Work with Tira Tūhāhā Prison Chaplaincy Aotearoa
A job with TTPCA is helping to support those most vulnerable in our community to live happy, meaningful lives. Prison chaplaincy provides both Catholic and protestant (TTPCA employed) chaplains to each prison. TTPCA employs the protestant chaplains and the local diocese employs the Catholic chaplains. We advertise both positions and below are the current vacancies for each role.
Thinking of becoming a prison chaplain?
What the role entails:
Chaplains are based at a dedicated prison site and work as part of prison site teams. The purpose of the chaplain role is to provide spiritual and religious support to all prisoners. This includes providing opportunities for all prisoners (Christian and non-Christian) to attend scheduled religious and spiritual group services, and, also providing individual pastoral support to prisoners. Chaplains also provide for the recruitment, training, coordination, and supervision of volunteers who also help to deliver chaplaincy at each prison.
As part of the role, chaplains work closely with the chaplaincy team on-site and have regular chaplaincy team meetings as well as regular site management team meetings. Chaplains are also responsible for regular reporting about the provision of chaplaincy support within their site.
Chaplains engage in regular spiritual direction sessions and also plan and attend regular professional supervision sessions as a tool to enable them to reflect on their ministry.
We recognise that prison chaplaincy is a unique role. As such, to provide potential employees with a broader understanding of the work environment and the chaplain role, TTPCA provides all shortlisted applicants with a scoping visit at the prison site.
The qualities we look for in potential chaplains:
We are looking for people who have a deep faith. Significant ministry and pastoral counselling experience are required and it is preferable that you have a formal theological qualification. Other requirements include:
- Knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori
- Confidence in providing group and individual services, pastoral support, as well as leading and coordinating volunteers
- An appropriate level of mental and physical agility
- Good IT aptitude with the ability to use Office 365 and pick up new systems.
Also advantageous is experience in working with mental health issues.
To be considered for a chaplain role, individuals must already have the right to live and work in New Zealand. All appointments are subject to an acceptable church commendation, a drug and criminal record check, and obtaining approval for prison access.
Interested?
If you are keen to learn more about the chaplain role, please contact Dave Marshall, Ministry Development Manager on 04 595 4642, or email him at dave.marshall@prisonchaplaincy.org.nz.