Pastoral Care Practitioner

About the role

Do you possess the unique blend of empathy, spirituality, and professional expertise needed to provide holistic care? Are you ready to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds? 

We currently have an opportunity for a Pastoral Care Practitioner to join our team on a permanent part-time basis, working 30 hours per week. This role will be predominantly South Brisbane based (the positions maybe required to work from our Springfield campus depending on operational requirements), as well weekend and public holiday on-call provision.

Mater is a contemporary mission-based organisation founded and inspired by the Sisters of Mercy, with a compassionate spirit and a commitment to responding to unmet need. As Queensland’s largest and most innovative not-for-profit Catholic health care service we are seeking two pastoral care practitioners to join our team of compassionate listeners who provide spiritual and emotional support to persons of various religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, life philosophies and faith traditions. 

Salary range: $41.06 - $60.35 per hour plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900  + access to many staff benefits! 

What you’ll be doing

• Engage in pastoral care at the bedside, ministering with compassion and empathy, listening, caring and supporting in whichever way is most beneficial to patients and families
• Facilitate small-size groups in areas such as: Meditation/Mindfulness sessions, debriefs, and staff well-being support activities
• Upon request and when appropriate, provide prayer with and for patients/families
• Meet the pastoral/spiritual need of the patients and their families
• Perform an advocacy role where necessary and appropriate
• Occasionally maintain short-term follow-up when special needs of patients or families require this
• Facilitate support for patients and staff by seeking to build good personal relationships with staff members
• Participate regularly, with other members of the Health Care Team, in ward meetings or their equivalent as a means of maximising patient care
• Accept referrals for any person who desires our assistance and, when appropriate, refer people to other care-givers within the hospital or in the wider community
• To work with sensitivity to a multi-faith environment, engaging people where necessary

About you

To be considered suitable for these roles: 

• Hold an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in a Human Services related field such as: Counselling/Psychology/Social Work/Interfaith/Chaplaincy/Coaching 
• Demonstrated experience facilitating small-medium size groups in areas such as: Meditation/Mindfulness sessions, debriefs, and staff well-being support activities.  
• Experience providing Pastoral Care and Spiritual support in clinical or equivalent environments
• Demonstrated ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team
• Have a grounded spirituality based on a regular practice
• Engaged in a spiritual/faith/contemplative practice community
• Ability to build rapport, trust, empathy, and foster strong relationships
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Respect and sensitivity to persons of various religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, life philosophies and faith traditions
• Flexibility to work in various wards, and locations (South Brisbane, Redland, and Springfield) 
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and supervision and have a growth mindset
• Unrestricted Driver's License  
• Completion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) qualification an advantage but not mandatory
• Competent technology and computer skills – Outlook, MS Teams, MS Word, Excel

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, delivering exceptional care to nearly 700,000 patients each year across 11 (soon to be 12) hospitals. We’re leaders in healthcare, education,  fundraising & philanthropy and research — and it’s our people who make the difference.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help shape the future of care. At Mater, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values innovation, compassion, and excellence.

• Increase your take-home pay with generous salary packaging options, including meal and entertainment benefits
• Grow your career with access to industry-leading training and professional development through Mater Education
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program and on-site pastoral care teams
• Access a range of health and wellbeing services with a corporate discount on private health insurance
• Exclusive discounts across dining, retail, travel, accommodation (just to name a few!)
• Stay active with unlimited access to discounted gyms via the Fitness Passport program
• Convenient, discounted on-site parking
• Enjoy great food with reduced prices at our campus cafés and coffee spots
• Join Queensland’s Largest and Most Innovative Not-for-Profit Healthcare Team

Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #GETBETTERWITHMATER

Applications close Sunday the 30th of August 2026 –please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW. Direct applications only — we are not engaging recruitment agencies at this time. All successful candidates may be required to complete pre‑employment checks (including criminal history, working rights, medical and working with children checks).

Mater offers a safe, supportive, flexible and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Visit our Reconciliation webpage. 

Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.