St Patrick’s Primary School, nestled in the picturesque heart of Cessnock in the Hunter Valley, is on the lookout for a compassionate and dynamic Temporary Part-Time Pastoral Care Worker (28 hours per week) to join our vibrant team this September.
This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. As a Pastoral Care Worker, you’ll be a cornerstone of our student wellbeing program, offering heartfelt support that nurtures the personal, emotional, and spiritual growth of our young learners. Your role will be to walk alongside students, offering a listening ear, a steady presence, and meaningful care that goes far beyond academics.
- Located just minutes from Cessnock’s town centre and under an hour from Newcastle’s CBD, it’s the perfect blend of rural charm and urban convenience.
With 355 bright young minds and a passionate team of educators, our school thrives on creativity, inclusivity, and a deep sense of community.
Rooted in the Josephite tradition, St Patrick’s is more than a place of learning—it’s a place where every child is seen, heard, and celebrated. If you believe in the power of presence, empathy, and connection, we’d love to welcome you into our story.
Make a difference. Be the heartbeat of our school. Apply this September.
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.
Desired Skills and Experience
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
- 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
- Trained in the implementation and facilitation of support programs for students e.g. Drum Beat, Seasons for Growth (Desirable)
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
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 Petrina Massey, Principal on Tel: 02 4990 3152 or via email: [email protected]
TO APPLY
- 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
- Preferred applicants will be asked to participate in orientation processes, including a formation conversation, following the interview, to introduce them to the local Parish context and the culture of the Catholic school.
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: Wednesday 3rd September 2025 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.
