Chaplaincy Worker

We are seeking applications for the role of Chaplaincy Worker. You will offer spiritual, emotional and practical support to seafarers of all backgrounds and nationalities and this new role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of our important and growing work at the port of Southampton.

The Chaplaincy Worker will work in partnership with the Port Chaplain to ensure that our mission is accessible and that our service provision is appropriate. A key priority for this role is better supporting female seafarers, including those aboard cruise ships, and so we particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified women and candidates who have a practical understanding of, and empathy with, the particular challenges this seafaring population experiences.

Hours: Part-time (20 hours per week) worked flexibly to accommodate shipping schedules

Role Purpose: To visit ships on behalf of MtS, operating in line with MtS’s core purpose, the provision of “physical, moral and spiritual” support to seafarers and their families, of different backgrounds and nationalities.

To ensure that MtS’s mission is accessible and that our service provision is appropriate, including for female seafarers.

To provide support and the hand of friendship to all seafarers, with a particular focus on female seafarers.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Visit ships that call into the port, extending the hand of friendship to seafarers, offering support and responding to need as appropriate
• Offer spiritual, emotional support and advice to seafarers as required, including directing them to other sources of support as appropriate
• Lead seafarers in Christian prayer where requested
• Co-ordinate the duties of a team of volunteers to undertake visits to seafarers on cruise ships
• Facilitate access to cruise ships for volunteers
• Support the provision of communications and transport facilities to seafarers as required
• Provide advice on access to the town of Southampton, the intended future Seafarers’ Centre or other local facilities
• Liaise and partner with other port chaplains, welfare workers and seafarer centres locally to ensure ministry continuity, particularly in cases of ongoing pastoral care, and justice and welfare cases
• In partnership with the Port Chaplain, provide a swift and effective response to any relevant emergency involving an individual seafarer or group of seafarers, where appropriate in close liaison with port authorities or other relevant bodies
• Visit and provide practical and emotional support to seafarers who are in hospital or prison
• Contribute to the broader strategic thinking of the MtS in Southampton, acting as a trusted and collaborative thought partner to the Port Chaplain
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with other maritime missions and welfare organisations

Principle Duties and responsibilities (cont.)

• Develop strong working relationships with port authorities, managers and staff
• Wherever possible to provide access to places of worship as requested by seafarers
• Maintain a record of ship visiting activity using the Port Reporting App where available or provide a list of visits to the supervising staff
• Ensure e-mails are regularly monitored and respond as required
• Participate in training opportunities as appropriate