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Job description

The re-location of the University of Ulster to Belfast city centre along with the recent expansion in nearby student accommodation means that Belfast is now home to a student population of well over 50,000 people. Situated in the heart of the city centre, the University of Ulster is home to over 12,000 students, a significant number from an international background. An Assistant Chaplain is sought to join the wider Presbyterian Universities Chaplaincy team serving across the city, with specific focus for this role being given to the University of Ulster campus in Belfast. The post-holder will contribute to the Christian ministry and mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in delivering the duties outlined and through the provision of a chaplaincy service to the staff and students of the University of Ulster in Belfast. The Assistant Chaplain will seek to maintain the witness of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in the University of Ulster through providing pastoral care to staff and students, offering spiritual activities and dovetailing with the wider chaplaincy team based in the university. This post is under the supervision of the Lead Chaplain for Belfast and responsible to the Council for Mission in Ireland through its Universities Chaplaincy Panel, and will assist with the implementation of decisions of the General Assembly relevant to the Council and carry forward its delegated responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• To maintain and develop the witness of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in the University of Ulster, Belfast
• To provide pastoral care to staff and students, and offer support for student Christian groups operating on campus
• To recognise and respond to the specific needs of particular cohorts of students as they approach chaplaincy for support, for example, international and exchange students and students with disabilities including mental ill health, working alongside
• To serve as part of the wider denominational chaplaincy team, working in collaboration with other chaplains to arrange and promote relevant faith projects or religious programmes as appropriate.
• To provide and promote appropriate programmes aimed at the development of spiritual formation and personal faith
• To be committed to a form of student ministry that dovetails well with the local Presbytery and nearby Presbyterian congregations, contributing to their work among students and liaising with Ministers, Kirk Sessions and other staff as appropriate
• To promote a historically rooted and intellectually robust approach to faith that engages through apologetics and reason
• To attend meetings within the University, including graduation ceremonies, where appropriate
• To perform such other duties, appropriate to the role, as may be required from time to time by the University
• To abide by the University of Ulster’s code of conduct for Chaplains and Religious Representatives
• To be an active part of the wider PCI Chaplaincy team in Belfast, supporting the role of the Chaplain in the discipleship and development of students as required
• To attend weekly meetings of the PCI Belfast Chaplaincy team to develop support, strategy, fellowship and prayer
• To prepare an annual report on the work of the service and be involved in other activities as determined by the Universities Chaplaincy Panel from time to time
• To, on occasion, engage in deputation as required for the purpose of informing congregations about the nature of Chaplaincy work
• To perform such other duties, appropriate to the role, as many be required from time to time by the Council for Mission in Ireland

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Third level education i.e., a degree or equivalent qualification
• A formal qualification in theology, pastoral care or counselling e.g., Theology degree or diploma or accreditation through the Association of Christian Counselling
• A vision for appropriate outreach to young people and for their spiritual development
• A knowledge of current issues affecting university students
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience of ministering to students/young adults
• Experience of providing pastoral care to students/young adults
• Experience of involvement in discipleship and spiritual formation of students
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office i.e., Word, Powerpoint
• Communicant membership of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
• Willing to work within the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
• Available to work unsocial hours, particularly during academic terms, that is mid-September to mid-December, February to Easter and post-Easter until end of May
• Availability of a car for business use and willingness to obtain appropriate insurance

Further Information

Number of posts: 1 Hours: 37.5 hours per week (available to work unsocial hours, particularly during academic terms, that is mid-September to mid-December, February to Easter and post-Easter until end of May) We are an equal opportunities employer