(Fixed Term) Chaplain based at Alexandra House and Alexandra Court, Dovercourt

MHA; Tendring; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)

Strong pension and life assurance

Confidential counselling and chaplainy

Flexible leave options

Discounts via Blue Light Card

Induction and development

Long service awards

Job summary

MHA’s Alexandra House care home in Harwich is seeking a Chaplain to support the spiritual and pastoral life of the home. You will work with residents, families and staff to foster faith and wellbeing in a compassionate, inclusive way.

You will collaborate with the Chaplaincy and Spirituality Department, lead worship and provide pastoral care, while respecting diverse beliefs and backgrounds. This is a fixed-term role of 6 months and part-time hours.

Qualifications

• Experience of pastoral or care work and understanding of spiritual needs.
• Ability to lead worship and/or fellowship groups.
• Strong communication and listening skills across backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Flexible hours and willingness to travel occasionally for meetings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain spiritual life within the home or scheme.
• Provide pastoral care to residents, families and staff.
• Be first point of contact for staff seeking pastoral guidance.
• Lead worship, fellowship groups and other spiritual activities.
• Maintain links with local faith communities and leaders.
• Visit residents in hospitals or other homes when required.
• Advocate for MHA within local faith communities.
• Participate in staff and residents’ meetings as appropriate.
• Work in line with MHA policies, including safeguarding and health & safety.

Skills

Pastoral care

Worship leadership

Communication skills

Independent working

Flexible hours

Job description

Hours: 20 hours per week

Salary: £27,264.00 per annum

Fixed Term - 6 months

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.

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

Alexandra House care home in Harwich

Alexandra House provides a supportive and compassionate working environment for colleagues who want to make a positive impact every day. Set in beautiful grounds with sea views, the home combines a peaceful setting with a strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose.

Colleagues describe the home as friendly, inclusive and grounded in MHA’s mission to improve later life. With a focus on dignity, independence and person-centred care, the team works closely together to create meaningful moments for residents.

For job seekers looking for a role where they can grow, Alexandra House offers opportunities to develop confidence, build specialist dementia experience and be part of a community that values empathy, collaboration and kindness.

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.

Where the role requires a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, the successful candidate will be required to join and maintain membership of the DBS Update Service. MHA will pay for the DBS check and will provide an additional payment through payroll equivalent to the standard annual Update Service subscription fee. Further details will be provided during onboarding.

Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.

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 Talent Acquisition Team.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

MHA are fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as this is embedded in our values: respect, nurture and inspire. In addition, as a committed employer we have been awarded level 2 under the Disability Confident Scheme.