68856 - Roman Catholic Chaplain (Part-Time) - HMP Norwich

£30,938- £32,424 Pro-rata
2
12 Months
East of England
Norwich
HMP NORWICH NORWICH, NR1 4LU
HEO
Band 5
Permanent
Part Time, Flexible Working
Chaplaincy

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Overview of the job    

This is a Chaplaincy job in an establishment which provides pastoral and faith specific care to prisoners and staff.

Summary    

The job holder will provide for the religious care of prisoners and staff in the Roman Catholic faith tradition including (for ordained priests) sacramental provision, and appropriate pastoral care for all irrespective of faith or tradition. 

The job holder will work with colleagues to ensure the delivery of the specification “Faith and Pastoral Care”, and also the broader work of chaplaincy in delivering faith and non-faith based courses.  Will contribute to the process by which the Governor and Head of Chaplaincy/Profession at HQ are assured that the specification is being delivered.

The job holder will engage with, and build contacts with their own faith community towards aiding the resettlement of offenders.

This is a non-operational job with no line management or supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties    

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

•    Act as faith advisor in the establishment providing advice, pastoral care and spiritual welfare to prisoners, staff and their families as requested.
•    Facilitate and deliver opportunities for worship both sacramental (for priests) and non-sacramental, study and religious programmes.
•    Contribute towards the development of local policy, procedures and practice.
•    Provide mentoring and personal support for other chaplains and volunteers including following incidents.  
•    Be part of the provision of available and accessible chaplaincy care at all times.
•    Plan and lead worship and prayer/faith specific meetings.
•    Provide pastoral care to prisoners and help to provide support and bring resolution to crisis situations where required.
•    Nurture Chaplaincy volunteers in their contribution.
•    Facilitate services provided by contractors and volunteers.
•    Work collaboratively with other Chaplains and Managing Chaplain on the maintenance and provision of facilities for worship and prayer.
•    Ensure your prison community is aware of relevant religious events and coordinate establishment support for these.
•    Acquire and distribute appropriate religious literature, supplies and materials.
•    Contribute to training programmes and materials for staff and volunteers. 
•    Be proactive in forging links with their local faith communities and other agencies, as relevant, and consider ways in which these communities/ agencies may become involved in mentoring prisoners on release. 
•    Participate in developing ways for improving and achieving Service Delivery Indicators (SDI).
•    As required, undertake and ensure that all relevant administration, data collection and analysis including relevant SDIs are collated.
•    Be part of the organisation and delivery of Faith Awareness Training for staff.
•    Take responsibility for your own spiritual health and development, allowing time for private prayer, study and retreat.
•    Undertake Diocesan Ministerial Reviews, where appropriate. 
•    Provide appropriate support to the establishment in the absence of the Managing Chaplain. 
•    Actively support the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) process.
•    Attend relevant boards/meetings and actively contribute either as chair or team member.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Behaviours    

•    Communicating and Influencing.
•    Managing a Quality Service.
•    Making Effective Decisions.
•    Leadership.
•    Working Together.

Strengths    

•    Authentic
•    Emotionally Intelligent
•    Enabler
•    Explainer
•    Inclusive
•    Mission
•    Relationship Builder
•    Resilient

Experience    

Chaplains are required to meet the Faith Eligibility Requirements for their chosen faith as outlined within the Group Profile.

Technical    

Must complete specific training to hold the qualifications required for area of specialism outlined in the Faith Eligibility Requirements (listed within the Group Profile).

Be an ordained Priest in the Roman Catholic Church. Formal endorsement in the form of recognition from the appropriate Diocesan Bishop or Religious Superior, and formal agreement to work in specific Dioceses by the local diocesan Bishop (evidence required before appointment). 

Or

Be an ordained Permanent Deacon, a Religious Brother or Sister or a suitably qualified lay person of the Roman Catholic Church.  Formal endorsement in the form of recognition from the appropriate Diocesan Bishop or Religious Superior and formal agreement to work in a specific diocese by the local Diocesan Bishop (Evidence required before appointment).

Hours of Work   

15 hour working week (Monday to Friday only)
Flexible working possible

Factor Examples

Please provide job-specific examples to support the factors below (please refer to guidance for completion):
Factor    

Examples

Skills and Knowledge    

Be an ordained priest of the Roman Catholic Church
    Formal endorsement in the form of recognition from the appropriate Diocesan Bishop or Religious Superior, and formal agreement to work in specific Dioceses by the local Diocesan Bishop. (Evidence required before appointment)
    Formal recognised qualification in theology or religious study Involves education to degree standard or equivalent professional qualification, and usually 3 years further theological education with a further 3 year minimum period of directed work and study within the organisation
    Must have a good working knowledge of IT
    Have relevant practical experience in the delivery of worship, group work and pastoral care.
Ordained Roman Catholic Chaplains will have completed a period of post-ordination consolidation (normally at least 3 years post ordination training). They will have demonstrated to the National Leadership of their denomination that they can effectively practice and fulfil the skills and competencies required of a Faith leader. They will be held accountable via their Diocesan structures for Pastoral and Faith leadership, financial and personnel management, and for the development of the ministry planning and strategy of their parish or chaplaincy
    Regularly reflecting upon activities and experiences of people from a very wide range of backgrounds. Could include reflecting and acting upon the challenges of multi-faith working, or to attend to the funerary needs of a member of staff, or to understand the impact that a Mental Health Practitioner’s decisions may have upon the perceived spiritual well-being of a prisoner. All of these activities require in depth understanding of both their own theological (i.e. professional as well as spiritual) standing, and interactive elements in working with others
    Should have a working knowledge of other faiths represented within a prison to enable them to work in a multi faith environment
    Have organisational skills acquired through experience or structured training 
    Have excellent communication skills and should be able to design and deliver courses, sermons, presentations and write structured reports

Accountability and Decision Making    

Make decisions on the religious provision for own faith group in consultation with the Managing Chaplain
    Responsible for undertaking actions arising from the Her Majesty Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP)/ Managing Quality of Prison Life (MQPL) reports 
    Make decisions regarding provision of pastoral care and guidance for prisoners and staff when required
    Facilitate and lead corporate worship and religious education for prisoners
Make decisions regarding style of worship, inviting guest speakers (as appropriate) – evaluating benefit to prison community of outside input. Deciding on curriculum of teaching, ensuring that HMPS policies are followed in such decisions
    Accountable for requirement to visit new prisoners within 24hrs of their arrival. Also for visiting prisoners located in the separation and care units and the healthcare centre daily. Will be accountable with other team members for ensuring that prisoners have access to a member of the chaplaincy team before their discharge
    Inform prisoners of bad news e.g. the death or serious illness of a relative as soon as possible after receiving the news. This will involve confirming the news with an independent body before passing the news on to the prisoner and offering and providing pastoral support once the news is delivered. Ensures arrangements for prisoner to attend funeral/bedside are followed in a fair and timely way
    Ensure that a programme of religious worship and instruction is available for their own faith and to enable all those prisoners wishing to participate to do so
    Chaplains can make decisions such as devising a new course.  Job holder will inform the Managing Chaplin of intention and if given the go-head will negotiate with interested parties such as operational staff in regards to escorting/unlocking of prisoners
    Decide on the suitability of team members and volunteers from their own faith background and advise the Managing Chaplain
    Responsible for ensuring any activity is run in a way that is deemed operationally secure so that it does not impact the operational running of the prison
    Decide on the veracity of  information and requests made by prisoners
    Make recommendations for the business plan and budget
    Deal with queries over religious observance and interfaith issues
    Make recommendations to the Managing Chaplain on major festivals and will be responsible for coordinating the operational factors in supporting those festivals
    Offer pastoral support to those prisoners who are near death or are on Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) documents.
    Undertake regular compliance checks for the area of work
    Contribute information to the Head of Security regarding the list of Extremist prisoners where their extreme behaviour centres around religion or faith
    Provide advice to other internal departments e.g. catering, extremism and Diveristy Equality Action Team (DEAT) meetings
    Undertake preaching and teaching at services and study groups
    Ensuring chaplaincy courses are appropriately evaluated and that the evaluation is incorporated in the establishment SAR’s
    Process marriage applications for prisoners of their own faith and advise the Governing Governor over the final decision by recommendations as to whether it should proceed
    Have an input in Risk Assessments and make recommendations to the Managing Chaplain
    Contribute to the whole reducing reoffending agenda
    Contingency plan – Ensuring faith specific issues are adequately reflected in the establishments contingency plan

    Accountable to faith lead, Bishop etc.

    Verifies and communicates bereavement information to prisoners and provides an ongoing support service
    Accountable for the delivery of relevant parts of the specification “Faith and Pastoral Care of Prisoners”
    Responsibility for a defined work area in terms of specialist knowledge and expertise by which the Governor is informed and recommendations are made which impact on the safe and decent running of the prison e.g. Deciding on curriculum of preaching/teaching, ensuring that HMPS policies are followed in such decisions.  At the Managing Chaplain’s request will create procedural instructions and strategies which contribute to the operation of the prison such as Procedure for confirming and notifying death/illness of relative, religious items permitted in possession, risk assessing groups for required amount of officer cover.  Responsible to Managing Chaplain for safe, secure and equitable operation of relevant major festivals requesting advice and support from other managers as required
    Makes decisions regarding provision of pastoral care and guidance for prisoners and staff when required
    Responsible for decisions on pastoral care of membership such as which courses/groups to run while accountable to the Managing Chaplain
    In the absence of the Managing Chaplain (Rest Days, leave, training, sickness) will be accountable for the delivery of critical elements the Faith and Pastoral Care specification

Problem Solving    

Solve day to day problems of staff deployment across own faith group to deliver competing demands and to cover for staff absence
    Escalate important/critical issues directly with the Managing Chaplain if appropriate

    Problems faced by the job holder may include having to deal with issues/queries passed to them by the switchboard in relation to anxiety over a particular prisoner.  The job holder is required to use their judgement in deciding how to process the problem
    Makes recommendations concerning exclusion from Worship activities in instances where a prisoner’s behaviour is unacceptable.  The job holder would be required to use judgement as whether a warning is sufficient or whether to exclude for a set period
    Prisoners may come to the Chaplains and say they have a problem with the procedures within the establishment.  The job holder will need to carefully explore the issue with operational staff to establish the precise situation
    The Chaplain will often have to act as a conduit between the prisoners and the operational staff and deal with any perceived injustices/persecution by the prisoners while ensuring the integrity of the staff 
    Provide information/advice to Governor via Managing Chaplain e.g. regarding how to accommodate faith issues without compromising regime/security requirements
    Problems faced by the job holder may be complex e.g. a prisoner may have a relative/friend for whom the normal visit procedure is impossible or unsuitable i.e. disabilities.  The Chaplain would be required to find an alternative solution that would be both operationally viable and pastorally sensitive
    Analysis of prisoner needs, exploring the spiritual and personal situation of individuals and options available to them and directing to appropriate resources – Chaplaincy interventions, post-release contact etc. During Intervention sessions respond to prisoner needs in relation to addressing offending
    Chaplains will often have to think “outside the box” without compromising the security of the prison.  For example liaising with the Head of Security to get permission for a family member to bring a suit for a prisoner to wear to a funeral to hand into the Chaplain at the Gate to be taken to reception
    To exercise their judgment in difficult circumstances which may be emotionally charged such as dealing with bereavement, distresses/suicidal/self harming prisoners, distresses relatives of prisoners and staff (after death in custody)
    Provides information/advise to Governor e.g. regarding how to accommodate faith issues without compromising regime/security requirements
    Solving issues – Seek to resolve contradictions between custodial management and faith requirements e.g. Prisoner wishing to attend corporate worship from the Care and Separation Unit (CASU) the job holder may need to spend extra time there etc.

Resource Management and Financial Impact    

Make requisition purchases from the department budget subject to approval from the Managing Chaplain.  In the absence of the Managing Chaplain will be responsible for the day by day resourcing of Chaplaincy
    Organise hospital visits involving drawing together information from hospital regarding condition of prisoner’s relative, establishing level of relationship to prisoner, ensuring all relevant risk assessments are carried out in a timely manner, following through process until the visit is made or denied and prisoner informed. Frequency around 1 per fortnight in medium sized establishment. As complexity increases, it may be that there will be more than one such visit to manage at a time

Organising and Planning    

Facilitate services provided by religious contractors and volunteers and outside visiting groups including obtaining information necessary for security checks, ensuring security procedures are followed, this involves planning and following through arrangements made
    Development of programmes e.g. Victim Awareness Group. Chaplain engages with establishment Business Plan to determine need for and benefit of programmes to the establishment aims. Prioritising and co-ordinating the activity, setting timescales and milestones by liaising with a number of departments including Learning and Skills, Security, Offender Management, Reducing Re-offending to ensure safe, consistent, quality course provision
    Determine resources, organisation and processes required to meet targets by identifying, recruiting and managing volunteer groups from the community. The Chaplain organises clearances, access to prisoners, attendance of prisoners, staff availability and supervision. Ensures that volunteers are trained to a suitable level to enable them to successfully deliver the course.  Actively involved in the planning process and liaises with course presentation team to ensure resources will be available throughout duration of course; plans time-management for schedule of courses, briefs and updates Offender Management on progress of prisoners through the programme. Monitors and recommends change to programmes according to performance and budgetary changes or shortfalls, complexity and participation. Each programme (of which up to 8 per year may occur) will involve uniformed staff to supervise, 20 prisoner participants, 1 overseeing Chaplain, and 6 volunteers
    Co-ordination with a number of departments to a high level is required; e.g.
Learning and Skills – to ensure Offender Qualification (OfQual) standards are met and reported upon; Security / Operations – to ensure volunteers are suitably cleared / searched / safeguarded / supervised; Offender Management – to ensure consistent delivery of sentence planning goals and targets; Reducing Re-offending – to engage with research and development of effectiveness of programme, ensuring short term objectives support the long term vision; Short-term; monitors and engages with the volunteers during course provision to ensure safety and quality
    Engagement with Learning and Skills to ensure Quality Improvement, producing Improvement Plans at least annually in line with Establishment Business Plans. Involves taking account of potential conflicting activities are taken account of and reconciled - Negotiating timetable difficulties and needs for prisoners to attend a course during the core day often involves arranging for prisoners to be excused other work or activities. The job holder plans and determines in advance where these “rub points” may be and will liaise with appropriate departments in order to achieve goals of programme; Complexity - A very complex task, ranging across many departments and engaging with requiring persuasion and motivation of many different groups to achieve the goals of the programme. Not all of these groups would have the goals of this programme as a priority and so advanced persuasion is often required
    Work with colleagues to deliver the specification “Faith and Pastoral Care of Prisoners” with particular emphasis on own faith traditions. Resettlement work is typically devolved to the Chaplains and involves appointing Mentors and working towards resettlement plans from a faith perspective, prioritising and coordinating the activity, setting timescale and milestones.   This is an ongoing task that requires both forward planning and a short term response. The task is carried out on a week-by-week basis in order to cater for long term and short term prisoners.  The Chaplain will determine resources,  organisation and processes required to meet targets by:
•    Identification of suitable mentors, through Faith Groups/Communities, recognised Community Chaplaincy Projects
•    Making initial contact followed up by application and interview
•    Vetting and Enhanced CRB applications
•    Training and preparation for mentors, induction, safeguards, Child Protection
•    Introduction of mentor to mentee
•    Feedback and monitoring from internal mentoring 
•    Organisation of outside Faith links/organisations
•    Within scope of confidentiality guidelines make aware of any Child Protection or Sex Offender Register issues
•    Attendance at Detention Training Order (DTO) meetings 
•    Liaising with external Youth Offending Team (YOT) Supervising Officers
•    Receiving regular reports from Mentors once a mentee has been released and continues to work with them
•    Feedback to Head of Resettlement
•    Some follow-up visits upon release
This process requires the Chaplain being actively involved in the planning process This is a complex activity, requiring a great deal or interaction with prisoners, mentors and statutory organisations (e.g. YOT’s), involvement with external Faith Group leaders and anyone else that may be responsible for the care and welfare of the prisoner upon release.
The Chaplain coordinates with Security for Vetting and Barring procedures, Unit Supervising Officers (SO) and wing staff to facilitate mentor/mentee visits whilst in custody. Coordination with internal case workers, where setting up mentoring for prisoners of other faith groups, coordination with faith chaplains. External faith groups and communities, youth offending teams/probation. The short term objectives support the long term vision as the resettlement of ex-prisoners is a key part of HMPPS aims and objectives. Where ex-prisoners choose to work with mentors this often results in a reduction in recidivism and reducing re-offending. Planning against deadlines or quality/performance standards are exemplified in that deadlines are determined by the prisoner’s release dates.  National recommendations and Local Security Strategy (LSS) play a part in the way in which mentors are allowed to have contact with prisoners whilst in custody. The Chaplain adapts to changing organisational needs through taking into account changes to the LSS, which affect external visitors coming into the establishment, working with changes to regime/timings etc.
    Organise and administer groups and services to be held in the department such as prisoner lists for attendance and pay etc.
    Develop, prepare, arrange and deliver courses /service for groups.  These will be regularly evaluated particularly in light of any changes to the establishment.  Changes will also need to be made in conjunction with the wider establishment such as Security or Residential
    Ensure that weekly services are held and delivered for staff and prisoners as and when required
    On occasions be required to allocate tasks such as providing specific pastoral care in suitable cases to sessional or volunteer staff/chaplains
    Contribute to the establishments Chaplaincy business plan which looks at the chaplaincy programme for the year, new projects to be undertaken and upcoming special events
    Organises activities within own faith group ensuring that targets are met and that an appropriate number and range of sessions are offered. Monitors the quality of delivery of activities using self-criticism also representation and accountability to the Quality Improvement Group (QIG) meeting, Head of Learning and Skills as well as researching and /or writing appropriate material
    Organise religious festivals specific to own faith groups through the year e.g. Baptisms - requiring medium-term planning and longer term; preparing a procedure for facilitating these events. Involves liaising with prisoners, families, other department (Security). Once confirmation has been given, a schedule/matrix is produced mapping out each organisational step for the event, specifying timeframes and recording actions, showing the names of external visitors, candidates, sponsors and volunteers attending the service. The matrix also includes details of setting up, filling and emptying the baptismal tank (for baptism by total immersion), liaising with catering and budget holder for refreshments/buffet requirements
    Organise and perform when requested funerals, weddings and baptisms and to offer advice when requested
    Prepare worship and preaching
    Facilitating contact with outside stakeholders.  Formally plan, prioritise and coordinate activities, medium term planning to facilitate visits requested by outside stakeholders e.g. Social Services supervised visits with children of the prisoner / before removal for adoption.  Setting timescale and milestones both with outside stakeholder and with other internal departments for extent of access, date, venue through email and written plans. Chaplain will determine resources required – venue, staffing vetting. Chaplain takes account of short term and long term objectives balancing security and good order with supporting family life
    Ensure, along with the rest of the team, that the Chaplaincy Programme reflects the Pathways and Reducing Reoffending Agenda, e.g. liaise with Pathway Lead, update Pathway document
    Plan, alongside colleagues, procurement and programme arrangements for annual patterns of worship and prayer relating to specific faith traditions, taking into account the sensitivities of all faith groups.
    Long term planning for recruiting volunteers from the relevant faith group; supervising and supporting them.  Prioritising and coordinating the activity e.g. setting timescale and milestones including recognition of need from observation of faith group activities and contact with volunteers. Contact with existing volunteers, local faith communities, Managing Chaplain, chaplaincy team, other departments such as Security, Gate, Veterans Contact Point and Duty Governor). Identify appropriate potential volunteers, ensure all requirements are met before visiting the prison. Work plan evidenced by email correspondence and creation of relevant Notices to Staff and contact with Volunteer groups. This is a complex task with around 20 people who are directly involved in the recruitment initiative. This includes prospective volunteers: Security, Veterans Contact Point, Gate, Duty Governor, possibly prisoners  Chaplain takes into account how the short term objectives support the long term vision as follows: Short term objective – to inspire potential volunteers and discern their appropriateness for the role. Long term objective – to provide sufficient and appropriate volunteers to ensure the continuing effectiveness of the Chaplaincy department in meeting their requirements.  Process involves working with and across a number of disparate groups, Chaplain adapts to changing organisational needs: The recruitment initiative will begin from recognition of an organisational need. The chaplain will need to adapt their approach dependent upon the task of the people recruited and those who are approached. The job holder leads and takes part in the process which involves ongoing monitoring and progressing this task.
    Organise marriage, including preparation of prisoner. If required liaise with registrar, family, relevant prison departments and the Governor
    Co-ordination of various departments to ensure that visits to dying relatives and visits to funerals take place.  This may include contact with funeral directors, medical authorities, families and relevant prison departments
    To reorganise and prioritise existing commitments at (not infrequent) times of personal crisis that impact on the whole establishment
    Deliver Faith awareness course

People Management    

No line management or supervisory responsibilities
    Train and supervise large and disparate groups of volunteers

Information Management    

Make records of all significant pastoral care interventions in the team journal and in prisoner database
    Delegated to speak for Chaplaincy on Equality Action Team. Will work on own authority, liaising with Chaplaincy members, and other stakeholders, run and feed back directly from Prisoner Forums. Will produce Data and action plans which will impact on the prison’s policy and processes
    Contribute to local establishment policies such as exclusion from religious activities or attendance at funerals, permission to get married notification of dying relative
This involves collating complex and sensitive information from the family and the hospital about the medical condition of the dying relative including a professional assessment of the patient’s health from the hospital. Another piece of information which will need to be analysed is the current/likely emotional state of the prisoner and their response to the news.
The job holder has to understand and anticipate the information required and how the ‘customers’ suitability to receive the material is assessed: Will have to understand the impact of passing this news to the prisoner and have a reasonable understanding of the information supplied by the hospital especially life expectancy of the patient. It is essential that this information is fully understood and communicated accurately and in a professional manner. The Chaplain will assess the prisoner’s suitability to receive the material by talking to unit staff, prisoner’s personal officer, using the prisoner database, talking to the Psychology team, Probation, Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) prisoner, checking Offender Assessment System (OASys) reports, checking whether the prisoner is on ACCT, etc. This will be needed in order for the Chaplain to anticipate the likely prisoner’s reaction to this news and to decide whether the news should be broken by a Chaplain or be relayed by a family member over the phone, in the presence of a Chaplain. The Chaplain will make such data available to a fresh audience, considering its confidentiality, sensitivity and complexity of the data to determine who can receive the information and in what format it will be most meaningful; e.g. The security department may give reasons as to why a prisoner cannot visit his dying relative. Such information cannot be relayed to the prisoner or his family. However, the decision made must be relayed with an explanation that does not disclose the security reasons given for refusal. The Chaplain will at this stage have to demonstrate heightened compassion and sensitivity as the decision made could be met with anger and frustration. The Chaplain will independently verify the information given then will log details of the person contacted (for verification), their name, position, address, and phone number. The relevant information will be collated, evaluated and sent to the security department to complete their part of the form and then forwarded onto the Governor to complete the last section of the form with a decision.  During this whole procedure, the form will need to be constantly reviewed and updated especially when new information is acquired e.g. if the patient’s health is deteriorating or family circumstances change (the frequency fro this is likely to be weekly). Material may have to be reassessed and revised as the condition of the patient changes and depending on the prisoner’s state of mind. The Chaplain will use high level thinking skills to combine information gathering, compassion and sensitivity which will impact on the manner of relaying the information to the prisoner or other stakeholders. Also, it is essential to evaluate the level of understanding of information presented, as the prisoner is likely to be in a highly emotional and stressed state, and may find it difficult to ‘hear’ what is being conveyed
    Required to gather and collate attendance figures and note any trends.  This is then recorded in the Chaplaincy journal and submitted for Regime monitoring
    Each session the Chaplain would be required to prepare the material and ensure that the material is suitable for their client group and can be delivered in the required timeframe
    Write reports on prisoners behaviour and engagement with Chaplaincy for Parole Board reviews/Home  Detention Curfew/Category C/Category D etc. as appropriate
    Prepare handouts where appropriate and in some cases the prisoner will be expected to give detailed answers to the questions posed which the Chaplain will be responsible for evaluating.
    Required to prepare and write sermons for the weekly services
    Communicate local arrangements for religious feasts, festivals and holy-days to prisoners, staff and management. On own authority for own faith community will create advisory documents for Senior Management  on own faith matters
    Complete religious records for prisoners, including ensuring that changes in religious registration are appropriately managed and recorded.  Analysis of the above data for meaningful purposes is very complex, with the Chaplain needing the ability to anticipate trends and their implications the Chaplain has to understand and anticipate the information required and how the ‘customers’ suitability to receive the material is assessed – e.g. trends in religious re-registration can indicate a number of factors ranging from poor administration systems at the point of Reception, through to bullying towards extremism being applied to prisoners. The Chaplain responsible for gathering and assessing this data has to be able to clearly identify such a range and determine which “customer” to inform of the trend.  The Chaplain would consider at what point stakeholders Security, Diversity, Extremism Unit should be informed of trends. In determining the trends found in the data the Chaplain has to make judgements about the confidentiality of sensitive information relating to a prisoner’s chosen religion/life view. They would also evaluate the impact which the presentation of the data to particular audiences will have and therefore at what level it should be dealt with.
The Chaplain will validate the information and judge based on training and experience, in particular determining who would constitute a suitable ‘audience’, what data should be presented, and consider how it should be presented so that the information becomes meaningful. Ongoing monitoring of such information would typically be devolved to a Chaplain who would also be responsible for data manipulation and presentation. The reasons for a Chaplain’s interpretations of the data needs to be explained clearly and reasonably. Any suggestion that the information has wider-ranging implications would need to be well supported and documented.  In addition, the Chaplain has to keep in mind the need to reassess and revise presentation of information in the light of changing needs of their hearers: Similar data in different contexts will have divergent interpretations. Thus if new information is received, then data will have to be re-analysed. Analysis and presentation of such material requires high level thinking e.g. if a series of re-registrations suddenly appeared from a particular location, then the high-level thinking required to demonstrate religious intimidation would need to be presented at a high level fairly intensely. However if re-registration seemed to be a result of a minor administrative oversight that was new, then the information could be presented fairly leisurely (at first – and assuming that it was acted upon). Such information would commonly have to be considered and presented in a short timescale
    Complete all prisoner records relating to studies and courses 
    Complete a range of documentation such as chaplaincy journal, applications, bad news forms, prison visitors list, prisoner group list, new reception lists, discharge lists
    Research relevant religious Holy Books and writings and presents the faith clearly to listeners in such a way that motivations and actions are challenged and changed
e.g. research needed for prisoner focus group, design and deliver (scriptural) training programme involving the collection, analysis and presentation of that material. A focus group of prisoners would be convened to discuss the areas of scripture they would like to study and to scope their present level of knowledge and ability so the course meets their needs. Commentaries and source scriptures - some in the original languages - Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, Pali depending on the faith and the themes identified by the prisoners explored and sessions planned. Presentation would be to prisoners of the chaplain’s faith community, prisoners from other faith communities who request to attend and any volunteers. This is ‘fresh’ material often to a changing and therefore ‘fresh’ audience, whose ability levels may vary from week to week, even hours to hour if for example they are Integrated Drug Treatment System (IDTS) patients. It is by its nature complex, requiring detailed knowledge and analytical skills. Scriptural information is complex - as are theological commentaries that underpin scripture. Taken out of context, texts can lead people into serious error, so evaluating the whole of the material to be considered and its links with other parts of scripture, religious tradition and spiritual practice is a high level activity to which the chaplain will bring significant levels of training and experience. The frequency of this task is both Design of a new course would probably be 2x a year, however evaluation and reshaping will be ongoing. Sensitivity: Scriptural information wrongly used can be a significant security risk - encouraging sectarianism etc. which is why teaching needs to be accurate, accessible considered and relevant. This task requires both forward planning and the ability to ‘think on ones feet’
    Design and deliver training programmes for prisoners e.g. bereavement programmes and lifer programmes, sources relevant materials ensures compliance with relevant religious teaching, and policies.
    Respond to solicitors and MP’s letters, prisoners complaints, correspondence from prisoners families/pastoral carers
    Ensure staff are aware of permitted religious artefacts and prisoners are advised on how these may be accessed.
    Advise Governors and staff on procedures and legalities relating to the conduct of marriages or civil ceremonies for prisoners
    Prioritise disseminated information and correspondence and reply within required time frame
    Prepare department reports for establishment meetings

    Correctly assess and deal appropriately with personal information given by prisoners and, when appropriate, pass to colleagues in other departments, e.g. SMT, Security, Healthcare, Safeguarding
    Assess dynamic security indicators during appropriate worship, groups and religious classes and pass information to other departments
    Deliver training programmes for staff, e.g. Faith Awareness

Influencing and Interaction    

Build good working relationships in line with the multi faith nature of chaplaincy, respecting those who have a different faith to chaplains’ own faith
    Participate in the process of dealing with bereavement by liaising with families, prisoners and third parties e.g. hospitals, coroner’s offices and also care for staff. The Chaplain will be responsible for interaction with various authorities Coroners’ officer wing staff, security, safer custody. Having evaluated the information they will act to present the prisoner’s interest in terms of contact with family and attendance at funeral. They will work closely with the family and prisoner to encourage positive ways of dealing with feelings of frustration, loss anger etc. Frequency:  This will be a frequent task, at least weekly.  This task is likely to be as a result of the Chaplain carrying out  ‘Duty Chaplain’ role when they would act on their own authority without reference to line management
    Foster links with faith communities to raise awareness of issues relating to criminal justice to encourage volunteers and to assist with resettlement
    Liaise with safer custody to support and identify vulnerable prisoners. The Chaplain represents the interests of MOJ with the prisoner and the prisoner to the MOJ working directly with prisoners in crisis situations – open ACCT/not coping /Cellular Confinement. The chaplain will act as an advocate to either side (prison authority / prisoner) directly with people of authority and decision making additionally as part of a review meeting (ACCT, case conference, GOOD, etc.). The chaplain will work  across disparate groups with differing interests and perspectives  -  the prisoner, Managing Chaplain, chaplaincy team members, Residential managers, Healthcare (general medical and mental health), Safer Custody, prisoner’s family Frequency Daily.  The Chaplain will be expected to provide professional or expert support without direct line management authority using their experience and skills to influence the attitude of the prisoner and/or the manner in which the prison deals with the individual. Impact may be on prisoners’ wellbeing or on the prison’s standard of decency of treatment of prisoners
    Mentor visiting staff of own faith giving advice and guidance where necessary
    On own authority for own faith community will create advisory documents for Senior Management  on own faith matters
    Promote good relations between different faith groups to ensure delivery of both establishment and HMPPS Standards.  Delegated to speak for Chaplaincy on Equality Action Team. Will work on own authority, liaising with Chaplaincy members, and other stakeholders, run and feed back directly from Prisoner Forums. Will produce Data and action plans which will impact on the prison’s policy and processes
    Use negotiating and influencing skills working directly with radicalised prisoners or those who may are deemed to have the potential for radicalisation. The issues involved are typically complex and involve interacting and influencing groups with conflicting interests. The chaplain will need to work in a manner which shows sensitivity to the thoughts and intentions of the prisoner while remaining clear about mainstream teaching and the need for national security. Frequency: For some this will be a daily / weekly occurrence. For all chaplains there is the ever present potential for this to arise. The Chaplain will be representing both his own faith community and Chaplaincy and MOJ aims and policies in his interaction with the group. The Chaplain will also liaise directly with other departments – Security, Extremism Unit, special branch. Such information sharing is normally direct and not via the Managing Chaplain
    Communicate regularly both formally and informally with prisoners to discuss personal matters and with staff to discuss matters regarding the treatment of a particular prisoner or group of prisoners 
    Attend all relevant planned meetings such as Offender Learning and Development, Safer Prisons, DEAT committee, Health and Safety Committee, other religious groups
    Interact with the establishment management etc. on matters of faith and pastoral need for staff and prisoners – involves  requirement and ability to represent the group’s interests in a wider forum where others may have different and possibly conflicting interests, (various prison departments, kitchens, Health and Safety HQ faith advisors etc.) and the requirement and ability to make specified commitments on behalf of the group involves: 
Making the case with the kitchen of its need to provide food in addition to the norm, and at a different time / location. Kitchen has a limited budget.  Work with Health and Safety to ensure that the provision of religious food is acceptable. Religious food prepared “off-site” may be involved. Inform  allocations / prisoner movements that attendance at the feast is essential in addition to mandatory 1 hour weekly worship, and that a day off is essential. Requirement for prisoners to attend allocated activity.  Work with local faith community regarding support for the festival.  Attitudes to prisoners in the community as a whole.
Liaise with other members of the Chaplaincy team to ensure effective provision of the aims of the department during the provision of the festival. Festival will take part as a part of the ‘normal’ working day for other members of the team.  Train prison staff on the importance and relevance of this festival, and the necessary steps that adherents of the religion have to take in its celebration. Lack of awareness of the relevance of faith issues often leads to conflict and could result in inadvertent offence.  Managing Chaplain will normally delegate such tasks, monitor and feedback to Chaplain on completion.  A Chaplain of a particular faith will be expected to provide professional or expert leadership without direct line management authority will be directly responsible for providing for the needs of their faith community within the prison. This implementation of MoJ policy rests upon them as a faith leader both theologically, and morally. They will , lead the implementation of policy, procedure or practice across an establishment relevant to their faith, be expected to be the key point of contact for their faith community, and if they are the only or senior representative of their faith on the Chaplaincy team will lead the establishment in the implementation of these faith specific issues
    Liaise with prisoners families and outside agencies including NHS, undertakers, coroners and Police regarding sickness and death of relatives or other emergencies
    Liaise with outside groups about the work of the establishment chaplaincy team
    Attend ACCT reviews and other meetings as agreed with the Managing Chaplain
    Meet regularly with and inform faith leaders of current issues and be an advocate for the rights of prisoners in the faith and wider community
    Represent the Prison and HMPPS maintaining contact and developing links with the wider faith community often with a view to gaining their support/involvement in prison activities (e.g. Instituting Community Chaplaincy, recruiting Prison Visitors, negotiating project opportunities for prisoner payback into the community
    To liaise and build working relationships with appropriate local faith groups

Emotional Demand and Risk    

Visit prisoners to meet the statutory duties as outlined in the policies and standards.  Individual contact with prisoners about course applications through written and verbal responses
    Intervene professionally and demonstrate understanding when dealing with volatile and unreasonable prisoners
    Deliver critical news to prisoners which may result in a significant negative reaction by the prisoner   - (Frequency – at least once/twice a week – medium sized establishment.)
    Visiting all parts of the prison including segregation, often engaging with violent/refractory prisoners.  Includes dealing with prisoners who have or are threatening self-harm, may be aggressive or in a mentally/disordered state (Frequency – several times per week).  In most cases there will be minimal ‘physical’ support e.g. Control and Restraint trained staff and Chaplains will have to rely on personal inner resources to deal with the strong emotions the experience from/with prisoners
    Dealing with prisoners’ families during crisis times and where e.g. contact is requested but may be refused leading to abuse, even threats over the phone. (Once+ per month)
    May travel with prisoners on Temporary Licence to difficult events (funerals) to offer support and liaise with families/mourners

The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.

Qualifications
As set out in the job description

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Standard working hours for this post are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years. Applications are invited from suitable qualified staff.

The Loan/Secondment is subject to the approval of the selected candidate's Business Unit, which should be obtained before confirmation of appointment.

Benefits

Annual Leave

-The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate. Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis and you will be advised of your actual entitlement on appointment. If you were appointed internally and your leave was previously calculated in days, this will continue to be the case.

Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays

-You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance. There is a requirement to work some public and bank holidays subject to your shift pattern and the operational needs of the establishment

Pension

-The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Work Life Balance

HM Prison & Probation Service  (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so. HMPPS offers flexible working subject to completion of a satisfactory probationary period and NVQ

Season Ticket Advance

-After two months’ service, you’ll be eligible to apply for a season ticket advance to purchase a quarterly or longer-period season ticket for travel between home and your place of work

Childcare Vouchers

For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers

Training

HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying Programmes

-There are opportunities to access promotion programmes and HMPPS provides a variety of training appropriate to individual posts

-All staff receive security and diversity training and an individual induction programme into their new roles

Eligibility

-All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post

-All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS

-All staff are required to declare whether they are a member of a group or organisation which the HMPPS considers to be racist

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Interview dates w/c - 20/02/2023

31/01/2023, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com. Please quote the job reference - 68856.
Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC)

Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.

if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance

We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.


Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
Developing Self and Others - 500 word limit
Leadership - 500 word limit
Experience
CV

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Abilities
Good spoken and written English
Behaviours
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Working Together
Technical Skills
Appropriate religious qualification as set out in the job description.
Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.
Additional Assessment(s)
Role Play
Written Exercise

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

· UK nationals

· nationals of the Republic of Ireland

· nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK

· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

· individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020

· Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

This Vacancy is closed to applications.