Orthodox Chaplain

As an Orthodox Chaplain in our Chaplaincy Team, you’ll support people through some of the most defining moments in their lives. You’ll help create safe spaces for reflection, connection, and personal growth inside the prison community.

Location: Serco - HMP Thameside, London SE28 0FJ. Permanent, Part Time (8 hours p/w).

Salary: £7,135.26 pa + LWA £1,300 pa pro rata.

You’ll be part of a multi‑faith team that provides inclusive and compassionate pastoral support every day.

What you’ll do:

• Act as a faith and belief adviser, providing pastoral care and spiritual welfare to prisoners, colleagues and families.
• Facilitate and deliver opportunities for worship, prayer, study, meditation and religious programmes.
• Contribute to local policy and good practice development within the Chaplaincy team.
• Mentor and support other chaplains and volunteers, including following incidents.
• Plan and lead faith‑specific services, prayer and group sessions.
• Provide pastoral support during crisis situations where required.
• Coordinate services delivered by volunteers and contractors.
• Acquire and distribute appropriate religious literature, supplies and materials.
• Support the delivery of Faith Awareness Training for colleagues.
• Take responsibility for your own spiritual wellbeing, including time for study, prayer and retreat.
• Attend relevant boards and meetings, contributing as chair or team member.
• Undertake administration, data collection and reporting linked to targets and service delivery.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience within your Orthodox faith, with at least three years’ experience delivering faith services in a custodial environment.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multi‑faith chaplaincy team.
• Strong spoken English skills, enabling you to confidently deliver all aspects of the role.
• Creativity, flexibility and strong organisational and record‑keeping skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including producing regular written reports.
• Confidence in public speaking and leading group programmes.
• The ability to build positive relationships with diverse communities, colleagues and external faith groups.
• Good computer literacy, sound judgement and effective problem‑solving skills.

Vetting and checks:

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. Depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC). UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. An Occupational Health Questionnaire will be completed to identify and provide support you may need to undertake the role effectively.

What we offer:

• Competitive annual leave entitlement.
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers.
• Paid volunteering day and charitable giving options and support.
• Inclusive networks that support belonging and diversity.
• Free on site car parking.

We’re open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. For help with your application please contact 0345 010 4000. We support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the “Ban the Box” pledge; some roles may be exempt due to security requirements.