Are you looking for a meaningful and fulfilling career in spiritual care? The Hywel Dda University Health Board is offering a full-time training opportunity as an Assistant Chaplain based in Carmarthenshire, Wales.
This role is designed for individuals with a passion for spiritual and emotional support, who are committed to inclusive, person-centered care in a healthcare setting.
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Job Details:
- Position: Assistant Chaplain (Trainee)
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Location: Carmarthenshire, Wales, UK
- Salary: £23,159 – £24,701 per year
- Employer: Hywel Dda University Health Board
- Visa Sponsorship: Available (Skilled Worker Visa eligibility applies)
Role Overview:
As a trainee Assistant Chaplain, you’ll be part of the Spiritual Care Team at the Royal United Hospital (RUH), supporting patients, families, and staff from all faiths or none. This role offers a one-year structured training programme with continuous professional supervision and support, including internal and external placements and contributions from speakers across various disciplines.
You will gain experience across a wide range of services including Emergency, Elderly Care, Palliative Care, Oncology, Critical Care, and Women and Children’s Services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide spiritual, emotional, and religious support tailored to individual values, beliefs, and backgrounds.
- Work compassionately with people in times of illness, bereavement, or crisis.
- Engage in professional training and reflective practice throughout the year.
- Assist with worship services and support for religious observance when appropriate.
- Collaborate with multi-faith and non-religious team members and community faith leaders.
RUH Spiritual Care Team Details:
The team serves all individuals regardless of religion or belief, guided by the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion. The RUH promotes a culture of learning, compassion, and innovation, with a strong focus on staff well-being through mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health support programs.
Benefits:
- Visa Sponsorship for International Applicants
- Qualified candidates from abroad can legally live and work in the UK with employer-sponsored visas, easing immigration challenges.
- Competitive Salary Packages
- Assistant chaplains in the UK typically receive stable income with added allowances depending on the sector (e.g., NHS, education, military).
- Meaningful and Purpose-Driven Work
- Support the emotional, spiritual, and pastoral needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds, making a real difference in people’s lives.
- Access to Public Sector Benefits
- If employed in NHS or educational institutions, chaplains often receive pension schemes, sick pay, and paid annual leave.
- Multicultural and Inclusive Work Environment
- Work with people of different faiths and cultures, fostering a rich, respectful, and inclusive professional atmosphere.
- Opportunities for Professional Development
- Many employers offer training, interfaith workshops, and continuing education to enhance your pastoral care and theological skills.
- Housing and Relocation Assistance
- Some employers provide help with housing or relocation costs for overseas recruits, easing your transition into the UK.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Visa-sponsored roles may lead to long-term settlement in the UK through routes such as the Skilled Worker Visa to ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
- Flexible Work Options
- Many assistant chaplain positions offer part-time or job-share arrangements, allowing a better work-life balance.
- Access to UK Healthcare System
- Sponsored workers gain access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), offering comprehensive healthcare coverage for themselves and their families.
Essential Requirements:
- Recognized lay minister or ordained priest, in good standing with a faith community or authorizing body.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Ability to engage with people of all faiths and beliefs in a respectful and inclusive manner.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and reflective skills.
- Emotional and spiritual resilience in high-pressure or distressing situations.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience:
- Healthcare Chaplaincy training or experience.
- Membership of the College of Health Care Chaplains (CHCC) or UK Board for Health Care Chaplaincy (UKBHC).
- Experience in counseling, debriefing, or crisis care.
- Understanding of NHS spiritual care frameworks and guidance.
Additional Information:
- This position requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check.
- Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker visa will be considered.
- Candidates must provide criminal record certificates for countries they’ve lived in for over 12 months within the past 10 years (per UK immigration rules).
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the average salary of chaplains in the UK?
The average salary for a chaplain is approximately £27,332/year, with entry-level positions starting around £23,410.
What does a chaplain assistant do?
They support the delivery of spiritual care under the supervision of a senior chaplain, offering comfort, counseling, and faith-specific services to individuals in need.
How do I become a chaplain in the UK?
You must be accredited by a recognized faith community, with qualifications in pastoral or spiritual care, and ideally, experience in a relevant setting like healthcare.
