Job Description
Chaplain amongst Deaf People in the Diocese of Oxford (North and
East).
This is a 0.5 post, to work alongside a 0.5 post covering the remaining area of the
Diocese, and a part time chaplain. This is a job share with another chaplain who
covers Berkshire & South Oxfordshire.
Job purpose: To offer spiritual care for all **deaf people in the dioceses, working
with Parish priests as appropriate, to develop outreach across the area and to enable
members of the deaf community to play a full part in the life of the Church, and to
find appropriate new ways of being church.
** ‘deaf people’ – includes those who are deaf, deafened and hard of hearing
whatever method of communication is used. For some this is defined as
comprising those people for whom sign language (BSL) is a first or preferred
language.
Areas of ministry:
In the Diocese of Oxford: the Archdeaconry of Buckingham, (except Burnham &
Slough) those deaneries in the Archdeaconry of Dorchester north of Oxford ( Bicester
& Islip, Chipping Norton, Deddington, Woodstock). To Share ministry with the
Chaplaincy Team for the Archdeaconry of Oxford, and to minister anywhere across
the Diocese should a situation of necessity arise.
Post holder reports to:
The Chair of Oxford Diocesan Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Oxford
Main Responsibilities (With percentage of time spent averaged over a year):
1. To encourage mission and evangelism by seeking out and meeting deaf people
where they are, especially children, youth and working age deaf and hard of
hearing, including churches, deaf clubs and societies. (25%)
2. To work towards opportunities for varied and appropriate communication
support to be provided at mainstream services, working in collaboration with
and advising parish priests on visual aids to worship for deaf people at those
services and to establish relationships with other churches in the diocese
which provide examples of good practice, enabling deaf and hard of hearing
people of all ages to play a full part in the life of their church. (25%)
3. To act as ‘Chaplain’ being priest and pastor to deaf people, and a recognisable
presence in the deaf and hard of hearing communities, providing opportunities
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for worship, nurture, pastoral care and mission, by means of appropriate
methods to the culture of that community. (25%)
To be an active, collaborative member of the staff team, the “Oxford Diocesan
Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing” (ODCD) and the body of
associated volunteers, attending Team meetings every 4-6weeks, working
collaboratively with the Chairperson of ODCD on day-to-day
management issues. (15%)
To promote deaf perspectives arising from the distinctive needs and abilities
including language, culture and communication of deaf people, with a view to
developing new approaches to worship, theology, mission and being church.
(5%)
To provide training opportunities for ministers-in-training and interested
church members through placements and other appropriate means. (5%)
To keep the Bishop of Oxford, the Area Bishops and Archdeacons informed
about the ministry among deaf people in the Diocese, and in particular to liaise
with the Area Bishops about the work in their Area. (less than 1%)
Duties:
1. To advise clergy and parishes on making adequate provision for full access
and inclusion for deaf, deaf-blind, deafened and hard of hearing people, and to
seek out deaf and hard of hearing people of all ages, but especially the young
and working age who attend mainstream services so that support may be
offered and views understood.
2. To encourage working relationships with other churches in the area of
ministry that provides good examples regarding the inclusion of deaf people.
3. To encourage mission and evangelism among deaf people and to assist in the
training of leaders among deaf people, enabling them to take on leadership
roles within the structures of the parishes, deaneries, and dioceses, through
membership of electoral rolls, PCCs, synods and other appropriate means.
4. To network with leaders and members of;
 other denominations and faith leaders working with deaf people
 other local organisations and professionals working with deaf people
 schools and colleges, with a view to making contact with deaf children
5. To ensure that provision is made for regular opportunities for worship
(including Holy Communion), occasional offices, learning and study in sign
language and/or other means appropriate to the deaf culture.
6. To ensure that provision is made for personal pastoral care through visiting
people in their homes, hospital, or other places.
7. To establish working relationships with BSL/English interpreters, and to use
them effectively.
8. To promote awareness of the nature, language and culture of the deaf
community, the needs and abilities if its members, and of deafened and hard of
hearing people, and the contribution they make to the life of the church.
9. To further the chaplain’s own personal and ministerial development through
participation in the Chaplains Ministerial Development Conference, – or its
current equivalent- and other appropriate conferences, courses and workshops.
10. To have an understanding of the Equalities Act (2010) as it applies to hearing
impairment.
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Person Specification:
The Chaplain will be a priest from the Church of England who:
o Has successfully completed their Title Post with a proven track record
in working within the Church of England
o Understands the spiritual needs of deaf people and the implications for
their pastoral care
o Has experience of ministering to deaf people in a church, familial or
social context
o Is both self-motivating and enthusiastic about working collaboratively
Skills:
The person appointed will be:
o A person who has clear lip speaking patterns.
o Able to prioritise work and manage time, including meeting deadlines.
o Has ability to explore deaf awareness issues with local church leaders.
o Have proven administrative and ICT skills whilst being comfortable
with the range of communication tools available to deaf people.
o Be a car driver or have regular access to a car and driver, in order to
undertake extensive travel across the dioceses.
o Readily share mutual support with the chaplaincy team.
Though not essential, it may be helpful to have:
o Proficiency in or able to quickly achieve proficiency in British Sign
Language (to a minimum of Signature Level 2).
o To have completed or be following The Chaplains with Deaf People
Training Programme.
Personal Qualities:
o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
o Ability to encourage and empower deaf people, volunteers and others.
o Ability to work alone or as a member of a team and to liaise with other
agencies and diocesan officers as necessary.
o Empathy with deaf people.
o Be ready to share mutual support with the Chaplaincy team in the Diocese of
Oxford.
22nd October 2014.
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