Chaplain

Provide spiritual and pastoral support to staff, clients, family and significant others, provide appropriate referral pathways and facilitate and create faith pathways, while working within a broader social mission team setting as part of the VIC Youth and School Chaplaincy Team.

Why this role matters  

Upton Road Youth Services provides stable and safe accommodation within a 24-hour staffed refuge setting, for young people between 16-25, Including young families who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. We offer a supportive, flexible and non-judgemental service to assist in making community links and building a supportive network, within a range of innovative programs that help young people build skills and restore confidence during their six to eight week stay. We aim to create a safe, nurturing and inclusive space that offers young people the opportunity to embrace their identity and deepen their connection with their community whilst adhering to their goals.

We provide services that support young people to secure sustainable housing, explore education and employment opportunities, life and living skills, health and wellbeing, build relationships, L2P program and navigate justice systems, while promoting positive community connections.

About the role 

As a Chaplain, this is your opportunity to provide spiritual and pastoral support to staff, clients, family and significant others, provide appropriate referral pathways and facilitate and create faith pathways, while working within a broader social mission team setting as part of the VIC Youth and School Chaplaincy Team.

Reporting to the Chaplaincy Team Leader, this is a permanent full-time role, located in St Kilda, VIC. 

Working hours are Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm, flexibility to work a Saturday per month is required.

How you will make an impact  

• Provide spiritual and pastoral care through individual and group engagement, supporting people to explore spirituality, respond to needs and risks and receive pastoral care following critical incidents

• Collaborate with local corps, mission expressions and other faith communities to create and support faith and referral pathways, including facilitating ceremonies and faith-based activities in line with The Salvation Army rites and framework

• Contribute to holistic client care and service delivery by participating in case meetings, management processes and local mission planning, and supporting staff and stakeholders to understand The Salvation Army theology, mission and culture

• Maintain accurate records and reports, comply with risk management and WHS requirements, adhere to budgets and complete mandatory training

• Uphold accountability goals including budget delivery, full compliance with child safety and Working with Children requirements and achieving WHS audit outcomes of 80 per cent or higher

This role is identified as requiring a committed Christian, in accordance with Section 351(2)(c) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), as it is necessary for the role to conform to the doctrines, beliefs, and principles of The Salvation Army

What  you  will  bring 

• A Diploma of Chaplaincy or willingness to complete and/ or training in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or Relevant Theological studies

• Knowledge of Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) (desirable)

• Positive Lifestyle Program training or willingness to complete

• Current or previous Chaplaincy experience or relevant experience in a similar position

• Regular attendance at a Christian place of worship

• A current VIC drivers licence and employee Working with Children Check

This position will also require:

• Meeting the yearly credentialing requirements of the Territorial Chaplaincy Support Unit (TCSU)

• Mandatory participation in regular professional pastoral supervision, area leadership teams, peer support group and monthly spiritual retreat day

What we offer 

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including:  

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit. 

• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.  

• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport 

• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency. 

• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts. 

About us

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, the Salvos are always there providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

How to apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and share our commitment to transforming communities, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the role's requirements.   

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.  

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory National Police Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.

Applications close on: 06/02/2026