We are looking for someone with proven experience in Children’s and Youth work, and with a qualification appropriate to the role, to co-ordinate our ministry with children and families. It is suitable for lay and ordained applicants, and is subject to enhanced DBS clearance and references.

As a member of staff, the Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Co-ordinator will have responsibility to develop, oversee and, in partnership with others, to lead ministry with and to children and youth (ages 0-15) and their families in the Parish of Christ Church, Lancaster. Alongside the Parish Safeguarding Officer and the Vicar, they will hold responsibility for the effective safeguarding of children and young people.

This role is new to the Parish and marks a renewed commitment of the PCC to this area of church life and ministry. In the Parish there is a willingness to develop sustainable patterns of volunteering, and great openness to change. There will be an element of ‘pioneer’ and outreach work to the role, with an expectation of visible growth in the number, faith and inclusion of families. The CYF Co-ordinator’s focus will be within the church and around the local community, with opportunities for outreach and partnership with other agencies working in the Parish.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Children, Youth and Families:

• To introduce children, youth and their families to the love of God in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Leadership:

• To take a lead in developing and refining a plan for ministry with and to children, youth and families in the Parish, including risk assessments. To work with clergy and other leaders to expand and sustain ministry among families and different generations.

Worship and Spirituality:

• To be responsible for the planning and leadership of age-group specific prayer, learning and worship for children, youth and families.
• To facilitate the participation of children, youth and families in all aspects of the worship and spiritual life of the Parish.
• To encourage discipleship among children, youth and families, through appropriate contexts, as well as within the traditional church setting. This will include helping with Confirmation preparation.

Staff and Volunteers:

• To recruit, develop and lead the team of staff and volunteer leaders and helpers involved in children, youth and families work.

Parish Safeguarding Policy (PSP):

• To work in conjunction with the Parish Safeguarding Officer. Representatives to ensure PSP is appropriately adhered to and administered, and that accurate records are maintained.

Education / Training:

Essential:

• A proven track record of working with children or young people with significant pre- or post- qualification experience
• A qualification appropriate to the role.
  

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

• A current first aid certificate (or the willingness to receive training as soon as possible)
• Competence in the use of computers, office software, the internet and social media.
• A sound understanding of current legislation and good practice regarding all aspects of work with children and young people

Desirable:

• A full, clean driving licence.

Competencies - an ability to:

Essential:

• Think and act strategically; develop, sustain and manage new initiatives; develop action plans and manage budgets
• Work confidently within Safeguarding regulations; maintain, confidentiality and appropriate boundaries at all times.
• Organise and plan his/her own work with good time management skills and prioritise workload; work as part of an effective team; encourage, motivate and train a team of volunteer helpers and leaders.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with children and young people; communicate with parents, guardians and the wider congregation; win and maintain the respect of the children and young people by his/her example, approach, commitment and reliability; deal with difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.

Parish Profile:
Christ Church is a vibrant and inclusive worshipping community in the Lancaster and Morecambe deanery. The parish covers an area of approximately 2.1 square miles, with a population density of 4.237 per square mile, and a wide demographic spread, living in owner occupied, private and socially rented housing.

Thousands of new dwellings have been and are being built in the parish, this growing population is ripe for outreach. We are keen to walk alongside these new residents, and especially to find out how we can be there for them in their family and social needs – and to share our faith in serving them.

Our ethos is open and welcoming: we celebrate and affirm all God’s children, we will not discriminate, and we seek to follow Jesus’ example of reaching out first to the most excluded. Our church style is liberal catholic, and we are a very child-friendly church