Chaplain

Provide pastoral, emotional and spiritual support to both staff and clients, predominantly participants of the Bendigo / Northern Victoria’s Non-Residential AOD Program/s and to rural communities in the Central Victorian Corps catchment area.....

Why this role matters  

The Salvos offer hope, purpose, and fulfillment for anyone seeking connection, guidance, social support and community.   

About the role 

As a Chaplain, this is your opportunity to provide pastoral, emotional and spiritual support to both staff and clients, predominantly participants of the Bendigo / Northern Victoria’s Non-Residential AOD Program/s and to rural communities in the Central Victorian Corps catchment area.

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

How you will make an impact  

• Provide spiritual and pastoral care through one-on-one and group engagement, critical incident support and Christian ceremonies, encouraging people to explore faith and healing from trauma, grief, substance misuse, natural disasters and challenges of regional life
• Deliver person-centred, compassionate and non-judgemental pastoral triage and holistic care, participating in case meetings, responding to risk and need and working within service frameworks and processes
• Support service delivery by contributing to mission planning, management meetings, staff recruitment and induction, team wellbeing and development while promoting Salvation Army theology, mission and culture and facilitating faith-based activities and pathways
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, staff, families, Salvation Army expressions and interdenominational, government and community groups, fostering community connection, belonging and transition to suitable faith communities
• Maintain professional and organisational responsibilities through accurate reporting and record keeping, compliance with WH&S and risk management, adherence to budgets and completion of mandatory training

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 Development & Governance (TCDG)
• 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 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 close on: 11/02/2026

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

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive workenvironment 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.