College Chaplain

PREAMBLE

Founded in 1898, Mary Immaculate College (MIC) is an autonomous, university-level, Catholic College of Education and the Liberal Arts situated in the heart of Limerick city that is academically linked with the University of Limerick. Significant expansion in recent decades has seen the College’s suite of educational programmes expand across two impressive campuses, one based in Limerick City and the other in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. The diverse student community comprises over 5,000 learners who participate in a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and research degrees at Masters and Doctoral level. MIC offers an intellectually stimulating learning environment where academic staff are committed to the advancement of knowledge and learning that is in service to the local, national, and international community.

CANDIDATE PROFILE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION

Mary Immaculate College (MIC) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of College Chaplain on a Full-Time, Permanent basis. This appointment will be made at Senior Executive Officer grade.

The College Chaplain will contribute to the life and ethos of MIC by:

• offering confidential religious, spiritual, and pastoral accompaniment to students and staff;

• providing support to students and staff from diverse cultural, religious, and belief backgrounds;

• coordinating chaplaincy activities, volunteers, and reflective gatherings;

• curation of the chapel and reflection/prayer spaces on both campuses;

• organising opportunities for faith sharing and exploration of religious traditions;

• liaising with internal and external partners to support community wellbeing and,

• contributing to the College’s ongoing efforts to express and deepen its Catholic ethos in practice.

As MIC continues to reflect on and evolve its understanding of Mission, the Chaplain will remain attentive to developments in this area and contribute, where appropriate, to activities or initiatives that align with chaplaincy practice and the College’s values. The role is non sacramental; the Chaplain does not preside at liturgies or sacraments but liaises with external clergy and faith leaders to ensure sacramental provision when required. The successful candidate will work across both the Limerick and Thurles campuses and collaborate closely with Student Life, EDII, the International Office, the Students’ Union (MISU), academic departments, and local community partners.

Essential Qualifications, skills, and experience (i.e. those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job):

In order to be considered for this post, applicants must:

Qualifications:

Hold a primary degree (NFQ Level 8 or higher) in a relevant discipline (or area or field) such as Chaplaincy/Pastoral Care, Social Care/Community Work

or

Hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., Chaplaincy Studies & Pastoral Work, Pastoral Theology, Social Care)

Professional Experience:

2.1 Have significant and substantial pastoral experience (normally a minimum of three years) in a higher education or analogous setting (e.g. school, healthcare, community, NGO, parish) and in a role or roles that involved;

2.1.1 pastoral accompaniment, confidential listening, reflective practice, and appropriate referral for young adults and diverse adult populations.

2.1.2 working in multi-faith, interreligious, and intercultural contexts, supporting individuals of all faiths and none.

2.1.3 providing support in situations involving bereavement, crisis, trauma, or major life transitions, within appropriate pastoral boundaries.

2.1.4 organising celebrations to mark the Catholic liturgical calendar.

Knowledge & Understanding:

Candidates must demonstrate:

3.1 Understanding of the role of chaplaincy in contemporary higher education settings, including pastoral, spiritual, religious, reflective, and community-building dimensions.

3.2 Knowledge of safeguarding, wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, and related policy frameworks relevant to chaplaincy.

3.3 Understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality, GDPR, and ethical pastoral practice.

Core Competencies & Skills

4.1 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written), that includes, but is not limited to:

4.1.2 Strong facilitation skills for reflective groups, explorations of religious identities, spiritual accompaniment, and intercultural dialogue.

4.1.3 Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and with external partners.

4.1.4 Effective organisational abilities, including event coordination, administration, and documentation.

4.1.5 Competence in ICT and digital engagement, including online pastoral support.

Values & Dispositions

5.1 Demonstrate an openness to the Catholic ethos and values of MIC that is marked by empathy, respect, and non-judgement.

5.2 Show commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and intercultural respect.

5.3 Be committed to ongoing professional development and professional supervision in chaplaincy practice.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Advanced Qualifications / Training

• Postgraduate qualification (if not already essential)

• Training in grief literacy, trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, spiritual direction, facilitation, or pastoral group work

Experience

• Experience coordinating para liturgies in the Christian tradition, multi-faith observances, interreligious dialogue, or intercultural events

• Experience working with international students

• Experience contributing to critical-incident responses or wellbeing initiatives

Additional Skills

• Competency in additional languages

• Familiarity with local community networks, faith communities, NGOs, or volunteer organisations

Cuirfear fáilte roimh iarratais ó dhaoine go bhfuil dearcadh dearfach acu i leith na Gaeilge.

Applications are welcome from people who have a positive outlook to the Irish language.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The College Chaplain will undertake duties including, but not limited to:

A. Pastoral, Spiritual & Relational Support

• Provide confidential pastoral, religious, and spiritual accompaniment to students and staff.

• Offer presence, listening, reflective practice, and support at times of personal difficulty.

• Assist those experiencing bereavement, illness, crisis, loneliness, and life transitions.

• Offer religious and spiritual support and meaning-making opportunities for individuals of all faiths and none.

B. Interfaith, Intercultural & Inclusion Work

• Support interreligious and intercultural dialogue initiatives.

• Collaborate with EDII and the International Office on religious/belief literacy and intercultural understanding.

• Build relationships with local faith leaders, interfaith councils, and belief communities.

C. Community Observances (Non-Sacramental)

• Organise seasonal and reflective gatherings (Advent/Christmas, Easter, memorial services, multi-faith observances, etc.).

• Coordinate with external clergy and celebrants for liturgical or sacramental events when required.

• Represent MIC at funerals or memorials in an appropriate pastoral capacity.

D. Chaplaincy Service Administration & Leadership

• Coordinate the day-to-day operation of Chaplaincy Services.

• Supervise co-op students, interns, and volunteers engaged in chaplaincy-related roles.

• Manage chaplaincy budgets, resources, and supply needs.

• Maintain GDPR-compliant pastoral activity records.

• Contribute to relevant policies, reports, and planning documents.

E. Curation of Chapels & Reflective Spaces

• Ensure chapels and prayer/reflection spaces are welcoming, inclusive, safe, and well maintained.

• Liaise with Buildings & Estates regarding maintenance, accessibility, signage, and scheduling.

• Support appropriate community use of these spaces.

F. Community Engagement, Volunteering & Formation

• Promote and support student volunteering, including MIC initiatives such as Gaisce.

• Assist with induction, orientation, and transition supports for new students.

• Contribute to staff wellbeing initiatives, reflective sessions, faith development and community-building events.

G. Committees & Institutional Participation

• Participate in relevant College committees

• Provide chaplaincy input to the Student Hardship Fund, I-Grade applications, and student support processes.

• Represent MIC Chaplaincy Services at events, conferences, and regional partnerships.

H. Collaboration & Referral

• Work collegially and collaboratively with Student Life, Counselling, Medical Services, Access/Disability, EDII, International Office, and academic departments.

• Maintain clear referral pathways for students and staff requiring specialised support.

I. Professionalism, Compliance & Development

• Engage in regular professional supervision.

• Undertake continuing professional development.

• Ensure compliance with all MIC policies (safeguarding, dignity and respect, GDPR, health and safety).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

General

All persons employed will sign an appropriate contract, which will contain terms and conditions of the employment. A job description is given to all applicants for employment and this will form part of the contract documentation.

Place of Work

The appointee’s primary place of work will be Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, while there may be an occasional requirement to attend on our Thurles campus. The College reserves the right to require the appointee to work from any other location. It is a requirement of the College that the appointee must reside within a reasonable distance of the College.

MIC operates a blended working policy, which offers scope for the post holder to combine office attendance with remote working, subject to the provisions of the policy.

Exclusivity of Service and Outside

The person appointed will be required to devote their full-time attention and abilities to their duties during their working hours in the College and to act in the best interest of the College at all times. Therefore, for as long as the successful applicant is working in the College, they may not, without the prior written consent of the College President, be actively engaged or concerned in any way, either directly or indirectly, in any other business or undertaking where this is or is likely to be in conflict with the College’s interests or the performance of the duties that the person has been employed for.

The appointee will not, during their tenure of office, undertake paid outside work unless they have received the permission of the College President of Mary Immaculate College to undertake such work on the terms and conditions as agreed for the particular undertaking in question. In every case, it is the duty of the appointee to seek in writing the prior permission of the College President. It is also the duty, in every case, of the appointee to inform the person or body for whom the work is being undertaken, that the work is being conducted in a private capacity and that the College cannot in any circumstances be responsible for such work.

Probationary Period

The appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of the standard 6-month probationary period. The probationary period may be extended at the discretion of the College but will not in any case exceed 11 months. Absences during the period of probation will extend the probationary period. Performance and conduct during the probationary period will be reviewed through a process of assessment meetings. Termination of employment during the probationary period, for any reason or no reason, will be at the discretion of the College. The disciplinary procedure will not apply to a dismissal during probation where the probationary employee has been employed by MIC for less than 12 months.

Hours of Attendance

The working hours for a full-time employee at this grade are 35 hours per week. The normal hours of duty are Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 05:00 pm, with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break each day and Friday, 9.00 am to 4.45 pm with a 45-minute unpaid lunch break. However, the duties attaching to the position are such that the post holder may be required to work evenings/weekends on occasion to accommodate service needs. Subject to College policy, the post holder may avail of “Time-Off-In-Lieu (TOIL)” or overtime where working hours exceed the contract hours per week. The College reserves the right to adjust starting and finishing times or days of duty to meet service needs.

Salary

The salary scale for this grade has been approved by the the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Higher Education Authority in line with Government Policy on Public Sector remuneration. The annual salary for the post may be increased or decreased in line with Government Policy on Public Sector remuneration. In keeping with all other branches of the Civil and Public Service, individual bargaining for salary increases is not allowed.

The appointment will be made on the salary scale at a point in line with current Government Pay Policy. New entrants to the Civil or Public Sector, as defined in Circular 18/2010, will commence on the first point of the salary scale.

This post is at Senior Executive Officer grade. With effect from 1st February 2026, the annual salary scale for the grade of Senior Executive Officer is:

€60,611; €62,093; €63,824; €65,562; €67,302; €68,857; €70,440; €71,981; €73,515; €76,150; (LSI 1) €78,795 (LSI 2)

Increments are awarded in line with national pay agreements.

Salary will be paid on a monthly basis on the 25th of each month, or the previous Friday if 25th falls on a weekend, using the Paypath facility. Payment of salaries and wages are subject to statutory deductions, i.e. Income Tax (PAYE), Superannuation Contributions, Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) and Universal Social Charge (USC).

Superannuation

New entrants appointed will be required to participate in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and pay Superannuation contributions at the appropriate rates in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act, 2012.

All other eligible appointees are automatically included in the Colleges’ of Education Pension Scheme on taking up appointment. In compliance with the Colleges of Education Pension Scheme, deductions amounting to 6.5% are made from salary.

The appointee will be required to pay Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) under the provisions of the Public Service and Pensions Act 2017.

Appointees who commenced employment in the public service between 1st April 2004 and 31st December 2012 and have not had a break in employment of greater than 6 months will have no mandatory retirement age. All other appointees will have a mandatory retirement age of 70.

Pension Abatement

If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointee’s re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012.

Please note: In applying for this position applicants are acknowledging that they understand that the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the College will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.

Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement for this grade is 29 working days per leave year. Annual leave should be taken when students are off campus and the taking of leave must have the prior approval of the relevant Line Manager.

Public Holidays are granted in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997.

Sick Leave

Employees who have a minimum 3 months continuous employment with the College may be granted sick pay subject to the terms of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme. Sick pay is contingent on full cooperation and compliance with the Colleges absence management procedures.

Termination of Employment

At least two calendar months written notice is required to resign a permanent appointment at this grade.

On the termination of employment but before departing from the College, staff members are required to return to the College all books, reports, memoranda, correspondence, papers, records, reports, files including data held on electronic files, computer disks, electronically recorded discs, and any other documentation, and all other property, including office keys, belonging to the College or relating to its business or affairs which are in the possession of a staff member or under his/her control when the employment is terminated.