Vacancy: Port Chaplain in London/Tilbury

The German Seafarers‘ Mission (Deutsche Seemannsmission (DSM)) works to promote dignity for seafarers across 33 stations worldwide. It works to support and advise seafarers of all nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and religions. Its work in the United Kingdom is carried out by the independent charity German Seafarers Mission in the United Kingdom.

It is looking for a qualified deacon, chaplain or pastor (religious minister) to fill the post of Port Chaplain (full-time) in the station in Tilbury, Greater London as soon as possible.

Responsibilities include:

Visiting seafarers on board in ports mainly in London and in surrounding hospitals
Collaborating with the ecumenical team in the Seafarers’ Centre Tilbury
Undertaking public relations work for Deutsche Seemannsmission in London and the entire UK
Representing DSM in relations with international organisations in London and the entire UK
Holding monthly German-language services in congregations of the Synod of German-Speaking Lutheran, Reformed and United Congregations in Great Britain
Working on our pastoral chat line (dsm.care) and within the DSM network of psychosocial emergency care provision

Requirements:

Qualification as a deacon/chaplain/pastor or comparable qualification
Ordained to serve within a protestant church (Lutheran, United or Reformed)
Willingness to work within the maritime environment
Enthusiasm for working with people from a variety of cultures
Fluent German-language skills (C1 level)
Excellent English language skills (B2 level)
Experience in pastoral care
Excellent communication skills
A high degree of organisational skill and self-motivation
Empathy and compassion
Enthusiasm for ecumenical work
Willingness to train for a psychosocial emergency care qualification
Willingness to work flexible hours
Full drivers’ licence
Member of a member church of the German Protestant Church (Evangelische Kirche Deutschland (EKD)) or a Lutheran, reformed or united confession
Demonstrated openness for the values of the EKD and Deutsche Seemannsmission

The job offers:

A stimulating working environment in an international, intercultural and maritime context
Living and working within reach of central London
Salary in the region of 50,000 gross p.a., depending on experience
Company car
Assistance with accommodation costs
Comprehensive induction in a number of DSM stations; regular training and conferences

For the proper performance of their responsibilities, postholders are required to live within a 30-minutes driving distance of the Tilbury Seafarers’ Centre.

Experience of working for a seafarers’ mission is an advantage but not required.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and, where applicable, international equivalents.

The employing organisation is the German Seafarers Mission in the United Kingdom, registered charity number 1211008. The terms of employment are governed by the law of England and Wales.