The successful candidate will be based in the Cork campus.
At Munster Technological University (MTU) student welfare has always been a key priority and our aim is to continue to create a spirit of cooperation and care within the University community.
A caring community is vital for the growth of each individual and their personal values held.
And so, while all our staff have a responsibility and duty of care to our students the pastoral care of our staff and student population is taken care of by a dedicated pastoral care team.
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We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Pastoral Care Lead to join our Student Services team.
The role of the Pastoral Care Lead will be to support students through the provision of holistic care and organisation of faith-based activities alongside the other advisory and central student services.
The Pastoral Care Lead will work as part of the Student Affairs Division and will work within a wider team who offer support to a wonderfully diverse body of students.
Applicants for the post should ideally have experience working in Pastoral Care, or a similar role, preferably within a Higher Education setting.
In addition to their pastoral care skills, the successful candidate should be able to demonstrate excellent organisational, people and communication skills, with a proven ability to work well in a team environment, while also demonstrating their ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
This is a unique role within the area of student support and the candidate should be experienced in dealing with varied and complex situations, while demonstrating confidentiality and sensitivity in all interactions with students, our staff, and the public.
As this position operates within Student Services, candidates should understand and have empathy with the mission, ethos, and overall approach of Student Services.
Location, level and relationship within management structure: The successful candidate will report to the Student Affairs Manager Cork Campus who in turn reports to the Director of Student Services.
This line management arrangement may be amended as MTUs organisational structure evolves over time.
Please note the postholder may be required to travel between MTU Campus locations.
Duties and responsibilities of the position: Administrative and other duties: This will include: Providing one-to-one pastoral support to students, particularly at times of crisis such as bereavement, mental health challenges, or personal difficulties; Acting as a central point of contact for student welfare issues to ensure that students in need or crisis are dealt with tactfully, sensitively, and confidentially, signposting students to appropriate support when necessary; Working as part of the wider Student Affairs team to enhance the student experience and support student wellbeing, for example by providing drop-in service, initiating and coordinating events and activities; Acting as a central figure within the MTU Student Death Protocol and be directly involved in managing the response and coordination of support in the event of a student death; co-ordinating support for students and liaising with deceased students families and external bodies as appropriate; Providing advice and support for students with routine day-to-day challenges, providing guidance with reference to university policies and procedures, and connecting with other supports where applicable; Identifying students with the most complex support needs, applying good judgement and initiative, and utilising expertise to find appropriate support; Promoting a multi-Faith service which is open to students of all faiths, and none; Further developing a sense of community on campus, creating an approachable, holistic environment for students to explore and enrich their spiritual wellness; Connecting students with faith communities both on and off campus; Establishing and facilitating opportunities for faith and spiritual exploration for students such as discussion groups or one-to-one pastoral support; Promoting and supporting students in accessing faith and spiritual-based events as appropriate; Leading and supporting the development of a faith community on campus for students who want to come together to explore faith and spirituality through events, campaigns etc.
; Building and developing working relationships with faith groups on campus and locally, to better inform and signpost students when necessary; To represent Student Affairs as required, which may require occasional work outside of core hours; Supporting the university response in matters such as social justice and in crisis management.
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records and establish a mechanism for recording KPIs; Developing effective working relationships with colleagues in other areas of the University; professional, administrative, and academic colleagues, and colleagues within MTU Students Union; Developing effective working relationships with the established local churches, faith groups etc who serve our student and staff populations; Proactively seeking new ways of identifying and supporting students who are experiencing difficulties with consideration to developing inclusive services with equality of access for all students; Briefing new students on the service and types of support available at key times in the calendar such as Induction and Orientation; The post holder may from time to time be required to contribute to or lead activities as directed by the Student Affairs Manager, the Director of Student Services, or their nominee.
The ideal candidate will have: Essential Have obtained at least Grade D3 (H6/O6) in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational programmes) or equivalent OR have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be standard or equivalent or higher OR have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate.
A minimum of three years relevant experience working in either of the following, second or third level chaplaincy/pastoral care, hospital chaplaincy or pastoral care, other area within second or third level education where a significant part of the job specification and role involved a pastoral care and student welfare element.
A deep understanding of student concerns and issues in the higher education sector; Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate well with students, staff, senior management and academics; Excellent interpersonal skills including collaboration, advocacy, and empathy, which have been developed in previous roles; An ability to operate calmly under pressure, work effectively to deadlines with highly developed organisation skills; A demonstrable understanding of a variety of faith practices; Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to anticipate problems and recognise when to involve other parties (at the appropriate time and level); Ability to exercise discretion with sensitive and confidential data and documentation; Proven experience working with key stakeholders across a large organisation, preferably within Higher Education Institutions; Maintain highest standards of ethics, accountability, and confidentiality in all aspects of work; Ability to work independently, including the self-motivation to identify and undertake self-directed work; Ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the student population, and structures of the University, as it grows Excellent IT skills; Terms of the Appointment: Salary Scale: Grade VII - €60,****** - €78,****** pa (including 2 long service increments LSI are paid after 3 years) Permanent, whole-time Hours of work: 35 hours per week Annual leave: 29 days per annum.
Important Notes:
a. Screening and short-listing only takes place on the basis of information submitted on the application.
In addition to the minimum criteria, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria.
Candidates should note that they may be called for more than one interview.
b. Please ensure that full information is given on qualifications and that the information is accurate and corresponds to the original transcript of qualifications.
c. Please ensure that those you nominate as referees are contacted by you and will be able to supply a reference without delay if requested.
d. The University regrets that it cannot pay expenses for candidates attending interviews for this post or for taking up the position, if appointed.
e. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
f. Appointments will be subject to Garda vetting.
g. Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit.
The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, United Kingdom along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.
It is an offence under the Employment Permits Acts **** and **** for both an employer and an employee if a non-EEA National is in employment without an appropriate employment permit.
Employment permit holders can only work for the employer named on the permit.
Application Process: Applications by MTU eRecruitment system only.
Applications will not be accepted in any other format.
Please log on to apply for this position.
The information given in this document is of a general information nature only and should not be taken as contractual.
Closing date for receipt of completed e-applications is 1.00 pm on Friday, 6 February ****.
Munster Technological University is an equal opportunities employer.
Skills: Minimum 3yrs relevant experience Excellent Interpersonal Skills Understanding of a variety of faith practices