Pastoral Care Worker - Cessnock

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Introduction:
St Patrick's Primary School, Cessnock, is seeking a Temporary Part Time (14 hours per week) Pastoral Care Worker to join the team in June for the rest of the year.

At the heart of our commitment to student wellbeing, the Pastoral Care Worker plays a vital role in supporting the personal and spiritual needs of students—not just their academic progress. As outlined by the Commonwealth Government’s Project Agreement, pastoral care is the practice of caring for students' individual needs through the provision of general spiritual and personal support.

Set among the rolling vineyards and green countryside of the Hunter Valley, St Patrick’s Primary School, Cessnock offers a welcoming and inspiring learning environment for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Located just beyond the town centre, Cessnock is the largest town in Australia’s oldest wine region and lies less than an hour from Newcastle’s CBD, making it an ideal setting for a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

With a proud heritage grounded in the Josephite tradition, St Patrick’s is home to 355 students and a dedicated team of educators. We celebrate creativity, nurture individual strengths, and value each student and teacher as a unique part of our school community. At St Patrick’s, strong community spirit and personalised support are at the heart of everything we do.

Description:
POSITION DESCRIPTION

Pastoral care is defined in the Project Agreement with the Commonwealth Government as the practice of looking after the personal needs of students, not just their academic needs, through the provision of general spiritual and personal advice.

Pastoral care workers support the Pastoral Care of students by providing:

• pastoral care services
• strategies that support the wellbeing of the broader school community. NSCP, 2019, 10. (Guidelines on NSW Arrangements for 2020–2022).

The role of the pastoral care worker will vary depending on the needs of the individual schools and their communities. Therefore, schools are encouraged to shape the role of the position according to local needs and the capacities of the incumbent.

Skills and Experiences:
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• Be a Catholic
• Have an understanding and willingness to support and follow the Catholic Identity and mission of the school, and have a good understanding of Catholic schools and the wider community
• Be an ethical, respected individual within and outside the school
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate and work effectively in teams with the Principal, the Parish Priest or his representative, the teaching staff, parents, the Learning Support Teacher, Learning Support Assistants, the school Counsellor, and the broader community
• Demonstrate good organisational ability and proved capacity to work effectively in a school environment
• Be competent and capable in monitoring and reporting requirements of CSO and NSCP
• Ability to prioritise the wellbeing of students and families
• Comply with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW) and all related laws concerning child protection
• Trained in the implementation and facilitation of support programs for students e.g. Drum Beat, Seasons for Growth (Desirable)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
• Completion of anaphylaxis training
• Meet NSCP minimum qualification requirements (a Certificate IV in Youth Work or Pastoral Care or equivalent)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 2020

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US

Work in quality schools where students are nurtured, challenged and encouraged to excel and grow
A corporate fitness program through Fitness Passport (T&C's apply)
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Training and staff development programs
Paid parental leave for eligible employees
Access to long service leave after just five years for eligible employees.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact Petrina Massey, Principal on Tel: 02 4990 3152 or via email: petrina.massey@mn.catholic.edu.au

TO APPLY CLICK ON THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW AND

• Provide a cover letter along with your resume
• Within your cover letter address each of the selection criteria as listed under EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA above and ensure your response to each criteria is no longer than 300 words
• Preferred applicants will be asked to participate in orientation processes, including a formation conversation, following the interview, to introduce them to the local Parish context and the culture of the Catholic school.

Please note, not adequately addressing the selection criteria may result in your application not being shortlisted.

Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.

Applications close: Friday 20th of June 2025 at 11.59pm

Additional information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.