Pastoral Practitioner, Affordable Homes outreach Worker

• Enjoy a competitive salary and access to NFP Salary Packaging benefits
• Location – Northern suburbs across multiple sites
• Part time ongoing position, 1.5 days per week

About the role:

The Pastoral Care Practitioner, is an integral member of VMCH pastoral care team, contributing to the high-quality provision of pastoral care and outreach work to individuals of our Affordable Home residents.

Working closely with the Pastoral Care and Affordable Housing team, to respond effectively to the diverse emotional, spiritual, and religious needs of individuals, residents, and families. 

Key responsibilities:

• The Pastoral Care Practitioner is responsible for the provision of pastoral care to our Affordable Home residents.
• This position ensures that as an active member of the VMCH community, the Pastoral care practitioner will provide direct ministry to residents. Pastoral care is a model of developing relationships through spiritual and emotional support to members of the affordable housing community.
• The Pastoral Care Practitioner is responsible for the outreach work to residents of our Affordable Independent Homes residents and will act as liaison between community members and organisations, helping residents get access to care and services they need.
• The Pastoral Care Practitioner will be committed to the Vision, Mission, and Values of Villa Maria Catholic Homes.
• The Pastoral Care Practitioner is employed by and reports directly to Senior Manager of Pastoral Care at Villa Maria Catholic Homes
• Ensure the delivery of a ministry of pastoral care to the Affordable Independent Home residents.
• Be the key point of contact for residents who are moving into our Affordable Independent Homes offering them Pastoral Care support at this key time of transition and to establish an ongoing relationship with them as required.
• Liaise with Community Services and other organisations to facilitate residents to receive additional support services they require if needed.
• Engage in working with the diverse community, finding creative ways of bringing residents together.
• Liaise with Aged Care Residences when the need for further care is needed for residents.
• Ensure that ethical decisions are made in accordance with VMCH’s vision, mission, and values.
• Develop and maintain procedures to keep records.
• Be an active team member of the Pastoral Care Services team and attend scheduled team meetings.
• Participate in regular supervision in a timely manner.
• Participate in regular professional continuing education.

You will have:

• Formal tertiary qualifications relevant to pastoral care (e.g. Diploma in Ageing and Pastoral Care Services, CPE and/or Theological training and/or experience in Social Work)
• Understanding of and relevant experience in pastoral care and a commitment to working with people who are vulnerable.
• A deep understanding catholic identity and mission.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills.
• Experience as a team player and the ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity, equal employment opportunity and workplace health and safety appropriate to the level of the appointment.
• Demonstrate ability to operate with discretion and to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated awareness of the organisation’s vision, mission, and values.
• Computer literacy.
• A current Victorian driver’s license.
• Satisfactory national Police Check and Working with Children check.

 About the team

Pastoral Care Services support residents to express their spirituality, faith, beliefs, and traditions in a way that is meaningful to them. Pastoral Care Practitioners understand the importance of enabling conversation with residents that are supportive and affirming. Spiritual and religious practices such as prayer, rituals or religious sacraments are respectfully offered. Religious, cultural, and other special days are acknowledged and observed on an individual and group basis. Loss, grief, and palliative care support are consistently offered to residents, family, friends, and staff.

Why VMCH?

Because the people we employ make it a great place to work! In addition, VMCH will provide you with:

• A competitive salary, with salary packaging benefits that can increase your take-home pay. 
• A flexible and family-friendly work culture, with wellbeing initiatives and paid parental leave. 
• Employee and family assistance program including employee, manager, career, conflict, nutrition and lifestyle, money, family, and legal assistance.
• Discounted private health insurance and discounted school holiday care support.
• A chance to make a positive difference in the lives of older people and the community. 

A rewarding and supportive work environment, with opportunities for professional development and career progression

About us

Here at VMCH our services are as diverse as the people we support. As a for-purpose organisation, Love, Joy, Courage, and Hospitality aren’t just words to us, they guide us in everything we do. While we’ve been around for over a century, we’re always moving forward. We stay true to who we are by supporting people and families to live their best lives, providing a place to call home and spaces to learn and grow.

If you meet the above criteria and are passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives, we would love to hear from you.

To work at VMCH, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, an Australian Criminal History Check, Evidence of Flu and Covid Vaccinations, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards. You may also be required to supply an International Police Check. 

We do not accept unsolicited resumes, emails, and phone calls from recruitment agencies.