FAQs

SU Tas Chaplains need to be:

• Committed Christians who are actively involved in a local Christian church
• Relational – this is a people-helping role
• Experienced and effective in working with young people
• Good communicators with a range of people in a range of settings
• Able to express their faith and beliefs appropriately
• Able to work with churches of all denominations
• Sensitive to the religious and cultural beliefs of others
• Able to work both independently and as a member of a team

Chaplaincy requires a unique skill set.  SU Tas recognises that Chaplains come to their roles from a variety of backgrounds and with a diversity of qualifications and experience (both personal and professional). All new school chaplains must have a minimum of a Certificate IV in Youth Work, or Certificate IV in Pastoral Care or equivalent or higher qualification.  This must include mental health related and making appropriate referrals unit/s of competency (CHCCS422B – Respond holistically to client issues and refer appropriately; and CHCMH301C – Work effectively in mental health). Chaplains cannot be employed by SU Tas without meeting or exceeding this minimum requirement.  All chaplains will need to have a current Working with Children Check before they start work in a school.

If you are unsure about your qualifications please enquire at admin@sutas.org.au

What do I do if I don’t have these qualifications?
SU Tas can link you in with nationally recognised providers who can assist you in getting the necessary qualifications.  Before electing to do some study check the qualification against the eligibility requirements of chaplaincy .  SU Queensland is one such organisation that offers a Diploma of Youth Work.

Yes.  Each SU Tas chaplain must demonstrate they are actively involved in a local Christian church.  At least one of the three referees needs to be church pastor, minister or church leader.

All SU chaplains need to be able to sign SU’s Aims and Belief.

No, The role of the chaplain is to support people and assist them in exploring their own spirituality.  While exercising their roles from within a Christian framework and promoting positive Christian values, SU Tas chaplains will be sensitive to and respectful of people who hold beliefs and values different from their own.  SU Tas chaplains will be available to all students, staff and parents within their schools, regardless of religious affiliation (while not in any way prohibiting the expression of other religious perspectives).

SU Tas only employs chaplains who work in Tasmanian primary and secondary schools, and colleges.   SU Tas does not employ chaplains in: TAFE institutions, tertiary institutions, hospitals, prisons, or the corporate sector.

SU Tas chaplaincies depend on a variety of funding sources including the Federal Government’s NSCP (National School Chaplaincy Program) administered through the Tasmanian Department of Education, contributions from schools, donations from local individuals, businesses, groups and churches. One third of chaplaincy funding comes from the local community.

Click here to download a list of training providers

The SU Qld Training Department offers accredited training in Certificate IV in Youth Work and Diploma in Youth Work.

The Certificate IV Youth Work is a 12-month course involving an ‘apprenticeship’ with a youth worker.   Diploma level is quality, in-service training for school chaplains and other youth ministry workers.

For more information, contact the SU QLD Training Department on:  (07) 3632 2231 or visit:  www.suqld.org.au/training

Study in social work, counselling, education, social science and theological training also provide relevant preparation for school chaplaincy.

DOWNLOAD: Frequently Asked Questions about SU QLD’s Diploma of Youth Work

Most chaplains are employed part-time (ie 1 to 4 days per week).

SU Regional Coordinators deal with operational issues at a local level.

A team of administration staff are on hand to help with matters involving finances, pay, insurance etc.

SU Tas chaplains are contracted to work for 48 weeks of the year with 4 weeks paid leave (after a 6-month probation) and paid according to the number of days worked per week.  Leave and superannuation entitlements are paid.

Salary packages are in the range of $36,000 to $46,000 pro rata and include the option of a Fringe Benefit (FB) component, which can provide added benefits in comparison with fully-taxed equivalent salaries.

Applicants must addresses the Selection Criteria and meet the minimum qualifications (see above). Those that meet the required standard will be shortlisted for an interview.

Referee checks will be conducted, including the applicant’s current church leader.  The selection panel may also contact people with whom the applicant has had association, but are not listed as referees.

Applicants will be selected on the basis of merit from information gathered through the selection process.  As a Christian organisation, SU Tas only appoints active members of Christian denominations.

For more information on SU Tas school chaplaincy, contact the head office enquiries@sutas.org.au or 03 6244 8422.