Practitioner In Spiritual & Psychological Care

The Role

Pastoral Care at Marymount University Hospital & Hospice seeks to address the emotional and spiritual needs of palliative care patients and their families as part of the organisation’s holistic approach to care. Pastoral Care services also extend to staff who care for palliative and elderly care patients, supporting them to give of their best in line with Marymount’s Mission, Philosophy, and Ethical Code.

While rooted in the Catholic origins of the hospital, this Ethical Code recognises and respects the increasing diversity of society and is committed to meeting the needs of individuals of all religious denominations, spiritual traditions, and of none.

The Practitioner in Spiritual & Psychological Care will be an active contributor within a small, highly professional team, accompanying patients and families through times of suffering, upheaval, bereavement, and change, and offering comfort and inner healing through presence, conversation, or sacramental ministry.

Essential Criteria

Candidates must, on the latest date for receipt of completed applications:

• Meet one of the following qualification requirements:

(a) Have successfully completed Clinical Pastoral Education (minimum of three units); or

(b) Hold a professionally recognised pastoral care or chaplaincy qualification; or

(c) Hold an accredited counselling or psychotherapy qualification; and

(d) Have a minimum of two years’ post-qualification professional experience.

• Possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and suitability for the proper discharge of the role, including a well-developed understanding of the spiritual, religious, ethical, and psychological issues experienced by patients with life-limiting illness and their families.
• Demonstrate excellent teamwork skills, with experience in fostering a culture of welcome and inclusion for people of all faiths and of none.
• Demonstrate personal maturity, empathy, sensitivity, integrity, and resilience, together with appropriate levels of emotional and spiritual intelligence.

Qualifications and skills noted below are desirable, but candidates who possess them may be given higher priority during shortlisting.

• Demonstrated experience in pastoral care within a healthcare or palliative care setting, including bereavement support.
• A sound understanding of palliative care principles, including the integration of spiritual, emotional, ethical, and psychosocial dimensions of care.
• A clearly articulated philosophy of pastoral care, with insight into professional competencies, boundaries, and self-care.
• Knowledge of diverse religious, spiritual, and philosophical traditions, and the ability to work inclusively with patients and families of all faiths and none.
• Experience of collaborative practice within multidisciplinary teams, with an interest in education, reflective practice, and relevant research.

This is a 12-month fixed-term, part-time contract (0.80 WTE).

Closing Date for Applicitons 28th January 2026 at midday.