Pastoral Lead

Pastoral Lead – Community & Care Setting

Location: East Co. Galway

Contract: Full-time, 39 hours per week (5 days over 7)

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Annual Leave: 24 days plus public holidays

Garda Vetting required

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Pastoral Lead to head up the pastoral care and spiritual support team in a peaceful residential and community care setting in East Co. Galway.

This unique role involves leading a small, dedicated team to provide spiritual, emotional, and social support to residents—women of faith who have dedicated their lives to service—and to foster a warm, inclusive, and respectful community rooted in Gospel values.

You’ll work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary care team to ensure residents experience dignity, comfort, and connection in every aspect of their daily lives. The ideal candidate will have a deep sense of pastoral presence, strong leadership skills, and the ability to bring compassion, structure, and creativity to a role that blends faith, care, and community.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and co-ordinate the pastoral team to deliver consistent, person-centred support.

Provide spiritual guidance, companionship, and emotional care to residents both individually and collectively.

Collaborate closely with nursing, care, and support staff to integrate pastoral care into holistic wellbeing.

Organise liturgical services, community gatherings, and reflective activities that nurture spiritual life.

Support residents in maintaining meaningful connections with their families and wider community.

Oversee end-of-life pastoral care with sensitivity, dignity, and compassion.

Arrange and participate in the celebration of feast days, birthdays, and significant community occasions.

Encourage inclusiveness and participation, ensuring that all residents—regardless of ability—feel valued and supported.

Lead by example in embodying values of hospitality, peace, and respect in all aspects of community life.

About You

You are an empathetic, faith-driven professional with a natural gift for pastoral care and leadership. You bring emotional intelligence, deep listening, and a gentle strength that inspires trust and hope in others.

Essential:

Degree or Master’s in pastoral care, theology, chaplaincy, or related field.

Substantial experience in pastoral care, chaplaincy, or counselling.

Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to guide and support a small team.

Experience working with older or vulnerable adults in healthcare, community, or faith-based settings.

Proven ability to provide sensitive, person-centred support that respects individual beliefs and dignity.

Competent IT skills (Office 365 or equivalent).

Desirable:

Certification in Healthcare Chaplaincy or Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).

Experience in a religious, not-for-profit, or community care environment.

Full driving licence.

Personal Attributes

A calm, compassionate presence and an ability to listen deeply.

A collaborative, inclusive leadership style.

A “hands-on” approach and willingness to adapt to the changing needs of the community.

Genuine alignment with Christian values and a desire to serve in a mission-led environment.

(There is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be a committed and practising Christian.)

Why Apply?

This is a meaningful leadership role for someone who wants to combine faith, care, and purpose.

You’ll have the opportunity to lead a values-based team, make a tangible difference in the lives of others, and contribute to a community where compassion, dignity, and peace are lived every day.

If you’re a warm, thoughtful leader with a heart for pastoral ministry, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV to Alan Noone