Children and Families Worker

Summary:

To lead the church’s outreach and discipleship ministry, initially amongst primary school aged children and their families, but with a view to growing a youth work over the coming years.

Who are we looking for:

A faithful and Christ-centered person who wants to see every child and family flourish and thrive.

Main areas of responsibility

The way in which this ministry develops will depend on the particular gifts and experience of the post holder. We want our Children’s and Families Worker to approach this role prayerfully and with a sense of freedom to follow God’s plans. Yet there are definite areas we feel called to develop and so the following will give you an idea as to what our priorities are. We work on the assumption that no one person can do all of this alone, nor can it all be done instantly. St John’s are committed to providing the support and resources needed.

Visionary Leadership of the church’s ministry among children and families. This will involve….

·      Praying passionately and listening to God.

·      Seeking God’s will.

·      Working with the church leadership team.

·      Participating in the worship and prayer life of St John’s church.

·      Following the Parish Policy for the protection of Children and Young People at all times.

·      Envisioning and including the wider church in children’s and family ministry. 

·      Seeking God’s vision for the children, families and youth at St John’s Church and in the wider parish.

·      Teaching the children and young people the Bible.

  Leadership / Oversight of church- based children’s ministry. This will involve:

·      Taking  the lead in developing the Children’s and Families work at church and in local schools.

·      Developing and growing our monthly all age service including increasing the involvement of children and youth that attend.

·      Developing the children’s groups at our contemporary morning service on Sundays without an All Age service.

·      Creating a positive, safe and fun environment where all children feel welcomed and valued.

·      Encouraging a sense of friendship and community amongst children.

·      Enabling opportunities for children to worship, learn and grow in their faith.

·      Recruiting, training and leading volunteer teams.

·      Encouraging strong connections between children’s and families ministry and the wider church.

·      Resourcing and encouraging families to develop their faith at home.

·      Encouraging a sense of community and support amongst families.

·      Taking the lead in the planning and implementation of children’s holiday clubs and / or special events for children and families.

Leadership / Oversight of outreach work. This will involve…..

·      Leading / overseeing our existing weekly Toddler Groups (Little Steps/Little Songs).

·      Identifying local needs and seeking to respond to them.

·      Identifying and applying for sources of funding for the Children’s and Families work in the parish where necessary.

·      Developing support groups / courses for parents.

·      Developing evangelistic events / groups for children.

·      Being prepared to liaise and collaborate with other childcare professionals 

(e.g. CAHMS, the school, Council, local charities, etc.). 

Working with local schools. This will involve…..

·      Leading Collective Worship at our church school St John’s CE Primary School on a regular basis – either alone or as part of a team.

·      Helping with school services that take place in the church (Harvest, Christmas, Easter, Leaver’s Service, etc.).

·      Representing the church and developing the already strong links between other schools in the parish. 

·      Networking with other Children’s and Families / Youth workers in the area.

Person Specification

Essential

·      A committed Christian who is personally and in their ministry: prayerful, committed to the centrality of the Bible, and open to the Holy Spirit. 

·      A calling to ministry with children and families.

·      Leadership gifts and experience.

·      Self-motivated and hard working.

·      Relevant experience of leading work with children and families.

·      A good and clear communicator.

·      Able to build and nurture teams.

·      Committed to the highest standards of Safeguarding practice and development.

Desirable

·      Specific experience of Christian-based school’s ministry.

·      Experience of working with / in a primary school.

·      Relevant qualifications.

·      Experience of leading children in worship.

·      Experience of working with other agencies.

·      Competence in use of computer software (e.g. Microsoft 365) and social media.

What we offer

·      A church who are with you and for you.

·      A supportive team who will support you personally and professionally.

·      Supportive line management and supervision.

·      Opportunities for further training and time for retreat.

·      A lovely group of children and families who can’t wait to meet you.

·      Willing and able volunteers.

·      Genuine opportunities to make an impact in the local community and school.

·      A church with a good reputation and relationships in our local community.

We are offering a salary of £26,000 per annum (or pro rata) and a flexible working week (including Sundays, some weekday evenings and Saturdays).  We also offer 25 days annual leave (or pro rata) plus 8 bank holidays (or pro rata and TOIL if working on those days is an occupational requirement).

We are open to the role being either full or part time and this is something that we would welcome having a conversation about with potential candidates. We are also flexible about start dates or and would want to have a conversation with potential candidates about this too.

The post holder will be an employee of the PCC of St John the Baptist Spalding. 

The Parish of St John the Baptist Spalding is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safer recruitment practices. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced disclosure check prior to commencement of the role.

There is a genuine occupational requirement that the person appointed to this post should be a Christian with a living faith.

If you would like to know more please contact Rev Greg Bannister (Vicar of St John’s) either by email: revgreg@stjohnsspalding.org or by phone 07759 957236

To apply please send a CV and covering letter to Rev Greg Bannister either by email: revgreg@stjohnsspalding.orgor by phone 07759 957236