Lay Chaplain

www.saintben.derby.sch.uk

September 2017

Applicant Information

Contents page – Lay Chaplain

Advert

Applicant Letter from The Headteacher

Job Description

Person Specification

Application Procedure for The Appointment of Chaplain

CES National Standards for Chaplains Working in Schools and Academies

Lay Chaplain

£22,658 – £24,174 per annumWe are seeking to appoint a school chaplain who feels able to make a significant and exciting contribution to the spirituality of our students. This is an exciting position and we are looking for the right person to work with our students in providing social, emotional and spiritual support, a listening ear and a caring presence for all students and staff. Governors are looking for someone to further promote and deepen our Catholic ethos and values. The successful candidate will have a strong personal sense of belief and a passion for encouraging young people in their faith.

Applicants must be able to develop a strategic, systematic and inspiring plan for the students’ spiritual development and formation. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and developing whole school collective worship, finding new ways to engage young people with the message of the Gospel and serving others through active discipleship. You must have experience in leading prayer and worship with adults and young people and be able to support and encourage the school’s pastoral care for pupils, staff and Governors.

The school is situated in Darley Abbey, a small historical village situated between the outskirts of Derby City and the Derbyshire Dales. Derbyshire is one of the most diverse counties in the country and locally we have excellent rail and road links.Our community is a welcoming and inclusive environment, with a supportive leadership team, a committed and skilled staff and an encouraging and loyal governing body. We consider our school to be a special place.

Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicants will be expected to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

An application form and further details can be downloaded from our website at www.saintben.derby.sch.uk or available from Mrs Charlie Chamberlain at the school Tel: 01332 554295, email cchamberlain@saintben.derby.sch.uk

Closing date for this post is noon on 9 October with interviews being be held on 16 October.

September 2017

Dear candidate

I am delighted that you are considering applying for the post of Lay Chaplain here at Saint Benedict and would urge you to come and visit us to get a feel for this wonderful school.

Saint Benedict is a very special community and one very close to my heart. Both of my children have been educated here and I have seen how the Catholic formation they have received has shaped them as young people. As a Catholic school, we are diverse in every sense of the word, in social economic times we have many children who come from some of the poorest areas of Derby in search of faith and a brighter future. We have children from over 40 countries who attend the school and are one of the most diverse schools in terms of different language and culture in the whole of the United Kingdom.

Our vision for youth chaplaincy is one where young people have a sense of ownership of their faith and have the opportunity to shape and deliver liturgy and to be a voice to their peers. The appointment of this post represents an opportunity to put children at the heart of leading the faith life of the school, therefore the successful candidate will be embarking upon an exciting journey of change with the school community who are right behind them.

I look forward to meeting you and wish you all the very best with your application.

Yours sincerely

Kevin GrittonHeadteacher

Job DescriptionLay Chaplain

Responsible to: Headteacher

Salary points: NJC pts 24 - 27

Working Weeks: 52 weeks per annum with evening and weekend working

Working hours: Annualised hours (core working times during term time)

Purpose of the Role

The core role is to develop and support the spiritual life of the Academy trust and deepen the gospel values which are the basis of the Academy Trust’s mission. The Chaplain’s work is to essentially:

Support individuals and the community in their journey of faith Meet and walk alongside those in difficulty Counsel and provide a listening ear to all Be a bridge builder, and help to maintain and heal relationships Enrich the life of the Trust through prayer, liturgy, retreat and charity work

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To carry out the following professional duties of a member of staff as circumstances may require and in accordance with the Academy’s policies under the direction of theHeadteacher. This job description may be amended at any time following discussionsbetween the Headteacher and the post holder and will be reviewed annually. The post holder will be expected to lead and manage the following operational aspects of Chaplaincy in the Academy.

To co-ordinate and plan assemblies, liturgies and celebrations throughout the year. These should be prayerful, reflective, and creative, involving students and staff. They should also be relevant to local and global events where possible;

To be visible and available to members of the community on a day-to day basis

To organise the programme of collective worship and whole school masses. Liaise with clergy and school staff to provide a high quality liturgy for every whole school mass

To work closely with Teachers, Directors of House, Achievement Managers members of the Leadership team and associate staff in creating a happy and caring environment

To undertake training for safeguarding where appropriate

To be a member of the school Lourdes team and accompany pupils to Lourdes each year

To contribute to the teaching and learning within the trust To support focussed prayer groups, bible study, teaching and discussion

groups To contribute to school enrichment programmes To liaise with the Deanery Youth Worker to support with the preparation of

students for parish based liturgies and the receiving of sacraments To work closely with the Deanery Youth Worker to promote the school and its

children in the local parishes To organise a programme of weekend or holiday retreats for specified year

groups. To contribute to the Academy Improvement Plan as and when directed by the

Headteacher; To make arrangements for the celebration of the sacraments to occur and

liaisewith the partner parish priests of the Trust (and beyond), developing good relationships;

To accompany groups to the Briars and other retreat centres on a residential basis;

To take responsibility for production of a school prayer book and ‘Thought for the Day’ recording;

To support the work of the Religious Education department To undertake training and development for staff members To identify areas of community service related to local faith communities

which may be undertaken by the academy or individuals within the academy To work with students in their sacramental life such as Confirmation working

with key stakeholders as and when necessary; To contribute to the overall management of students’ emotional well-being

working collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team, Directors of House, Achievement Managers, parents and carers to ensure students are able to reach their potential at school.

To remind students of the Mission Statement of Saint Benedict through theirinteraction with students on a daily basis;

To mentor vulnerable students or those faced with adversity as and when directed by the leadership team;

To apply emotional intelligence in day to day interaction with students andparents commensurate with the ethos and teachings of Catholicism, the school ethos and priorities;

To operate at all times within stated policies and practices of the Academy; To contribute to the corporate life of the Academy through effective

participation in meetings and management; To take responsibility for their own professional development and duties in

relation to school policies and practices;

To uphold at all times, the Catholic Ethos and identity of the Academy;

Person Specification Lay Chaplain

EVIDENCED BY SKILLS, QUALITIES AND ABILITIES ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

Interview Have a passion for Catholic life and spirituality *

App Interview Have a secure knowledge of the Church’s Liturgical

year, its traditions and practices *

Application Have experience of working with young people *

Interview Be open minded and empathetic *

Interview Fully support and uphold the school’s Mission Statement *

Interview Be able to inspire and motivate students *

App Interview Have a vision for the development of Chaplaincy in

Saint Benedict and across the multi academy *

Interview Ability to stay firm in your own spirituality and being able to

handle the stress of helping others *

Interview Be trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality *

App Interview Be sufficiently confident in delivering a range of assemblies and

staff liturgies as well as leading relevant in service training (INSET) *

Interview Have the creative potential to further develop the prayer life

of students and staff *

App Interview Have the ability and commitment to work collaboratively with

other teams within school *

App Interview Be able to work on their own initiative *

App Interview Be willing to give time to students and staff *

App Interview Be efficient and organised and able to meet strict deadlines *

Interview Be competent in the use of ICT *

Interview Be a good communicator, able both to listen and talk *

Interview Be able to build good relationships with staff and students *

Application Able to play a musical instrument and lead others for

music in liturgy

*

Application Have a degree in Religious Studies and/or counselling or

Pastoral Care or working with young people

*

APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF LAY CHAPLAIN

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

HOW TO APPLY

Please note that your application form will be photocopied for distribution to the Governors’ selection panel. Please use the electronic form found on the school website (version 12). No other application form will be accepted.

Timescale

Closing date for applications: Noon on 9 October 2017

Short listing date: 9 October 2017

Interviews: 16 October 2017

Application Form

Applicants should complete the application form ensuring that you have not omitted any information. Please do not supply a separate CV.

Letter of Application

In support of your application and in addition to the supporting statement and application form, please write a letter using no more than 500 words, addressed to Kevin Gritton, Headteacher, in which describe your vision for the development of chaplaincy at Saint Benedict CVA.

Applications must be marked confidential and for the attention of Charlie Chamberlain, HR Assistant at the school or sent via e-mail to cchamberlain@saintben.derby.sch.uk.

Confidential Disclosure

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be requested for the successful candidate, in accordance with Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education legislation.

In accordance with statutory requirements certain pre-employment checks are conducted for positions involving working with vulnerable groups, specifically children and vulnerable adults.

The information obtained from these checks is used to help safeguard these groups. It will not be used to discriminate unfairly against those with convictions which we consider as unrelated

to working with vulnerable groups. Having a criminal record will not automatically bar you from employment or voluntary work with us. As the position you are applying for gives you privileged access to vulnerable groups, it is an Exempted Occupation under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013), provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’ and are not subject to disclosure, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website. Please refer to this guide when completing the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Disclosure Form. The filtering guidelines are detailed at Appendix 1, which set out those convictions and cautions which are ‘protected’. This means that you must disclose spent and unspent convictions which are not “protected” as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). This includes any driving offences. Failure to disclose any criminal convictions could lead either to your application being rejected or, if you are appointed, to dismissal if it is subsequently discovered that you have had any criminal convictions. It is a criminal offence to apply for a position working with children if you are excluded from doing so. Failure to complete the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 - Disclosure Form may render your application invalid. If you wish, you may submit information in a sealed envelope, marked for the confidential attention of Helen Bounds.

Point of Contact

For any queries relating to this vacancy, please contact Helen Bounds, HR Director, Saint Benedict catholic Voluntary Academy, Duffield Road, Darley Abbey, Derby, DE22 1JD 01332 554257 (direct dial) or via e-mail to: hbounds@saintben.derby.sch.uk .

Shortlisting

Shortlisted candidates will be informed on Tuesday 10 October via e-mail and references will be requested by 10 October 2017. All references will be expected to be returned by 14 October 2017. Please ensure that you provide accurate email addresses for given referees and that they are available to provide a reference before the interview date.

Selection Process

Details of the selection process will be sent to shortlisted candidates. The selection panel may reduce the number of candidates during the day.

Expenses

Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses for candidates who attend for interview will be reimbursed by the school.

Contract of Employment

The successful applicant will be required to sign the CES contract of employment.

Relocation Expenses

A relocation package is available for the successful candidate.

CES NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR CHAPLAINSWORKING IN SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES

National Standards for Chaplains working in schools and academies are divided into five key areas:

1. The Chaplain as witness2. The Chaplain as pastor3. The Chaplain as leader4. The Chaplain as educator5. The Chaplain as professional

The Chaplain as witnessThe Chaplain should:

a. be a practising Catholic in full communion with the Church;b. set a good example to all members of the school community in terms of living

a Christian life by:i. being a person who prays and makes prayer an important feature of

decision making and who intercedes on behalf of the community they serve;

ii. speaking of their own faith and relationship with Christ;iii. living a life which exemplifies Gospel values;iv. treating all members of the community with dignity, building

relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to the chaplain’s professional position;

v. showing tolerance of and respect for the rights of others;vi. demonstrating a commitment to Catholic Moral and Social Teaching.

The Chaplain as pastorThe Chaplain should:

a. be attentive to the needs of all members of the school communityb. support other staff in school who share the responsibility of the pastoral care

of pupils, including the Head Teacher;c. accompany the whole community in their highs and lows, celebrating with

them in their joys and consoling them in their sorrows;

d. be able to relate to a wide range of individuals and establish levels of trust where problems can be shared;

e. focus on the marginalized and the vulnerable within the school community as their special care.

The Chaplain as leaderThe Chaplain should:

a. have a good understanding of the liturgical life of the Church and be able to lead pupils and staff into a fuller appreciation of its richness and beauty;

b. know how to prepare a space for prayer;

c. have the skills of a well-trained sacristan and know how to both prepare a space for the celebration of Mass;

d. care for any sacred space in school, especially where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved;

e. be skilled in engaging children and young people in prayer, worship and the sacramental life of the Church, particularly the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation, where appropriate;

f. support class and whole school based worship through the provision and creation of appropriate worship resources;

g. help pupils and staff to develop confidence in leading prayer and worship independently;

h. provide opportunities for staff and pupils to deepen their spiritual life, for example, through the organizing of retreats and days of reflection.

The Chaplain as educatorThe Chaplain should:

a. have a good knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith to:i. support school catechetical programmes (where they exist);ii. support the formal and informal learning that takes place across school

life;b. ensure that structured time with pupils is well-planned, delivered and

evaluated;c. support the professional development of staff in terms of the Catholic life of

the school.

The Chaplain as professionalThe Chaplain should:

a. if a priest, celebrate Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation regularly in school;

b. if not a priest, make arrangements for the regular celebration of Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation within school with the priest(s) of the local parish or deanery;

c. form good working relationships with the nearby priest(s) and parishes and facilitate partnership working between parish/deanery/diocese and school.

d. maintain good working relationships with other members of staff, governors/directors and school leaders;

e. observe professional standards in terms of appearance, punctuality and full participation in the working life of the school;

f. have regular performance appraisal;

g. have regard for the need to safeguard pupils’ well-being, in accordance with statutory provisions;

h. Contribute to self-evaluation processes in readiness for inspection