In the development of community and comprehensive schools the position of School Chaplain was created to ensure that a pastorally caring, socially reflective, and religiously sensitive atmosphere permeates the daily life of the school. The position of Chaplain reflects accurately in The Education Act, 1998, Section 9(d), that notes the obligation placed on schools to “promote the moral, spiritual, social and personal development of students in consultation with parents, having regard to the characteristic spirit of the school”.

The position is to cover the maternity leave of the current Chaplain. The successful applicant will be nominated by the Donegal Protestant Board of Education, the School’s patron body. They are then appointed by the Board of Management of the school and subject to the sanction of the Department of Education and Skills. The following guidelines give an idea of some of the essential roles of the Chaplain as it stands presently.

• Help form, maintain and develop the Christian ethos of the School.
• Lead and coordinate morning Assembly.
• Lead and coordinate services for the school community during the academic year and when the need arises.
• Teach and coordinate Religious Education within the school.
• Deliver Relationship Sexuality Education within the Religious Education framework.
• Make a contribution to the co-curricular life of the school.
• Be present as a support to pupils throughout the state examinations in June.
• Provide pastoral care for the whole school community including pupils, staff and their families.
• The Chaplain is a member of the Pastoral Care Team (PCT) which at present comprises of the Principal, Deputy Principal, Guidance Counsellor and Home School, Community Liaison Co-ordinator. The PCT meet twice weekly to determine the long and short term pastoral care needs of the school community and co-ordinate a response to the care and welfare needs of students and their families. This involves liaising with the Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) and the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
• Visit the Royal School House on a weekly basis and engage with the running of the Royal School House.
• Be a member of the Royal School House Committee.
• Meet with the Principal on a regular basis.

The Appointment

We are seeking a well-qualified and motivated member of staff who will be able to maintain the work developed by the current Chaplain. The applicant must have completed a primary degree in Theology/Religious Education or a primary degree in other subjects of the second-level school curriculum.  A qualification in teaching and counselling or youth work would be preferable. The successful applicant will be encouraged to undertake further training to help develop their role as Chaplain.

Protestant faith, belief, teaching and practice are intrinsic to this position. Accordingly, the school chaplain must be a lay person or an ordained minister of protestant faith committed to the teaching and values of Christ acting in support of the founding intention of the school and a current member of a Christian Church.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. In line with the terms of CL 31/2016, if you are recommended for this position, a vetting disclosure must be obtained from the National Vetting Bureau prior to the commencement of employment with the School. Any offer of employment will be subject to the School receiving a satisfactory Garda vetting disclosure prior to employment. The Board of Management may withdraw an offer of employment if a satisfactory vetting disclosure is not received. The Board of Management cannot enter into a Contract of Employment without first receiving a vetting disclosure.

Remuneration

The salary scale attaching to the position is the teachers’ common basic scale together with appropriate allowances.  Payment will be on a whole-time basis and will be paid in arrears by direct transfer to a bank account nominated by you on a fortnightly basis.

There may be an opportunity of accommodation in the Royal School House.

Applications

Applications in the form of a completed application form containing three persons of whom reference might be made (one of whom must be the candidate’s current or most recent employer) and a letter of application should be sent to: The Secretary of the Board of Management, The Royal and Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe, Co. Donegal reaching them no later than 12:00 pm on Friday 2 June. We hope to draw up a short-list as per Department of Education criteria for appointments soon after the closing date and have the interviews on Friday 9 June & the week of Monday 12 June 2023.

For an informal discussion regarding the post or to arrange a visit to both the School and the Royal School House please contact Dr Howard Welch on 074 9145389 (from Northern Ireland 00353 749145389) or at principal@royalandprior.ie