Chaplain - Uniting AgeWell Strathdon

Uniting AgeWell Position Description Position Information Position Title: Chaplain Division/Department: Chaplaincy Reporting to: Spiritual Care Manager Enterprise/Individual Agreement: UCA Terms of Placement/Uniting AgeWell Individual Agreement Location: Strathdon Employment Status: Part-Time: .8 (4 days per week) Resource Management Direct Reports: Nil Indirect reports: Nil Key Relationships: Internal: • Spiritual Care Manager • Director of Mission • Residential Service Manager (RSM) and Care Managers • Lifestyle staff • All UA staff • UA Chaplain network External: • Local Presbytery • Residents’ families • Visiting Ministers, volunteers, pastoral care volunteers • Local Community Position Specific Credentials, Qualifications & Experience • Experience in residential aged care environment strongly preferred • Formal theological qualifications preferred • 1 Unit of CPE or equivalent training and experience in pastoral care is required • Ability and willingness to lead worship according to the Uniting Church liturgical practices • Strong personal faith and member of a local Christian Church • Experience and expertise in relating to a diverse range of people • A satisfactory National Criminal Police Record Check (PRC) / NDIS Screen Check is required prior to commencement • Working with Children Check (VIC) Registration to work with Vulnerable People (TAS) • Driver’s License • An obligation to have an annual vaccination(s) as per our vaccination policy • Capacity and willingness to travel throughout Victoria and Tasmania as required Uniting AgeWell As an organisation of the Uniting Church in Australia, Uniting AgeWell has a long and proud history of providing residential and community services for older Australians across Victoria and Tasmania. Through a diverse range of integrated service options, we aim to provide our customers with continuity of care, enabling them to live well with choice and peace of mind. Services include independent retirement living, home care, social support, allied health and therapy programs, respite and carer support and residential care communities. Our Vision A national leader, creating thriving and inclusive communities where innovative, high quality aged care services are delivered with respect and kindness. Our Purpose Uniting AgeWell strives to create and deliver innovative, high quality and accessible services to people through their ageing journey. In doing this, we address the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing of those to whom we provide care and support. We build our services from a foundation of research, education, partnership and respect, enabling us to better understand the needs and aspirations of our customers and their families and friends. We celebrate and value the diversity of our communities, staff and volunteers. Our Workplace Culture and Values At Uniting AgeWell we provide a workplace culture based on the BEST philosophy – Believe, Excel, Support and Trust – underpinned by our values of Kindness, Respect, Integrity, Innovation and Inclusion, and our Customer Service Charter and Promise to shape and inform all that we do. More information can be found on the Uniting AgeWell website www.unitingagewell.org Position Purpose The purpose of UA chaplaincy and spiritual care is to provide person-centered, compassionate, spiritual, and pastoral care in response to the emotional, spiritual and religious needs of residents, families and staff. The Role of Chaplain • Chaplains recognize UCA and UA’s affirmation of First Peoples as sovereign in this land, valuing and respecting the spiritual lives and beliefs of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, and building networks and relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities where appropriate. • Chaplains engage in Trauma Informed Care for Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers, and support UA as it builds a culturally safe and respectful workplace and model of care that highly values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, residents, and families. • Chaplains work in alignment with UA’s Spirituality Framework, the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, and the National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care (Meaningful Ageing Australia). • Chaplains recognise, value and provide spiritual support to people who follow the Christian faith tradition, other faith traditions, or who hold secular beliefs. Without judgement, and with dignity and respect, they will provide support to people who hold religious beliefs, a spiritual understanding of life outside of a religious tradition, and/or with people who hold no spiritual or religious belief. • Chaplains will demonstrate kindness, compassion, and sensitivity, in the building and strengthening of relationships, and in accordance with UA’s support for members of CALD and LGBTIQA communities. • Chaplains –Voluntary Assisted Dying. (VAD). The Synod of Vic/Tas has given permission to the relevant UCA institutions and associated hospital group within Victoria and Tasmania to make VAD allowable for patients, clients, and residents, under the specific conditions of the legislations for each State. When this situation arises, the Chaplain will discuss with the Director of Mission. • Chaplains plan, coordinate and evaluate activities and programs to enhances the well-being of residents and families, and meet the legislated standards for aged care services. • Chaplains work within a multi-disciplinary framework, participating in meetings such as Quality and Palliative care and providing reports as required • Chaplains develop links between UA, Uniting Church presbyteries, and local faith communities Reporting Relationships • Chaplains report directly to the Spiritual Care Manager. There is collaboration with the RSM of the home re day-to-day matters at the home, and some reporting to the Director of Mission. Staff Care, Spiritual Care Education, and Supervision of Volunteers • Chaplains work alongside various staff, particularly with lifestyle staff, when organising small groups and worship. They also work collaboratively with social workers. • Chaplains facilitate small and large group education sessions on matters relating to spiritual care as required and in collaboration with the RSM (and the Spiritual Care Manager if support/guidance required) • Chaplains have oversight of any pastoral and spiritual volunteers, collaborating with the lifestyle coordinator regarding volunteers entering the UA volunteer system, and with the Spiritual Care Manager for their training • Chaplains may provide general care and support to staff. If there is a particular situation or need for more personal/ongoing support, the chaplain will seek advice from the RSM, Spiritual Care Manager and/or refer to UA’s Employee Assistant Program or an external provider. It is noted that the key role of the chaplain remains the spiritual and pastoral care of residents and their families. • Chaplains are not to engage with staff as an advocate in industrial or grievance issues, but refer them to organizational policies, processes and other appropriate UA staff support. UA Chaplain Network • All chaplains/spiritual care practitioners across Victoria and Tasmania are required to attend the UA chaplain/spiritual care practitioner monthly meeting on Teams. These meetings provide valuable opportunities to discuss the provision of spiritual and pastoral care, reflect on spiritual care practices, connect with chaplain colleagues, and keep abreast of the work of UA. Resources are shared and learning opportunities taken. Chaplains/spiritual care practitioners are required to attend the annual Mission Team conference (usually held over 3 days), and/or any one-day gatherings. Uniting AgeWell Strategic Plan and Clinical Governance Framework All roles are linked to the Uniting AgeWell strategy and are fundamental in achieving its vision and purpose. Strategic Priority 1: Our customers are at the heart of everything we do Strategic Priority 2: We are an employer of choice Strategic Priority 3: We are sustainable Strategic Priority 4: We are proudly an expression of the Uniting Church Strategic Priority 5: We are a learning organisation Key Responsibilities and Measures Key Responsibilities Measures and Outcomes to be Achieved Pastoral and Spiritual Care • Provide spiritual and pastoral care in 1-1 visits with residents, and in small groups • Provide a range of spiritual and pastoral care options to suit the emotional, spiritual and religious needs of residents • Co -design culturally safe spiritual care with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and their families • Ensure trauma aware and healing informed care provided for Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers • Provide care and support to families of residents – through 1-1 conversations and carer support groups where required • Regular 1-1 visits with residents documented • Small groups are held throughout the year as needed to meet emotional, spiritual and pastoral needs of residents • Support is regularly provided to families according to their specific needs • Forgotten Australians, Care Leavers, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and their families feel culturally safe, valued and respected, and this particular care is documented Worship • Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and conduct regular worship services according to the Uniting Church Liturgical practices (i.e. Uniting In-Worship 2) • Arrange the roster of visiting religious leaders who conduct the services of specific denominations or faiths • Services are conducted regularly according to agreed schedule with the RSM and in coordination with lifestyle staff • Residents are able to worship regularly according to their faith preferences Needs assessment and Record Management • Assess the pastoral and spiritual needs of residents and ensure the provision of appropriate care. • Identify and recommend to the RSM any changes to the physical environment which may support resident’s emotional, pastoral or spiritual needs. • Prepare and maintain spiritual care plans for each resident within the timelines specified by the RSM, and Care Manager • Maintain records which are complete, accurate, and meet regulatory requirements. • Provide monthly reports in a timely manner – e.g. Quality, and Chaplain monthly report • Spiritual needs are identified and addressed upon arrival of a resident into care and reviewed regularly and/or when appropriate. • Spiritual assessments are completed within the first month of resident arrival and updated as required. • Accurate and appropriate records are completed in a timely manner in line with RSM/Care Manager requests, UA Policy, and the Aged Care Quality Standards • Monthly reports are provided to the Spiritual Care Manager in a timely manner Spiritual Care Volunteers • Interview and recruit spiritual care volunteers who will offer person centred, compassionate, pastoral and spiritual care • Participate in the training of spiritual care volunteers in collaboration with the Spiritual Care Manager • Provide support, an opportunity for twice a year review, and evaluate the spiritual care provided by the spiritual care volunteer • Potential spiritual care volunteers are identified, interviewed and recruited • Participation in the training of spiritual care volunteers occurs in collaboration with the Spiritual Care Manager. • Record kept of reviews and evaluation of spiritual care volunteer – held twice a year (or more often if needed) Education for Staff • Provide small and large group education sessions as required, on understanding spirituality and emotional wellbeing, the role of chaplaincy and when to refer, spiritual and emotional distress, and grief and loss • In consultation with the RSM, a plan is made to ensure the ongoing training of staff, and education sessions carried out and evaluated Grief Management • Provide spiritual and emotional support for residents and relatives during times of transition, illness, grief, loss and other crises. • Palliative Care – Put ongoing plans and goals in place to meet spiritual needs of residents throughout the different palliative care stages • Provide support to families of residents at different stages of palliative care • Contribute to written documentation and attend palliative care committee meetings regarding palliative care. • Communicate verbally with key staff regarding visits, goals, observations, and write in the appropriate documentation • Evidence in documentation that palliative care plans and goals have been put in place and spiritual and emotional support has been identified and provided at the necessary stages of the palliative care journey Network and Support • To contribute to the UA chaplain network, by attending zoom meetings (unless urgently detained or on leave) and sharing practice and experiences • To attend the UA chaplain conference unless on annual leave or sick leave (usually held yearly) • Attend other UA chaplain network gatherings as required. • Attendance at all chaplain network meetings (unless urgently detained or on leave), and contributions to intranet resources as required Professional Development • Accept responsibility for own ongoing professional, personal and spiritual development • Commitment to undertake regular professional Supervision with an accredited Pastoral Supervisor (normally every 4-6 weeks, paid for by Uniting Agewell or included in stipend if UCA Minister). • Participate in initial 6-week, 3-6 month performance reviews and the Annual Professional Development Review with the Spiritual Care Manager • Participation in Professional Development opportunities offered to the Chaplaincy Team and relevant on-site training • Ongoing professional, personal, and spiritual development undertaken • Evidence of Regular professional Supervision attended • Evidence of participation in all forms of Performance and Professional Development Reviews. • Annual Professional Development Plans and processes completed in a professional manner • Participation in Professional Development opportunities within UA Person Centered Care Working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and with our staff and customers to provide an environment that supports people’s physical, emotional, social and psychological needs. • Engage in communication with customers and their families to understand and evaluate the customer experience at UA. • Promote person centred and directed care through the activities and education run through the Quality Unit. • Escalate any observations or concerns regarding the residents/client’s health, safety and well-being appropriately and in a timely manner. • Capacity to work effectively with all parts of the organisation including senior managers, care managers, team leaders and staff in implementing change and managing critical incidents • Good communication, problem solving, influencing and negotiation skills, including the capacity to facilitate resolutions of complaints • Evidence of consistent collaborative work with other staff, at all levels, including attendance at key site meetings and responses to referrals Customer Experience At Uniting AgeWell, the quality of life and experience of our customers is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to the provision of excellent customer service to all of our people, clients and stakeholders including residents and external suppliers, this is outlined in our Customer Promise, Customer Charter, the Uniting AgeWell values and BEST philosophy. • Residents and clients are treated with respect and dignity • Clients and residents are receiving person –centred and goal directed care in accordance with care plans • Resident and client service satisfaction surveys within agreed targets • Issues/complaints are resolved in a timely manner and escalated for further action where required Employee Experience Leading and supporting each other to be their BEST, give their BEST and help our community live their BEST To adhere to the BEST way of life in our daily work practices Believe we can make a difference everyday • Be committed to making a difference to the people we support and our community Excel by improving the way we work and partner with others to share & gain wisdom • To excel by partnering and providing guidance to our people around quality, safe and sustainable work practices and improving the way we do things • Participate in learning and development aligned with our BEST, Values and Customer Promise and Charter Supporting our people and valuing their contribution, experience and differences • Support each other to adhere to the BEST way of life. Trusting in our relationships to build strong and collaborative partnerships • To create a workplace culture of trust • The BEST way of life is evident in the individual’s daily contribution in the work place • Improvement in service delivery for residents and clients • Audits and accreditation are met, and our people are adhering to policies, procedures and safe work practices • Cohesive and supportive team cultures is embedded • A commitment to diversity and inclusion and living the Uniting AgeWell values • Promote a culture of continuous learning • All mandatory training of individual and staff is completed within the required time frames, as determined by executive and site management • The BEST way of life is evident in the way we practise our learnings and support and mentor others • Support others by sharing learnings demonstrating and implementing best practice Health and Safety To ensure a safe workplace is provided for all employees and other personnel including contractors, agency staff, volunteers and students. • Participate actively and positively in the area of health and safety to reduce all hazards and incidents within the workplace • Present at work fit for the physical and mental demands of your role • Take reasonable care for your own safety, the safety of your employees, colleagues and clients • To attend and support staff meetings and staff training programs • To remain current in principles of infection control, to practice standard infection control precautions and any special organisational requirements to ensure compliance with food handling regulations • Adhere to Uniting AgeWell OHS policies, protocols and safe work procedures • Ensure all hazards, incidents and injuries are reported in Riskman within the required timeframe • Mandatory training completed within organisational determined timeframe and as directed by the site RSM Quality, Compliance & Risk Management Uniting AgeWell strives to provide the highest quality care for each and every customer. For the purpose of Uniting AgeWell’s framework, high quality care is defined as care that is ‘Responsive, Integrated, Safe and Effective’ (RISE) • To maintain an understanding of the Aged Care Quality Standards; to seek opportunities for continuous improvement; and to participate in internal audits, customer satisfaction surveys and other quality improvement activities • To identify and report high impact- high prevalence clinical risks, ensuring that customer choice is considered and they are informed and supported in choice and decisions • To work within the Clinical Governance Framework, as applicable • Compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards and legal obligations • To adhere to the policies and procedures of the organisation • To participate in audits/quality reviews as required or as directed • Care and services provided are designed and delivered to minimise risk Other Duties & Requirements of the Position Other Duties • Other reasonable duties as requested from time to time, completed effectively and within given time frames Requirements • Attendance is required at Presbytery meetings. A minimum of twice per annum for full-time positions, and once per annum for part-time positions • UCA Code of Ethics Training (half day) is attended twice yearly, for both full-time and part-time positions • All Chaplains are expected to attend professional supervision at least every 6 weeks (the cost is met by Uniting Agewell, or covered in stipend if UCA Minister) • UCA Ministers, Deacons, and Pastors, in Chaplaincy roles may attend Synod and Presbytery Retreats. These are taken as part of study leave where applicable • Professional Development is undertaken in a chaplain’s own time or as part of study leave for Uniting Church ministers. Chaplains are encouraged by the Spiritual Care Manager to avail of some short relevant webinars, in the course of their work. • The Director of Mission may invite a number of Chaplains to attend some or all of the annual Spiritual Care Australia Conference with registration costs paid by UA. • Dignity, Privacy and Confidentiality: To ensure that the personal dignity and privacy of all residents / clients, their representatives and other staff are maintained, and that all interactions with resident/clients and their representatives are treated confidentially • Professional Boundaries are to be adhered to at all times • Work in accordance with the UA Code of Conduct, all UA workplace policies and guidelines, our BEST philosophy, UA Values and our Customer Promise and Charter to understand and deliver the philosophy of care of UA as expressed in the organisation’s Objectives, Vision, and Values. • Responsible for checking their electronic correspondence including but not limited to email, system specific to ensure they are up to date with any changes. Employee Declaration I have read and understand the requirements and expectations of the above Position Description. I agree that I have the physical ability to fulfil the inherent physical requirements of the position and accept my role in fulfilling the Key Priorities. I understand that the information and statements in this position description are intended to reflect a general overview of the responsibilities and are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive. Employee Signature: Print Name: Date: Document Control Date Developed: July 2020 Date Last Reviewed: January 2026 Developed and Reviewed By: Rev Clare Brockett – Director of Mission Version: Vs 2 Approved By: Tracy Semmens, Director People & Culture