Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Mission Enabler

Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Mission Enabler

Job Description

Context

In 2019 after being awarded £1.98m by the National Church of England, a 5 year project began to pilot the planting of new churches and the revitalisation of existing ones.Read about the 8 projects and their stories so far. At the end of the project this December 2023, the CPR Board and National Church of England granted the project an extension of one final year to work with the existing projects to focus entirely on the priority to grow younger. This role is therefore limited to 12 months. The role also seeks to build a bridge into the Diocesan strategic objectives around strengthening youth and children’s ministry, church planting and revitalisation, raising up lay and ordained leaders and developing mission.

Summary

Development (50% of role)

The candidate will be developing CYF initiatives in Swaffham and surrounding areas.

Support and Connect (50%of role)

The candidate will be connecting with and supporting a range of churches and CYF initiatives in the King’s Lynn, Hunstanton, Fakenham and Watton areas and across the diocese to connect with young people, youth ministers (both lay and employed).  Projects will include, Youth Cafes, School involvement, Youth Discipleship Groups, Regional Youth Worship and Gathering events.

Job Description

Each of the project churches will have been allotted funding designated for the development of CYF mission that must be utilised within the year. For some areas this will be a direct injection of funds to enhance and sustain what already exists, but in other areas this may involve starting CYF work from scratch.

The candidate will be required to work with the existing projects and their respective church expressions and traditions:

Supporting Churches:

·        serve alongside local incumbents, staff and partners in order to explore and develop CYF discipleship and mission.

·        use their knowledge and experience to enable the project areas to maximise the use of their funding to catalyse CYF mission.

Recruitment and Networking:

·        recruit, encourage, and network with volunteers and staff involved in CYF Ministry.

·        promote sustainability and encourage a new approach to CYF work in local churches.

·        develop an awareness of the potential for a wider network of CYF mission outside of these areas.

Training and Education:

·        work alongside diocesan staff to run a variety of CYF mission courses for the local church and the collective of lay leaders.

·        share knowledge and expertise to normalize the new way of doing CYF work in the local church.

Documentation and Reporting:

·        record learning and produce reports in order to prove and improve models of CYF ministry for diocesan strategy and National Church learning.

·        reflect on activities and visits to help churches refine their CYF ministry.

·        Identify and report on gaps and opportunities for CYF mission.

·        maintain records in line with CYF work and safeguarding best practice guidelines.

General:

·        ensure safeguarding requirements are met in line with the Diocesan safeguarding policy.

·        ensure good management of volunteers.

The Fountain of Life Church is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Person Specification

Personal Characteristics and Skills

Essential

·        To have an inherent sense of fun!

·        To be a person that can bring initiative and creativity to the role.

·        To be self-motivated and able to work unsupervised.

·        To have good organisation, planning and time management skills

·        To be a facilitator, networker with the ability to work with other agencies and organisations.

·        To have experience and knowledge of Safeguarding, Equal opportunities and Health and Safety.

·        To have a driving licence and access to a car which can be used for business purposes.

Desirable

·        Ability to work within and support different church traditions and styles

·        Able to drive a minibus.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

·        GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English.

·        Experience of working with youth in a paid or unpaid role.

·        Experience of co-ordinating and managing volunteers.

·        Experience of organising events.

Desirable

·        A qualification in Child Development /Health and Social Care / Children or Youth Ministry

·        Some form of Theological training.

There is an Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010, section 1 schedule 9, that the successful applicant will be a practising Christian.

Appointment will be subject to an enhanced check via the Disclosure and Barring Service, satisfactory references and criminal record declaration as well as a three-month probationary period. In addition, all applicants will be expected to work within schools’ and Diocesan policies and procedures.

Terms and Conditions of employment

·        Salary £25,480 per annum plus agreed expenses.

·        Hours 35 per week

·        1 Year contract

·        The post requires evening and weekend work, usually including Sundays. 

·        Holiday entitlement: 25 days in addition to statutory holidays.

·        Pension arrangement: 4% employers’ contribution.

·        The postholder will be based in the Swaffham area but will be expected to work in other locations around the diocese.

·        The postholder will work within the safeguarding policies of local churches, schools and the Diocese of Norwich

Schedule

·        Closing date for applications: 31^stMay 2024

·        Date for interview: Week commencing 3^rdJune 2024

·        Start date: as soon as possible

·        How to apply: contactadmin@folchurch.co.ukto request an application form.