Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Worker with ACCESS ministries. We are delighted to hear from you and look forward to talking with you further about this promising opportunity. At ACCESS ministries, we believe the work of Chaplaincy and Student Wellbeing is crucial in meeting present needs and displaying Gods love to all in educational settings. We are committed to providing a high quality of service to students and school communities, and this is reflected in our application process. In the proceeding pages please find the following information relating to ACCESS ministries endorsement: In the proceeding pages please find the following information relating to ACCESS ministries endorsement:..............................................................................................1 Requirements for becoming an ACCESS ministries Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Worker (SWW).............................................................................................................2 Chaplains and Student Wellbeing Workers..................................................................3 Equivalent Standing Chaplains .................................................................................4 Request for Ministers Endorsement ...........................................................................6 Request for Reference ...............................................................................................7 Reference for Applicant...............................................................................................8 Interviews and Reflection............................................................................................9 Training, Professional Development and Support for ACCESS ministries Chaplains and Student Wellbeing Workers (SWWs)..........................................................................11 Endorsement Application...........................................................................................12 Core Values document..............................................................................................17

After reading through this documentation, and if you have the qualifications and experience required, please return the necessary paperwork to our Regional Support Manager in your area. Please note that if ACCESS ministries has not received all necessary paperwork within 60 days of the initial application lodgment, the application will be considered lapsed. Please find a checklist of requirements for your application on page 2 of this document to assist you in preparing your application and accompanying paperwork. We look forward to hearing from you. 1

Yours sincerely,

Chaplaincy and Wellbeing Services Team

Requirements for becoming an ACCESS ministries Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Worker (SWW)
ACCESS ministries requires applicants to complete the following steps to become endorsed as a suitable candidate for ACCESS ministries school positions. 1. Return completed application form 2. Return a signed acceptance of ACCESS ministries Core Values and Faith Statement 3. Provide Ministers endorsement letter 4. Provide copies of all qualifications and transcripts of study undertaken 5. Provide copy of Police Records Check issued less than two years ago 6. Provide copy of Working With Children Check issued less than five years ago 7. Visit two ACCESS ministries staff currently working in schools (see guidelines attached) 8. Submit a 500 word reflection on visits (see guidelines attached) 9. Receipt of referee checks by ACCESS ministries (Applicant to request referee to send to ACCESS) 10.Successful interview with ACCESS ministries endorsement panel On the satisfactory completion of all stages you will receive formalised endorsement as a suitable candidate for ACCESS ministries Chaplaincy or Student Wellbeing services. You will then be able to apply for advertised school positions. Ministers Endorsement and Referees: ACCESS ministries requires a letter of endorsement from a minister/pastor/priest of the church that you are currently attending and referees from two other independent persons. Please provide the enclosed guidelines for your minister/pastor/priest in preparing this letter of endorsement, and a letter and form for your referees information and completion. These should be returned directly to ACCESS ministries. Police Check: ACCESS ministries requires a current Working With Children Check and Police Records Check to be attached to your application form. Further information about the Working With Children Check can be found at www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren . Further information about the Police Records Check can be found at http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274 . 2

Qualifications: To gain endorsement as an ACCESS ministries Chaplain we require a Bachelor degree in Theology/Ministry, Education or Counselling/Pastoral Care coupled with tertiary qualifications or experience in the other applicable areas. Equivalent Standing may be granted under exceptional circumstances. Please read through attached guidelines if necessary. To gain endorsement as an ACCESS ministries SWW we require a tertiary qualification (Cert IV or above) in Youth Work, Community Services or Christian Studies. Please note that all applicants are required to have completed course content which includes mental health and referral components. Please attach evidence of completed qualifications and full transcripts of studies undertaken with your application.

Chaplains and Student Wellbeing Workers

Chaplains For school communities, ACCESS ministries Chaplains offer:

Pastoral care support to the whole school communitystudents, families and staff Educational and small group programs to address specific needs The building of connections with the wider community Intervention and trauma support in crisis and emergencies Degree or above tertiary qualifications NSCSWP funding where schools are eligible

Student Wellbeing Workers ACCESS ministries Student Wellbeing Workers offer: Pastoral care support to students within the school Assistance with educational activities of the school Cert IV or above qualifications NSCSWP funding where schools are eligible A reduced cost in relation to Chaplaincy programs 3

Equivalent Standing Chaplains

May be granted under exceptional circumstances Purpose The purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance to applicants seeking equivalent standing to Degree qualifications in the preparation of application for a Chaplaincy position with ACCESS ministries. Definition of Equivalent Accreditation and Standing Equivalent accreditation is the process by which ACCESS ministries determines whether an applicants qualifications, further training, professional development, experience and community knowledge are equal in value to that of an applicant holding a degree in Theology, Education or Counseling/Pastoral Care. General Principles of Equivalent Accreditation and Standing Applicants who want to apply for a Chaplaincy position but do not have the expected qualification for the academic degree level in the required areas of competency are eligible to apply for Equivalent Standing. Equivalent Standing must be established separately from and prior to the applicant submitting an application for endorsement. The Equivalent Standing Committee will review the applicants status and decide if this applicant can continue with the endorsement process under the status of Equivalent Standing. Preparation of Equivalent Standing Application It is the responsibility of the applicant to prepare an application for Equivalent Standing demonstrating: Professional qualifications at tertiary level and other substantive education, training and professional development from a recognized authority. A substantial track record in the area of working with children and young adults within the church or local community Lay experience in the area of pastoral care, teaching or theology Leadership in community, schools business or church environment

The applicant is responsible for providing supporting evidence for his/her application in the form of transcripts of qualifications, references by peers and/or evidence of public standing.

Criteria for Equivalent Standing In determining equivalent standing, regard will be given to applicants who demonstrate competency especially when working with students and adults. For Equivalent Standing to a degree, an applicant will demonstrate Tertiary level qualifications in key competency areas (as above) Sustained achievement in pastoral care activities Advanced knowledge of the Victorian state school system Achievement within his/her community or church affiliation In-depth knowledge of pastoral care with children or teenagers, young adults and peers. Process for Obtaining Equivalent Standing The applicant will formally advise the Director of Chaplaincy of his/her intention to apply for equivalent standing. The Director of Chaplaincy will convene the Equivalent Standing Review Committee to assess the application carefully and fairly against the equivalence criteria. If the application is successful, the applicant will be advised in writing by the Director of Chaplaincy of the outcome and a permanent record of equivalent standing will be placed on the applicants personnel file. The applicant can then apply for endorsement as a potential Chaplain with ACCESS ministries. If the application is unsuccessful, the applicant will be advised in writing by the Director of Chaplaincy providing feedback for career planning purposes. Being granted Equivalent Standing status does not necessarily mean the candidate will be endorsed under the endorsement process.

Request for Ministers Endorsement

Dear Minister/Pastor/Priest, A member of your congregation is applying to be eligible for a Chaplaincy or Wellbeing position with ACCESS ministries. As part of this process, would you please consider providing a letter of endorsement for this applicant after considering the following? An ACCESS ministries Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Worker operates as a Christian in public ministry on behalf of the Christian community. Would you endorse this applicant for such public ministry, and would they be supported by your denomination? Is the applicant a committed member of your church who demonstrates a giftedness and maturity appropriate for a public ministry with students, staff and families? Do you have any concerns about the applicants suitability for school ministry? An ACCESS ministries Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Worker in an educational facility represents the Christian community, offering pastoral care to both staff and students and education in the area of spirituality, beliefs and values. A Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Worker needs to have a warm personality, a well-grounded Christian faith, an ability to connect with people in crisis, an ability to operate sensitively and articulate their faith in a secular context, and live a transparently Godly life. I appreciate you taking the time to provide a letter of endorsement for this applicant. If you are not able to fully endorse the applicant, please indicate your reasons. Please forward your letter to me ASAP at the following address: chaplaincy@accessministries.org.au or ACCESS ministries GPO Box 5124 Melbourne VIC 3001 If at any stage in the future you can no longer endorse the applicant, please contact the ACCESS ministries office. I thank you for your time in this matter. Yours sincerely,

Karen Danes General Manager of Chaplaincy and Wellbeing Services

Request for Reference

Dear Referee, A person known to you is applying to be eligible for a Chaplaincy or Wellbeing position with ACCESS ministries. As part of this process, could you please complete the form below and return it to our office as soon as possible, after considering the following: An ACCESS ministries Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Worker in a state school represents the Christian community in the school offering pastoral care to both staff and students, and education in the area of spirituality and values. An ACCESS ministries Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Worker needs to have a warm personality, a well-grounded Christian faith, the ability to minister to people in crisis, an understanding of the issues faced by children and young people, and the state school culture. They should also be able to articulate their faith in a secular context and live with integrity as a Christian. I appreciate you taking the time to provide a reference for this applicant. If you are not able to fully endorse the applicant, please indicate your reasons. Please forward your completed form to me ASAP at the following address: chaplaincy@accessministries.org.au or ACCESS ministries GPO Box 5124 Melbourne VIC 3001 If at any stage in the future you can no longer endorse the applicant, please contact the ACCESS ministries office. I thank you for your time in this matter. Yours sincerely,

Karen Danes Acting Director of Chaplaincy and Wellbeing Services 7

Reference for Applicant

Reference for: Referees Name: Position: In what capacity do you know the applicant? For how many years have you known the applicant? Please comment on the applicant under the following headings as you are able, giving examples where possible or appropriate. I appreciate your assistance. 1. Maturity: a. Awareness of own character strengths and weakness and how these affect their ministry. b. Ability to work without direction, supervision or control. c. Confidence in defining and working towards personal goals. d. Ability to handle new or challenging situations. 2. Communication skills: a. Ability to speak clearly and fluently in a large group context. b. Ability to communicate with children and young people. c. Ability to write in a coherent form. 3. Leadership skills with young people and adults: a. Ability to plan and follow through. b. Ability to engender confidence in others with whom they are working. 4. Interpersonal Skills a. Sympathetic respect for the feelings and opinions of others. b. Ability to work alongside others in a team. c. Approachable: expresses warmth and acceptance of others. 5. Teaching skills: a. Classroom management: discipline, punctuality, class control. 8

b. Communication skills: ability to explain content and tasks clearly. c. Organisation: planning, preparation, reports. d. Curriculum development: ability to arrange and gather curriculum resources. 6. Christian faith commitment: a. Participation in a Christian community b. Ability to relate the Christian faith in a practical way. c. Understanding of the scriptures and basic doctrine. d. Ability to articulate the Christian faith in a meaningful way. e. Congruency between their faith profession and life. 7. Personal qualities: a. Ability to accept criticism. b. Sense of humour c. Strong family support d. Sound personality: warmth, stability, resilience. 8. General comments on the applicant: 9. How would you rate the applicant as a candidate for Chaplaincy or Wellbeing services in an educational context? outstanding good prospect some reservations would not recommend. Signed: ..................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................

Printed Name: Dated:

Interviews and Reflection

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As an applicant for Chaplaincy or Wellbeing services endorsement, you are required to interview two current ACCESS ministries staff operating in school communities and write a 500 word reflection about what you understand this work to be. This is not to be a critique or evaluation of the staff members interviewed. The Regional Support Manager in your area will provide you with contact details of current Chaplains or Student Wellbeing Workers (SWW) to interview. Your reflection should include: The typical activities of the Chaplain/SWW How the Chaplain/SWW balance the various demands on their time What sustains the Chaplain/SWW in their ministry The significance of conducting a Christian ministry in a secular educational institution, which is also likely to be multicultural/multi-faith Preparing for the interviews Make contact with the Chaplain/SWW as suggested by the Regional Support Manager State clearly that you are interested in ACCESS ministries Chaplaincy or Wellbeing services and would like to spend some time with them Let them know that you are being required to write a reflection on your time with them for ACCESS ministries Develop some suitable questions that will help you when writing your reflection Research the school and its Chaplaincy or Wellbeing program through their website before you visit Protocols Please make sure that the Chaplain/SWW signs the form below indicating that they have understood the purpose of your visit. Send your reflection to ACCESS ministries together with the signed form and an additional copy of your reflection to be forwarded to the Chaplains visited. The reflection should be clearly marked with your name and the names of those Chaplains/SWWs visited. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I (Chaplain/SWW) understand that (interviewer) is required by the management of the ACCESS ministries to write a reflective account of their visit as outlined above to assist with the process of discerning suitability for school ministry. I understand I will receive a copy of what they write and have the right to respond to ACCESS ministries if necessary. 10

Signed:

Date:

Training, Professional Development and Support for ACCESS ministries Chaplains and Student Wellbeing Workers (SWWs)
There are several phases of the ACCESS ministries Chaplaincy and Wellbeing training program.

Within their first year of service Chaplains and SWWs participate in the following training events: Induction Orientation Grief and Loss Theological Reflection

Each year all Chaplains and SWWs are expected to attend the following events: One Regional Day each term Includes administration updates, professional development and collegial time One State wide Conference each year Includes key note speakers, themed presentations and collegial learning

Each year Chaplains and SWWs are given an allowance of funding for: Professional development seminars Regular professional supervision sessions

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Chaplains and SWWs are also supported through contact with their Regional Support Manager and ACCESS ministries administration staff.

Endorsement Application
Please complete this form and return it to the Regional Support Manager in your area with any supporting papers and documentation. It is helpful if you electronically make changes on this form, save the file and send as PRIVACY STATEMENT an attachment in an email. The information provided will only be used by ACCESS ministries for the purpose of assessing the suitability of the applicant for ACCESS ministries school positions.

1. Are you applying for endorsement as a

Chaplain Student Wellbeing Worker

2.

Personal _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________Postcode:_________________

Full Name: Address:

Phone: ______________________ ______________________________________ Email:

Mobile:

_______________________________________________________________________

3.

Church

Denominational membership: __________________________________________________________ Current church attending: __________________________________________________________ 12

Date of Ordination (if applicable): _________________________________________________________

4.

Education

Formal study: Qualification Institution Location / Country Year Commenc ed Year Completed

Other courses: Qualification

Institution

Location / Country

Year Commenc ed

Year Completed

Please attach copies of your transcripts with your application form as we need to see that you have completed subjects containing mental health and referral components Experience

5.

Previous employment: Position Organisation Location / Country Year Commenc ed Year Completed

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Voluntary / Honorary roles: Position Organisation

Location / Country

Year Commenc ed

Year Completed

6.

Faith Development

Outline, in point form, the significant developments in your faith journey. Include the special qualities you would bring to a school ministry position. Please limit your response to less than one page. ...

7.

Experience

Please comment on the following attributes of a Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Worker, with reference to yourself. a. A Christian who lives out a personal relationship with God, is a participating member of a congregation and is in good standing with their denomination.

b. A person who affirms the basic tenets of ACCESS ministries as outlined in ACCESS ministries Core Values document.

c. Is self-aware and has empathy with others.

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d. Has an ability to work in a team as well as independently.

e. Has a commitment to learning.

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8.

References

Please give details of at least three persons who could give a reference about your suitability for school ministry. Please include at least one professional and one personal referee.

Name

Title

Email

9.

Signature

Signed: ______________________________________________________________________________ Name:______________________________________________________________________________ Date: ______________________________________________________________________________

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Core Values document

About ACCESS ministries
The Council for Christian Education in Schools trading as ACCESS ministries is an inter-church body charged with the responsibility for providing Christian education and Chaplaincy in State Schools in Victoria, Australia, under the provision of the Education Act 1958 (revised 1998). It provides this service in partnership with Christian churches.

The Mission ACCESS ministries

The mission of the ACCESS ministries is to facilitate the Church's mission to school communitiesenabling students to explore Christian beliefs, values and behaviours that will provide them with strong foundations for life. ACCESS ministries has twelve nominating churches: Anglican Church Australian Christian Churches (Assemblies of God in Australia) Baptist Union Christian Community Churches of Australia Christian Reformed Churches of Australia CRC International Churches of Christ in Australia Lutheran Church of Australia Presbyterian Church of Australia Salvation Army Uniting Church in Australia Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia

Core Values
Commitment to teach, live and commend the Christian faith through the ministry of Christian religious education and pastoral care. Caring for the educational and personal wellbeing of all people. Excellence in education, communications, administration and pastoral care. Service In partnership with churches to school communitiesstudents, teachers, principals, families and friends.

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Statement of Belief
ACCESS ministries is an ecumenical body committed to the basic doctrines of the Christian faith drawn from the Old and New Testament Scriptures. It is committed to the three ecumenical creeds (Apostle's Creed, Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed) and takes into account the faith statements and traditions of its nominating churches. ACCESS ministries affirms: its faith in God, as One-in-Three-Persons, whose redemptive purpose for the world is revealed in the Person of Jesus Christ that the Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed in word and deed the presence of the Kingdom of God through mission and evangelisma calling of people to repentance and a declaration of God's love in practical ministry to others by enabling reconciliation, peace, wholeness and justice God's concern for the whole person in context of his or her being in relation with others and the world, and that God is concerned that justice and mercy form the hallmarks of society the redemptive presence of God in the world, and ACCESS ministries personnel, along with other Christians, form part of God's presence in the school that the Christian tradition recognises the educative and pastoral needs of people and that these needs are to be respectfully and educationally addressed.

Working Principles
Living by the Core Values of ACCESS ministries means: For the ACCESS ministries community believing that all people are equal in the sight of God demanding of themselves high standards of professional competence and accepting the need to be accountable being open to change which enhances the ministry of ACCESS ministries striving for excellence in ministry and service. For CRE teachers helping students to explore their lives for meaning and purpose introducing children to the religious dimensions of life and ideas of their community giving some understanding of the biblical stories, festivals and symbols of the Christian faith respecting students' rights to hold their own opinions while giving a broader understanding of the contemporary influences in their culture adhering to the agreed syllabus Religion in Life. For Chaplains and Student Wellbeing Workers leading students in an open exploration of the Christian faith in a way that is appropriate to their maturity and experience

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 respecting the right of students to make and hold their own religious opinions helping students to discover life-affirming answers to their search for meaning caring for the physical and emotional needs of students, parents and teachers fostering respect for the beliefs and attitudes of others.

For staff encouraging the professional, personal and spiritual development of each other encouraging continued personal commitment of time and resources being good stewards of time and finances striving for good communication and consultation. For curriculum development developing resources that are biblically based, related to the students' life experience and which teach the Christian understanding of God in action in the world developing resources for all students for use in secular and pluralistic settings developing resources that help students to explore their lives for meaning and purpose developing resources that give students some understanding and engagement with the religious ideas and values of their community, especially of the Christian faith develop resources that are educationally sound. For fundraising and public relations raising funds from churches and the community according to the ethical standards of the Fundraising Institute of Australia selling curriculum resources throughout Australia and overseas using such funds to enhance the ministry of ACCESS ministries being faithful stewards of monies in trust assuring all administration and publications reflect the Christian standard upheld by ACCESS ministries. For relationships with others building partnerships with the Christian churches complementing state education supporting Christian religious education organisations similar to ACCESS ministries working closely with other Christian organisations throughout Australia and overseas engaged in ministry in schools. Declaration: When employed by ACCESS ministries I agree to uphold the Core Values, Statement of Belief and Working Principals as detailed in this document.

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Name ______________________________________________

Signed _____________________________________________

Dated ______________________________________________

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