Pastoral Practitioner – Armidale
Permanent Full Time
Join Uniting’s dedicated Pastoral Care Team with continuous professional, personal and spiritual development
This is a role within Uniting’s Mission team, providing meaningful pastoral care services to people in our care across Uniting Armidale. The role is grounded in Uniting’s values and pastoral principles that are culturally relevant, age-appropriate and responsive to the needs of those receiving our services.
About the location – Armidale
Set in the heart of the Northern Tablelands, Armidale offers a unique lifestyle combining natural beauty, strong community connection and rich cultural life. Known for its four distinct seasons, heritage streetscapes, vibrant arts scene and access to stunning national parks and waterfalls, Armidale provides the benefits of regional living without sacrificing services, education and amenity.
It is home to the University of New England and has a welcoming, engaged community with a strong sense of care for one another.
About the site
The role is based at Autumn Lodge, which comprises two Residential Aged Care Centres with a total of 110 residents. The two centres are located directly across the road from one another and operate as a single site.
The site also includes an Independent Living Unit (ILU) village.
About Uniting
At Uniting, we take real steps to make the world a better place. Our services span aged care, disability, child and family services, community services, Chaplaincy and Pastoral Practice. We actively engage in social justice issues and advocate for the people we serve.
As the community services arm of the Uniting Church in Australia, our focus is always on people — no matter their stage of life or the challenges they face. Our supports and services are designed alongside communities, responding to their needs and hopes.
Role Overview

As a Pastoral Practitioner, you will:

• Contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Pastoral Care team
• Build and sustain effective, nurturing pastoral relationships
• Provide pastoral and spiritual support to residents and families
• Maintain appropriate documentation and reporting
• Commit to ongoing professional, personal and spiritual development

Essential Criteria and Qualifications

• One or more units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent
• Relevant pastoral or theological study

Experience and capabilities

• Demonstrated experience working within a large, complex church or not-for-profit organisation
• Understanding of pastoral and spiritual needs of people receiving services within Uniting
• Strong empathy and ability to support vulnerable people
• Clear understanding of the distinction between religion and spirituality
• Basic understanding of diverse faith traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism
• Highly effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with moderate computer skills
• A genuine passion for social change and contributing to an organisation that supports people experiencing disadvantage

Even better

• Graduate qualification in a relevant discipline

Enquiries
For recruitment enquiries, please contact Louise Massie at mmassie@uniting.org
For Chaplaincy enquiries, please contact Rob Atherton at ratherton@uniting.org
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care.
We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability.
Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.
Empowered by diversity
At Uniting, inclusion isn’t just something we value – it’s how we work. Our culture and practice reflect the vibrant diversity of our colleagues, and the clients and communities we serve.