Muslim Prison Chaplain

The Islamic Council Of Victoria – West Melbourne VIC Role: Muslim Prison Chaplain (Brothers') Organisation: Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) Work Location: On-site - in-Person at ICV Office at 66-68 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne, and working from prison locations across Victoria. FTE: Full-time The Islamic Council of Victoria: The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) is the peak body for Muslim organisations in Victoria. The ICV represents the wider Victorian Muslim community and has more than 75 member organisations located throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. The ICV’s vision is to build a better community for all Australians through the empowerment of Muslims in Victoria. The ICV aims to fulfil this vision through the provision of advocacy and social welfare services, and in consultation and cooperation with governments, multifaith communities, service providers and wider society. The organisation is firmly committed to providing support for, and protecting the rights of, Victorian Muslims. The Position: The ICV’s Muslim Prison Chaplaincy service aims to address the religious and spiritual needs of Muslims inside prisons, with a focus on religious education and pastoral care. The chaplain plays a vital role in the rehabilitation and well‑being of inmates by offering mentorship, counselling, and spiritual guidance. This role ensures that incarcerated Muslims have access to faith‑based guidance, worship services, and religious resources while navigating the challenges of imprisonment. The chaplain will lead prayers, deliver sermons, provide one‑on‑one pastoral care, and facilitate special religious programs such as Ramadan and Eid celebrations. They will also advocate for the religious rights of inmates, liaising with prison authorities to ensure appropriate accommodations for prayer, dietary needs, and access to religious materials. Responsibilities Attend various prison locations in metropolitan and regional Victoria. Lead worship and religious services, including prayers, jummah and sermons. Provide spiritual support and counselling to inmates within prisons. Liaise between prison management and inmates to advocate for inmates’ religious practices and exceptions. Coordinate and deliver special programmes including Ramadan services and Eid celebrations. Source and provide religious resources such as Qurans, Islamic books, prayer mats and more. Attend regular team and networking meetings. Attend training courses and conferences as required. Perform all duties in a manner consistent with the position of the Employee and exercise all due care, skill and attention in performing the duties. Display the highest ethical and professional standards of service delivery and confidentiality towards the Employer and its clients. Document procedures and maintain records of services delivered. Maintain discretion and appropriate standards of privacy. Devote all time and attention during Normal Business Hours to the performance of the duties. Participate in induction, orientation and training processes, upholding security and emergency protocols at prisons. Promptly raise extraordinary prison matters to ICV management as soon as they arise. Conduct chaplaincy services with professionalism and a strong commitment to the ICV's best interests, while strictly avoiding conflicts of interest. Travel as required; travel hours are paid. Key Selection Criteria Expertise and Experience Islamic education: Fundamental knowledge or education in Islamic studies and practice. Experience in chaplaincy and counselling: Experience as a chaplain, counsellor, mentor, Imam or other form of religious leader within the Muslim community. Experience in Islamic religious services (desirable): Experience as an Imam or religious leader within the Muslim community. Full driver’s licence and vehicle: You will require a full driver’s licence and your own vehicle for this role. Skills and Attributes Communication skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage empathetically with individuals in relation to sensitive or personal matters. Mentoring skills: Ability to engage with individuals as a mentor, including understanding individual needs, providing appropriate advice and supporting long‑term personal growth. Conflict mediation: Ability to navigate sensitive personal issues, de‑escalate conflict and resolve disputes. Adaptability and problem‑solving skills: Flexibility and innovative problem‑solving in challenging and sensitive environments. Cultural competence and appreciation of diversity: Thorough awareness and understanding of different opinions and practices within the Islamic tradition, and respect for inmates from diverse religious, cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Organisational skills and responsiveness: Attend to requests and queries from inmates & prison management in a timely manner. Other Conditions This role is a two‑year fixed term contract. Position is full‑time, 38hrs per week and may include evening and weekend work. Probation period of 9 months. Annual salary (including superannuation): $70,503 per year. Application Process To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a properly formatted cover letter that directly addresses the Key Selection Criteria, along with a comprehensive resume detailing relevant experience and qualifications. Additionally, please include the contact details for two professional references. All appointments to the ICV are subject to reference checks and a Police Check. Be careful – Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don’t transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad. #J-18808-Ljbffr