Youth and Children's Worker in St Ives, Cornwall

Youth and Children's worker

Are you passionate about helping children and young people discover and grow in faith? Do you have a heart for mission, discipleship and building relationships with families in both church and community settings?

The Benefice of St Ives and Halsetown is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Children and Youth Worker to help shape and grow our ministry among children, young people and families across our two churches: St Ia and St John’s-in-the-Fields.

This is an exciting opportunity to build on established ministries while developing new opportunities for discipleship, outreach and growth among children and young people in one of Cornwall’s most vibrant communities.

About Us

St Ia Church and St John’s-in-the-Fields are welcoming Anglican churches committed to worshipping God, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, and serving our local community.

We already have a range of children’s and family ministries, including the children’s ministry at Wild Church, Tiddlers baby and toddler group, youth groups and seasonal outreach events. We are looking for someone who can help us nurture and disciple those already involved while developing new opportunities to engage children, young people and families who are not yet connected with church.

The Role

The Children and Youth Worker will play a key role in the life and mission of the benefice through:

Discipleship and Faith Development

·      Leading and developing age-appropriate discipleship opportunities for children and young people.

·      Supporting and growing Wild Church and existing youth groups and activities.

·      Helping children and young people explore Christian faith, prayer, worship and scripture.

·      Encouraging progression in faith and deeper engagement in church life.

Outreach and Community Engagement

·      Building relationships with children, young people and families across the wider community.

·      Oversight of Tiddlers and other groups engaged in the community.

·      Developing a new outreach for unchurched young people.

·      Creating opportunities for new families to connect with the churches.

·      Work with our local schools in partnership with our wider team.

Leadership and Volunteer Development

·      Oversight of the children and youth team including recruiting, supporting and encouraging volunteers involved in children’s and youth ministry.

·      Working collaboratively with clergy, PCCs and volunteers to develop a shared vision for ministry.

·      Championing the voice and needs of children and young people within the wider church.

·      Being part of the Wild Church Leadership team and the strategic oversight of the youth and children’s work across the benefice.

Events and Mission

·      Organising and leading seasonal outreach events such as Christingle services, Easter activities and holiday clubs.

·      Helping create engaging intergenerational opportunities that enable all ages to worship and grow together.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

·      Has a clear Christian faith and a sense of calling to ministry among children and young people.

·      Is able to communicate the Christian faith in engaging and accessible ways.

·      Has experience of working with children, young people and/or families.

·      Can build positive relationships with people of all ages.

·      Is organised, self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively.

·      Has an understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to best practice.

·      Is willing to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends.

What We Offer

·      A supportive and prayerful church community.

·      A strong and committed team of volunteers (including an experienced early years teacher on placement with the church for three years from September).

·      You will report to the vicar who will offer regular supervision and line management.

·      Opportunities for training, professional development and networking with other children’s and youth workers.

·      Flexibility in working patterns and provision for time off in lieu where appropriate.

·      Membership of the Church Workers Pension Fund.

·      A genuine opportunity to help shape the future of children’s and youth ministry in the benefice.

Safeguarding

The Benefice of St Ives and Halsetown is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check and undertake safeguarding training in line with diocesan requirements.

Further Information

The role is for 23 hours per week
Salary: £29,500 annualised (equivalent to £16,962 per annum for 23 hours per week)

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Vicar of St Ives and Halsetown: nick@stiveschurch.org.uk or 07789 680070

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter to nick@stiveschurch.org.uk explaining your experience, faith journey and why you believe God may be calling you to this role.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 29 July. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 4 August.