Are you interested in really making a difference to the lives of young people and families from all sorts of backgrounds in the busy commuter town of HH? Does your Christian faith lead you to giving support in this way, by using your initiative to create and build upon outreach and support services? Have you already taken the step of qualifying as a Christian youth worker, or have equivalent experience? In return for your efforts we can offer you a friendly, supportive, inclusive working environment, in a large Methodist church which is at a key turning point in its journey, with an experienced and supportive Minster to work alongside you. You will work partly from our modernised church building which already hosts many community events, and partly reaching out into the community. Check out our website at https://www.haywardsheathmethodistchurch.co.uk/welcome.htm. We can offer you the chance to continue your personal development and training, as well as a salary in the range of £25-27K depending on your experience. You need to have a driving licence and access to a car to reach the schools with whom we work.
Inclusion
In line with the Methodist church's diversity and inclusion policy we welcome applicants from all ethnic backgrounds, genders and sexuality. We are a member of the Inclusive Church Network and seek to be a community for all people. Our building is registered for same-sex as well as mixed-sex marriages. Our congregation is varied and we look to enable all to live out their discipleship.
Responsibilities
To devise and deliver a cohesive 3-year strategy on behalf of the Church Council, for increasing the number of children, families, and young people within the Church, enabling them to grow spiritually. To establish a programme of activities to give them the opportunity to discover and follow the Christian way in their relationships with each other and in the community and alongside the existing congregation. To work with the Leadership Team and The Pastoral Secretary to build pastoral relationships with families and wider community to enable them to relate to a changing church. To work alongside our Minister, Rev. Will Fletcher, and the wider congregation and local preachers to ensure Haywards Heath Methodist Church is welcoming and inclusive.
Main Duties:
To lead, co-ordinate and further develop the existing provision for young people at Haywards Heath Methodist Church. Currently this includes Evolve (for ages 7-11), Chill Youth Club (for ages 11-17), Expand (17-25), Parent & Toddler Group, Sunday Junior Church and quarterly Messy Church. To build on the excellent foundations laid in the last few years.
To initiate new activities for young people, for instance, holiday clubs, schools outreach projects and bible studies and liaise with other churches and charities to develop these. The expectation is that two thirds of your work would be within our Church and a third through collaboration in the area with other Christian youth leaders. As a member of the pastoral support team, to take the initiative in reaching out to families and young people.
Additional duties:
Terms and conditions
· Terms of appointment: Fixed Term for 3 years
· The salary will be £25,000 - £27,000 per year.
· Normal working pattern: up to 35 hours per week if you are full time, but we welcome applications from job sharers and flexible workers from three days/21 hours upwards who can fulfill a range of the required duties.
· Opportunities for study and for training.
· All reasonable expenses reimbursed and a small allowance given for on-going training. (You will be expected to use a car for this job).
· Contributory pension scheme to which eligible employees will be auto enrolled. Lay employees who do not meet the auto-enrollment criteria are eligible to join the scheme subject to certain provisions.
· At least one day free of responsibilities each week.
· 28 days statutory annual leave entitlement per year in addition to bank holidays
· Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Debarring Service (DBS) disclosure.
· Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references
· Appointment will be subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
· Preparedness to undertake necessary training including but not limited to Enhanced Safeguarding and First Aid.
Management
The post-holder will be supervised and supported by the Church’s Minister, in regular meetings to review tasks undertaken and progress made towards agreed targets. An appropriate support network will also be set in place to:
· Become familiar with the work of the Youth and Family Worker.
· Work with them to encourage the church to respond to new challenges and opportunities in mission.
· Determine priorities for the work.
· Prepare a personal development plan with the post holder.
· Ensure good communications between all the ‘stakeholders’ (groups and networks) involved.
· Monitor and evaluate progress with the post holder on a regular basis (meetings will take place monthly during the probationary period and quarterly thereafter).
· Act as a “sounding board”
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract
Contract length: 36 months
Pay: £25,000.00-£27,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 21 – 35 per week
Benefits:
Schedule:
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 23/07/2024
Expected start date: 01/09/2024