Parish Secretary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel & St Joseph's Parish

The Carmelite Order has served the Parish as both individual Parishes and a united Parish. Our community stretches from Albert Park Lake, St Kilda West, to Fishermen's Bend.

Demographically, it includes a large elderly population as well as an increasingly youthful population in the new growth area of Fishermen's Bend and Docklands.

St Joseph's Church is the Mother Church of the Parish In terms of our foundational Church and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Middle Park is the National Shrine dedicated to her.

We are responsible for 5 heritage-listed buildings that include 2 Churches, 2 Halls, and a Priory.

Our Values

We name our Parish values as an inclusive, hospitable community that welcomes all people. Our mission and outreach to the community is primarily volunteer-based. Our liturgical practice is relaxed and aimed at creating an atmosphere where every community member is valued and cared for.

The role of the Parish Secretary is to provide administration and office support to the Parish Priest. The position is Part time for 22 hours per week days and hours are flexible.

Duties will include, but will not be limited to:

• Actively supporting the Parish Priest in the day-to-day operation of the Parish and under his direction take responsibility for a wide range of administrative tasks to ensure efficient and seamless administration and a strong pastoral focus in the Parish.
• Provide a high level of customer service to the Parish and be the first point of contact on the telephone and in person.
• Provide secretarial and office support services to the Parish Priest, including preparing correspondence and documentation, maintaining records and an orderly office, managing and facilitating groups and individuals using our Parish facilities, and engaging with tradespersons and business suppliers.

• Assist in preparing and printing liturgical material for Sunday Mass and special celebrations, weekly Parish newsletter and Parish communications; maintain and monitor our Parish website; and provide administrative support to Parish groups and volunteers.
• Develop and maintain sound working relationships with Parish volunteers. Coordinate volunteer groups and rosters, including those involved in preparing and celebrating our Parish liturgies, home visitation and ministry to the sick and housebound.
• Assist the Parish Priest with arrangements (and record-keeping) for weddings, funerals, baptisms, sacramental preparation and catechesis.
• Ex officio member (and secretary of) our Child Safeguarding Committee and support our ongoing implementation of, and compliance with, the Child Safety Policies of both Parish and Archdiocese.
• Assist with the introduction of new digital engagement and communications strategies that include email, SMS and social media with the aim to strengthen engagement with existing members of the Parish community and connect with residents who have little or no awareness or connection with the Parish community.

• Other administration duties as needs arise.

Parish Secretary: Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Experience in providing a range of secretarial and office management services.

• Knowledge of the 'Parish On Line' and 'PACS' software (Parishioner Data, Thanksgiving Management, Financial Accounting, Payroll, EFT Transactions, and website management) is highly regarded; however, training can be provided.
• Knowledge of InDesign is also highly regarded; however, training can be provided.
• Ability to work to deadlines and be attentive to detail and quality service provision.
• Ability to relate to various people, develop sound working relationships, work with a spirit of generosity and achieve in a team environment.
• Energetic and highly motivated with initiative and capacity to work with a minimum of supervision. Well-motivated to work for the Church and ideally possess a solid commitment to its practices and values.

• Other administration duties as needs arise.

All applicants are required to provide:

• Working with Children Check

• Police Check (new check required)
• Vaccination Certificates
• Valid Driver's Licence

Applications are to be sent to recruitmentcam.org.au by 30 May 2022. Please submit a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria along with a current resume. For further information, contact Suzette Diaz on 9926 2424

Please note: The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne is committed to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and vulnerable adults. It is a requirement across our organisation that all clergy, employees and volunteers have a valid Police and Working with Children Check.