Hospital Chaplain – Wellington Hospital

• A highly valued role; support patients with spiritual care & faith connections
• Opportunity to shape and grow the Chaplain role within the hospital setting
• A supportive, dedicated & welcoming team. Enjoy a vibrant work environment

About the Role

As a key member of the Ecumenical team at Wellington Hospital, you will be responsible for providing compassionate, inclusive and culturally responsive spiritual care to patients, whānau and staff within the public hospital setting, with a particular focus on Catholic patients, while respecting and supporting the spiritual needs of all.

This role is centred on bringing hope and comfort, supporting the wellbeing of patients, whānau, and staff. You’ll foster a caring, safe and respectful environment, providing non-judgmental support with complete confidentiality.

You’ll join a small, dedicated, cross-denominational team, who collaborate with the wider healthcare team.

What you’ll do 

• Provide spiritual and pastoral care to patients, whānau, and staff
• Conduct ward visits regularly and as requested, offering spiritual support and attending relevant hospital and therapeutic groups meetings
• Facilitate sacramental ministry through coordination with local Catholic clergy, and when appropriate, administering Holy Communion
• Lead or assist with religious services, rituals and blessings within the hospital
• Foster mana-enhancing relationships with Te Whatu Ora colleagues and the wider chaplaincy team
• Support and mentor Volunteer Chaplain Assistant when required
• Prepare and submit weekly qualitative reports for management using the database.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven chaplaincy or pastoral care experience
• Theological or pastoral education, and/or background or qualifications in social work, counselling, or related ministry/field
• Commitment to ongoing formation and/or knowledge of Catholicism, Catholic Social Teaching, sacraments, traditions and practices
• Strong empathy, compassion, active listening, and pastoral care skills
• Demonstrates cultural competence and a respectful sensitivity to the needs of all people
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an open, respectful and inclusive approach
• Ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively 
• Strong self-care practices and commitment to professional supervision and spiritual direction
• Alignment with the mission and values of Catholic Social Services and/or understanding of social needs within a faith-based context
• Knowledge of Te Ao Māori and basic Te Reo Māori desirable, or willingness to learn
• Basic computer literacy and use of digital tools for reporting and communication
• Willing and available to assist in other hospitals within the Wellington region if required.

About Catholic Social Services

Established in the 1960s, Catholic Social Services (CSS) is an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington that engages with all people and communities in the immediate Wellington environs to help and empower them as they live their lives. CSS fulfils an integral part of the Church’s work, that is, to reach out to human needs. 

This is a permanent, part-time role, 15 hours per week across three days, with Tuesday as the team’s anchor day. You will be employed by CSS and primarily based at Wellington Regional Hospital. CSS offers a competitive salary, paid professional supervision, and phone and desktop. This role is ideal for someone who values work-life balance while remaining fully engaged and committed.

If you feel you have a calling to this very special and rewarding kind of mahi, we warmly invite you to apply.

How to Apply

Attention your CV and a cover letter to Ngan Nguyen by Sunday 25 January 2026. 

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.

Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.

View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/CSS-PD-Hospital-Chaplain-9.1.2025-final.pdf