Location: Elmside, Hitchin
Hours: 20 hours per week
Salary: £28,538 per annum
For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Home / Scheme. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch - we are happy to review individual circumstances.
About the role
We are looking for a compassionate and committed Chaplain to join our team at MHA. This is a unique and rewarding role, supporting the spiritual and pastoral life of the home or scheme and helping residents, families and staff feel valued, supported and listened to.
As Chaplain, you will be a key part of the staff team, working closely with local managers and the Chaplaincy and Spirituality Department. You will help nurture the spiritual life of the home, provide pastoral care and build strong relationships with local churches and faith communities, while respecting people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
What you will do
- Develop and sustain the spiritual and worship life within the home or scheme.
- Provide pastoral care and spiritual support to residents, families and staff.
- Act as a first point of contact for staff seeking guidance on pastoral support for residents.
- Lead worship, fellowship groups and other spiritual activities as appropriate.
- Build and maintain strong links with local Christian communities and other faith leaders.
- Visit residents in hospitals or other homes when required.
- Act as an advocate for MHA within local faith communities.
- Attend and contribute to staff meetings and residents’ or relatives’ meetings where appropriate.
- Work in line with MHA policies, including safeguarding, infection prevention and health & safety.
About you
We are looking for someone who is reflective, approachable and sensitive, with a genuine understanding of the spiritual needs of older people.
You will bring:
- Experience of pastoral or care work, with an understanding of a wide range of spiritual needs, including those of people living with dementia.
- The ability to lead worship and/or fellowship groups.
- Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to relate well to people from all backgrounds.
- The ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
- A flexible approach to working hours and a willingness to travel occasionally for meetings or training.
- Commitment to personal development and living out MHA’s values.
- A relevant professional or academic qualification is desirable but not essential.
Why join MHA?
You will be joining an organisation with strong values and a deep commitment to caring for the whole person – body, mind and spirit. At MHA, chaplaincy plays a vital role in supporting wellbeing, community and belonging.
It is required that one of your references comes from an authorised leader within your faith community.
Rewards and benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time).
- A strong pension scheme and life assurance
- Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund
- Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies
- Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app
- A full induction, ongoing training and development opportunities
- Long service awards to celebrate your contribution
About the home / scheme
Elmside care home in Hitchin
Elmside is a warm and community-focused home where colleagues work together to deliver meaningful, person-centred care. The team atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, helping new colleagues feel supported from their very first day.
With a strong focus on dignity, independence and high-quality support, colleagues play an essential role in creating a calm, uplifting environment for residents. The home reflects MHA’s charitable values, promoting kindness, teamwork and a shared commitment to improving later life.
Elmside is an ideal workplace for job seekers who want to build a purposeful career in a supportive home where colleagues feel valued, trusted and inspired to grow.
For more information about the home, please click here
In accordance with the Equality Act 2010: Schedule 9, Part 1, there is an Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be a practising Christian.
Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.
Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA’s Recruitment Team.
