CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM

Chaplaincy in SES exists to provide pastoral and spiritual support to members of the SES and their families.  SES Chaplaincy is built on those essential ministerial qualities of availability, compassion, integrity and confidentiality.  

Each Region has a Chaplains and a Senior Chaplain appointed to State Headquarters.   Chaplains, like other SES members, are also volunteers and, like the members of the Peer Support Team, they are an integral part of the SES Critical Incident Support Program.  

Chaplaincy in SES forms part of the Human Services branch of State Headquarters, managed by the Manager, Critical Incident and Counselling Services and the Senior Chaplain.  Chaplains are identified primarily with the Region to which they are appointed, and support the volunteers and staff of SES Units in their Region.  Some SES Chaplains may also belong to a particular Unit as a member and train with other SES members, but in their capacity as the Chaplain for their Region they always retain their independence of that Unit.  

Chaplains are endorsed by their church bodies before taking on their role in SES and are drawn from a wide spectrum of religions, traditions and denominations.  Their role is non-denominational and, regardless of whether or not SES members and their families are involved in a church or religious group, SES Chaplains are there to support and serve. 

What do Chaplains do?

  Chaplains in the SES are here to:

• Provide advice to senior officers on spiritual and pastoral support for SES volunteers, staff and their families.
• Advise on religious or cultural factors that may affect or impact on SES operations.
• Provide pastoral support to SES volunteers and staff before, during and after operations.
• Minister, when requested in the preparation and celebration of marriages, baptisms/child dedications and other religious services.
• Provide support to sick or injured volunteers and their families through hospital or home visits.
• Conduct or attend funerals and provide pastoral support to families in bereavement, where requested.
• Conduct memorial services and dedications for SES as requested.
• Act with members of the Critical Incident Support Program