attitude

- Ability to use tact, sensitivity, diplomacy and good humour

- Ability to understand others and create trust

- Ability to manage time and workload effectively

- Theology Degree or equivalent qualification or comparable level of relevant experience

- Experience of working in a catholic environment/community: parish/school, retreat centre or youth service

At All Saints College, we believe in making the world a happier place to work and promote a work/life balance within our school.  We do that by providing a package of flexible employee benefits, including: 

- An attractive pension scheme for both Teaching and Support staff

- A high quality wellbeing package including medical cover, counselling, physiotherapy, fast track medical cover, care service and a 24 hour GP- helpline

- Kirklees Employee Health Care, which also includes wellbeing support, physiotherapy

- Care First Advice - a 24/7 information and counselling service

- Childcare Vouchers

- We are part of the Cycle to Work scheme.  Tax free bikes and safety equipment can be payable by payroll deduction through a partnership with Cyclescheme

Applications are invited from enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals who are able to work as part of the team. An Application Form and further information can be downloaded via our website www.aschc.com 

Completed Application Forms should be returned to Claire Taylor – ctaylor@aschc.com

All Saints is committed to safeguarding children and young people.

All applicants must be willing to undertake DBS check.

Due to the number of application forms we regret we can only contact the shortlisted candidates.