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Chaplain – Hunter Region (NSW)

Full-time (FTE) | A role of presence, leadership, and deep community impact

There are roles… and then there are callings.

This is an opportunity to bring your pastoral presence, leadership, and compassion into some of the most beautiful and diverse communities across the Hunter region—walking alongside people at some of the most important moments of their lives.

From the rolling vineyards and open countryside of the Hunter Valley, to coastal calm at Salamander Bay and vibrant communities across Newcastle, this role offers a rare blend of purpose, leadership, and connection to place.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chaplaincy Convenor – North, you will provide pastoral and spiritual care while leading a team of pastoral practitioners and volunteers across the Hunter 2 region.

You’ll support services including:

• Uniting Elizabeth Gates & Alroy House, Singleton (84 residents)
• Uniting Salamander Bay (60 beds)
• Uniting Lindsay Gardens, Hamilton
• Uniting Irwin Hall, Mayfield (90 beds)

Supporting approximately 234 aged care residents, alongside:

• Civil Chaplaincy – Hunter Mental Health Services
• 5 sites (84 beds)
• A 6th site opening in Spring 2026

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide pastoral and spiritual care to residents, families, and staff
• Lead and coordinate the Hunter 2 Pastoral Care Team (staff and volunteers)
• Travel across the Hunter region to support multiple communities
• Lead or support worship and spiritual reflection
• Work collaboratively across aged care and mental health settings
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation and reporting
• Contribute to a culture of teamwork, accountability, and care

About You

You are a grounded and thoughtful leader who can hold both pastoral care and organisational responsibility.

You will bring:

• A Diploma or Degree in Theology, Ministry, or related discipline
• Ordination within the Uniting Church (Deacon or Minister of the Word), or another denomination, with willingness to enter the Uniting Church admission process, or eligibility as a suitably qualified lay person (Ministry of Pastor pathway)
• At least 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent
• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in ministry, chaplaincy, or related community work
• Demonstrated leadership experience, ideally within aged care or community settings
• Strong understanding of spiritual and pastoral care, particularly for older people and/or mental health contexts
• The ability to work across diverse communities, including LGBTI+, cultural, theological, ecumenical, and interfaith settings
• Confidence working within organisational systems while maintaining a clear theological and gospel-informed perspective
• Strong communication, administration, and computer skills

You’ll also:

• Understand and engage with the Uniting Church’s structure, mission, and theological foundations
• Demonstrate empathy and a genuine connection with people, especially those who are vulnerable
• Build effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders

Compliance & Requirements

• Current Working with Children Check and relevant clearances
• Successful Criminal History Check
• “In good standing” with your faith tradition
• Australian working rights (citizenship or appropriate visa)

Your Place in the Community

You’ll be:

• An active member of the Uniting Church’s Hunter Presbytery
• A key spiritual and pastoral presence across multiple services
• Leading others while remaining deeply connected to the people in your care

Even Better

• Existing relationships with local congregations or community groups
• Experience in liturgy and adapting worship to meet diverse needs

What We Offer

• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Strong day-to-day support across HR, IT, Finance, and operational teams
• A role that balances autonomy with support
• The opportunity to lead meaningful work across aged care and mental health
• Not-for-profit salary packaging benefits and access to Fitness Passport

Why This Role Matters

This is work that is deeply human.

It’s about presence in moments that matter.
It’s about leadership that uplifts others.
It’s about bringing meaning, dignity, and connection into people’s lives.

And doing it all in a region that offers space, beauty, and a strong sense of community.

If you feel called to this work—to lead, to care, and to serve across the Hunter—we would love to hear from you.

For information regarding this position, please get in touch with Jennifer Johnston, Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice Lead, via email at [email protected]

For recruitment process enquiries, please get in touch with Louise Massie at [email protected]

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