Posted: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 23/02/2026
Job Type: Permanent - Part Time
Location: Adamstown
Job Category: School Support Staff (Ancillary)
St Columba's Primary School, Adamstown is seeking a Permanent Part Time (14 hours per week) Pastoral Care Worker to join the team 20th April 2026.
St Columba's Primary School, Adamstown, is an extraordinary primary school with a long tradition of delivering quality educational experiences for students. The strong school community enjoys a beautiful setting close to the city of Newcastle and its stunning beaches, while providing a balanced education that focuses on the academic, social, physical and spiritual needs of its students.
Job 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.
Experience/Criteria
Desired Skills and Experience
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
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
Salary is in accordance with 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 Jenny Howard, Principal on Tel: or via email:
TO APPLY
Please 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.
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: Monday 23rd February 2026 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.