Roman Catholic Chaplain in Rochester

Job holders will provide faith/belief and pastoral care to prisoners and staff of their own faith/belief tradition, with an understanding of other faiths as part of a multi‑faith chaplaincy team. They will also meet the pastoral needs of people of other faiths and none.

The role involves ensuring delivery of PSI 05/2016 Faith and Pastoral Care for Prisoners or its successor framework, and broader chaplaincy work. The holder will help the Governor and Chaplain General/Head of Faith Services confirm policy delivery. They will engage with and build contacts with their faith community to aid offender resettlement, maintain their own spiritual health and practice, and work non‑rotationally with no supervisory duties.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on their faith/belief system, offering advice, pastoral care and spiritual welfare to prisoners, staff and families as requested.
• Plan and lead worship/meditation, prayer and faith‑specific meetings; provide chaplaincy care at all times.
• Facilitate worship, meditation, study and religious programmes; coordinate with colleagues, volunteers, external groups and facilities.
• Contribute to development of local policy, procedures and practice.
• Provide pastoral care to prisoners, support crisis resolution, mentor other chaplains and volunteers.
• Nurture chaplaincy volunteers and support the Official Prison Visitor scheme.
• Inform the community of relevant events, distribute materials and acquire appropriate literature.
• Support training programmes for staff and volunteers; organise Faith Awareness Training.
• Represent the chaplaincy team at establishment meetings and committees, chairing where appropriate.
• Participate in ACCT process and related boards/meetings.
• Take on additional roles as agreed, such as Family Liaison Officer or volunteer coordinator.
• Establish links with local faith communities and agencies to assist prisoner release.
• Develop improvement initiatives, collect data and meet targets.
• Assist Probation Approved Premises and community initiatives for offenders on release.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Fulfil spoken and written aspects of the role in English or Welsh where required.

Essential Experience

• Meet the faith/belief eligibility requirements for the chosen faith as outlined in the Group Profile.
• Fluency in English or Welsh (where applicable).

Technical Requirements

• Must complete specific training for the required qualifications for the area of specialism.
• Faith/Belief Eligibility (Roman Catholic)
• Ordained Priest: Be an ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Church. Formal endorsement from the Diocesan Bishop or Religious Superior; proof before appointment. Complete federally recognised theological formation (major seminary or equivalent), or a religious/lay qualification equivalent to the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies. Formal agreement from the local diocesan bishop to minister in the prisons of their diocese. Formal endorsement from the HMPPS Roman Catholic Faith and Belief Adviser confirming eligibility and suitability.
• Ordained Deacon, Religious Brother/Sister or Lay Person: Be an ordained Permanent Deacon, a Religious Brother or Sister, or a suitably qualified lay person. Full endorsement from Diocesan Bishop and HMPPS Adviser as above. Complete recognised theological formation or equivalent qualification.

Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours Allowances)

Regular unsocial hours outside 07:00‑19:00 Monday to Friday, including evenings, nights, weekends and bank/public holidays. Unsocial hours are paid at the approved organisation rate plus a 20% overtime payment. Part‑time hours, if applicable, will be confirmed.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities, veteran status and members of protected groups.