Pastoral Lead Community & Care Setting
Location: East
Co. Galway
Contract:
Full-time, 39 hours per week (5 days over 7)
Salary:
Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Annual Leave:
24 days plus public holidays
Garda Vetting Required
About the Role
We are seeking a compassionate and experienced
Pastoral Lead
to head up the pastoral care and spiritual support team in a peaceful residential and community care setting in East Co. Galway.
This unique role involves leading a small, dedicated team to provide
spiritual, emotional, and social support
to residentswomen of faith who have dedicated their lives to serviceand to foster a warm, inclusive, and respectful community rooted in Gospel values.
Youll work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary care team to ensure residents experience dignity, comfort, and connection in every aspect of their daily lives. The ideal candidate will have a
deep sense of pastoral presence
, strong leadership skills, and the ability to bring compassion, structure, and creativity to a role that blends faith, care, and community.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, mentor, and co-ordinate the pastoral team to deliver consistent, person-centred support.
* Provide spiritual guidance, companionship, and emotional care to residents both individually and collectively.
* Collaborate closely with nursing, care, and support staff to integrate pastoral care into holistic wellbeing.
* Organise liturgical services, community gatherings, and reflective activities that nurture spiritual life.
* Support residents in maintaining meaningful connections with their families and wider community.
* Oversee end-of-life pastoral care with sensitivity, dignity, and compassion.
* Arrange and participate in the celebration of feast days, birthdays, and significant community occasions.
* Encourage inclusiveness and participation, ensuring that all residentsregardless of abilityfeel valued and supported.
* Lead by example in embodying values of hospitality, peace, and respect in all aspects of community life.
About You
You are an empathetic, faith-driven professional with a natural gift for pastoral care and leadership. You bring emotional intelligence, deep listening, and a gentle strength that inspires trust and hope in others.
Essential
* Degree or Masters in pastoral care, theology, chaplaincy, or related field.
* Substantial experience in pastoral care, chaplaincy, or counselling.
* Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to guide and support a small team.
* Experience working with older or vulnerable adults in healthcare, community, or faith-based settings.
* Proven ability to provide sensitive, person-centred support that respects individual beliefs and dignity.
* Competent IT skills (Office 365 or equivalent).
Desirable
* Certification in Healthcare Chaplaincy or Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
* Experience in a religious, not-for-profit, or community care environment.
* Full driving licence.
Personal Attributes
* A calm, compassionate presence and an ability to listen deeply.
* A collaborative, inclusive leadership style.
* A hands-on approach and willingness to adapt to the changing needs of the community.
* Genuine alignment with Christian values and a desire to serve in a mission-led environment.
(There is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be a committed and practising Christian.)
Why Apply?
This is a
meaningful leadership role
for someone who wants to combine faith, care, and purpose.
Youll have the opportunity to lead a values-based team, make a tangible difference in the lives of others, and contribute to a community where compassion, dignity, and peace are lived every day.
If youre a warm, thoughtful leader with a heart for pastoral ministry, wed love to hear from you.
Apply now
with your CV to Alan Noone
Skills
Pastrol Lead