Pastoral Care Coordinator

About the post

St Andrew’s is a large, evangelical church (Church of England) in Churchdown, just between Cheltenham and Gloucester. We are part of the New Wine network and have a hunger for making disciples and reaching our community for Jesus.  This is an exciting and varied role as you help to ensure that pastoral care across St Andrew’s and St Bartholomew’s and our wider communities are run well and are in line with the strategic vision of the churches.  You will be line-managed by the Vicar as you seek to grow personally and professionally in your ministry here.  You will be aware and aligned with our Anglican roots and beliefs as an Evangelical church as we seek to fulfil our calling to this church and wider community.

Responsibilities include

1.      Leading and developing the pastoral care team

2.      Co-ordinating and increasing our pastoral care delivery to elderly congregation members

3.      Taking initiatives to reduce isolation and improve connections with people in need in the wider church and community.

4.      Supporting other members in the church who themselves support or care for elderly and isolated individuals.

5.      Liaising with and supporting church groups which minister to older and vulnerable people both inside or outside the church.

6.      Co-ordinating outreach to elderly care and outreach in our community including Parton House and other retired/elderly/sheltered/nursing accommodation

7.      Networking and ‘fringe’ outreach in our community such as GP social prescribing, advertising bereavement, single ministries and ministry for the lonely

8.      Creative outreach including those who attend or visit St Barts

Skills and attributes needed:

1.      A deep love for the Lord, a mature faith committed to the authority of scripture and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

2.      The ability to show evidence of spiritual disciplines that sustain your ministry and encourage others to do the same.

3.      Ability to work flexibly, collaboratively and yet take initiative, working independently where needed.

4.      Proven experience in organising pastoral care

5.      Strong empathetic skills

6.      Strong emotional intelligence with the ability to manage people and deal with the ‘people aspect’ of problems.

7.      An ability to develop close working relationships with volunteers and other agencies.

8.      Commitment to learning and personal development.

9.      Good IT, organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience and qualifications needed

1.      Leadership and management of teams (essential).

2.      Experience in a pastoral or social care environment (essential).

3.      Experience in administration (essential).

4.      Experience using Microsoft Teams (or equivalent), online calendars and Microsoft Word/Excel (desirable).

Other information

There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 for this post, that the successful candidate is a practising Christian as this post carries with it the specific responsibility for promoting a Christian identity.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Plus DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Clearance and proof of right to work in the UK.

This job description is not exhaustive and will be reviewed, in consultation with the post holder, depending on their gifts and abilities, and amended in light of the changing needs of the church.  Occasional flexibility of working hours may be required.