Walk alongside community in faith, culture and healing
Join Njernda Aboriginal Corporation as a Pastoral Care Support Worker, providing spiritual and emotional care that honours Aboriginal culture and Christian faith.
This role focuses on building trusting relationships, supporting community healing, and walking alongside individuals and families with compassion, prayer and presence.
Please note, this is an Identified Role and open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only.
About the role
In this role, you will:
• Offer culturally safe spiritual and emotional support to individuals and families
• Build strong, respectful relationships with community members and Elders
• Facilitate gatherings, services, and healing events grounded in faith and culture
• Support Aboriginal Christian leadership and youth spiritual development
• Collaborate with churches, Elders, and local organisations to meet community needs
About you
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity is essential for this role
• Certificate IV or Diploma in Pastoral Care, Community Services, Chaplaincy or similar
• Strong Christian faith with experience providing pastoral or spiritual support
• Deep understanding of Aboriginal culture, kinship and community life
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Selection Criteria
Essential:
Qualifications
* Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services, Youth Work, or Social Work or Pastoral Care, Chaplaincy, or Christian Counselling or similar
Skills
* Ability to work sensitively and respectfully with Aboriginal people, understanding cultural protocols, kinship structures, and the importance of Elders and community decision-making.
* Strong Christian Biblical faith, and capacity to provide pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and lead faith-based activities (prayer, worship, counselling) in ways that are both Christ-centered and culturally safe.
* Highly developed interpersonal skills to build trust, foster healing relationships, and collaborate effectively with Elders, families, and local organisations.
* Demonstrated history of engaging with Aboriginal communities, showing respect for culture, identity, and history, preferably within Echuca or the broader Murray River region.
* Previous role(s) providing pastoral care, community ministry, chaplaincy, or church leadership that involved supporting people spiritually and practically.
* Hands-on experience developing or delivering community-based programs, outreach, or support initiatives (e.g., family support, youth work, healing groups, or cultural connection activities).
Experience
* 2 years of experience in similar role
Satisfactory evidence of:
* Pre-employment checks not limited to at least two professional referees,
* Proof of identity and qualifications
* National police check, Working with Children's Check, full Victorian driver's license,
* Disclosure of any pre-existing illness / injury and vaccination status in line with Njernda's current policy and procedure
* As applicable – eligibility to work in Australia, professional/regulatory licenses, registration and current good standing, and clearance on aged care banning orders.
Desirable:
* Regional or rural Australian work experience in a similar role
Please apply via Seek before November 14 supplying a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, your resume and the details of two referees.