Pastoral Care Chaplain

Salary: The gross salary scale applicable to the post is €58,476 - €71,440 per annum (scale effective 01/06/2026).

Hours of Work: The appointee will be required to work 35 hours per week, together with such additional hours as may be required from time to time for the proper discharge of their duties.

Annual Leave: 27 days annual leave per annum on a full-time basis. The annual leave year operates from September to August. Annual leave will be in accordance with arrangements authorised by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science from time to time.

Overview of Role and Context

Pastoral Care is a holistic support service focused on the social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of students and staff, especially during times of crisis, transition, or personal difficulty.

The Pastoral Care Chaplain is a member of the Student Support Team, fostering a holistic environment of care and working closely with, and complementing, other student support and welfare services across the University.

The post holder will confidentially and discreetly provide responsive frontline one-to-one and group pastoral support to students and staff. Qualities of compassion, empathy, and non-judgement are essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide direct student support by offering a listening ear and confidential support to students and staff facing personal difficulties, bereavement, mental health challenges, sickness, or other crises.
• Lead crisis intervention, including student and staff death protocols, responding to traumatic events, and providing immediate support to students in distress.
• Act as a central contact point for signposting and referral, connecting students with professional services such as counselling, healthcare, accommodation, or financial aid during emergencies.
• Organise community-building initiatives that support students transitioning into university life, particularly international students and those adjusting to campus culture.
• Promote a multi-faith support service that is open to people of all faiths and none by offering spiritual guidance, prayer spaces, and facilitating faith-based discussion groups.
• Collaborate with Student Services, the Students' Union, and academic staff to enhance the overall student experience.
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the service.
• Manage the Quiet Room on a day-to-day basis to nurture the spiritual needs of all students and staff, and oversee the operation of the Hardship Fund.

Other Duties

• Assist the Student Support Team in administering the Student Assistance Fund.
• Liaise with academic, technical, and administrative staff across all SETU campuses to enhance the student experience.
• Work with Student Services, the Students' Union, and community agencies to develop events that support students' spiritual and social development.
• Actively support and contribute to the Student Orientation Programme.
• Work closely with the Community Garda and the Students' Union to help ensure students are safe and secure and understand the responsibilities of renting and living within the local community.
• Support the development of active citizenship and charitable outreach initiatives, faith-inspired and otherwise, such as Volunteer Awards.
• Build effective working relationships with on-campus teams and local community support agencies to meet the needs of the student body.
• Participate in University activities aligned with Student Services strategic objectives.
• Support students experiencing academic issues relating to delayed progression or non-advancement.
• Support students in connecting with local religious and non-religious communities.
• Support students in developing their spirituality, encompassing all religions, beliefs, creeds, and those with no religious affiliation.
• Respond, intervene, and provide support during times of trauma, crisis, illness, and grief affecting students.
• Coordinate practical support services for students on a flexible basis, including occasional out-of-hours work.
• Integrate the service into the local community and liaise effectively with community organisations, local faith-based organisations, and charities.
• Facilitate and coordinate appropriate services, rituals, and initiatives that support all faith traditions and none, incorporating reflections, readings, music, and other appropriate elements.
• Participate in University Chaplains' Networks and Associations, including Third Level meetings and training events.
• Participate in University activities in line with Student Services strategic objectives.
• Work within the policies and protocols of the University.
• Undertake any other duties that correspond to the general character of the post and are commensurate with its level of responsibility, including supporting the broader work of the Student Services Team.
• This list is not exhaustive.

Person SpecificationAcademic Qualifications

• Level 7 or Level 8 Degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.

Experience

• 1 to 3 years' experience working in a similar pastoral care, counselling, or support role within education or a related sector.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Personal Qualities

• Strong understanding of student wellness issues in higher education.
• Knowledge of diverse faith traditions.
• Proven active listening, empathy, crisis de-escalation, and absolute discretion when handling confidential information.

IT Skills

• High-level competency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, for reporting.