JOB TITLE: Children & Families Worker (5 year fixed-term contract)

LOCATION: St Augustine’s, Slade Green Road, Slade Green, DA8 2HX

GRADE: 4

REPORTING TO: Rev Jim Bennett

PURPOSE OF JOB

Develop and lead on mission & ministry initiatives that engage with children and families both within the parish and the community of faith at St Augustine’s. Supported by the Priest in Charge and a team of dedicated volunteers

PRINICIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Extend and consolidate the present children and families work and be responsible for developing new pioneering projects that include:a. plan and launch Toddler church and Messy church at St Augustine’sb. co-ordinate, plan, develop and deliver children and family termly

outreach events.c. establish a baptism family support group at St Augustine’s,

interacting with baptism families and encouraging them to become more integrated with the life & activities of St Augustine’s

d. work closely with St Paul’s Church of England School in developing an after-school Christian club

2. Further the links with two other primary Schools, offering support and guidance as appropriate

3. Have a presence out and about in the parish, especially through school’s work, being known and trusted by families in the area, providing a bridge between them and St. Augustine’s church.

4. Support & work with the Priest in Charge on matters relating to children and families, especially their mission and ministry within the parish and community

5. Work in conjunction with the Church Project Worker at Christ Church Erith in developing a summer holiday club

6. Nurture and develop a team of volunteer leaders and helpers, includinga. being conversant with the Diocesan Safeguarding policies and to

ensure they are adhered to at all times

b. co-ordinating opportunities for training, understanding and implement best practice in children and family ministry and model good practice to others

c. ensuring all volunteers are recruited in line with the Diocesan Safer Recruitment policy

7. Contribute to growing the church community, both spiritually and numerically, and to the development of St Augustine’s vision and strategy which will include producing reports related to the role both internally and externally

8. Engage with community groups and to represent St Augustine’s as appropriate

9. Be expected to participate in review meetings

10. Required to attend professional meetings where you may be able to provide helpful insight or information.

11. Have an awareness of the data protection act and ensure that all reasonable effort is made to protect confidential and/or sensitive information

12. Be responsible for ensuring that any safeguarding concerns are raised with the safeguarding leads for the diocese and the parish immediately to protect children and/or vulnerable adults.

13. Undertake relevant training and development and other tasks and responsibilities as appropriate

The post holder will, at times, be the public face of the church, it is considered that there is a Occupational Requirement (OR) for the postholder to be a communicant member of the Church of England, or of a Church in communion therewith or of a member Church of the Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland or of Churches Together in England, or of a member Church of the Evangelical Alliance

The church takes the safety of everyone within the church very seriously and expects that everyone will work within the church safeguarding policy. In particular, the church expects anyone who becomes aware of a safeguarding risk or of actual abuse, to immediately raise this with their manager or safeguarding officer.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE• Have a passion for outreach to families and children helping them to have

a personal relationship with Jesus Christ• Ability to communicate the message of the Gospel in an inspiring and

accessible way

• Understand the importance of safeguarding and safe practice principles in children’s work

• Have relevant knowledge and experience (paid or unpaid) of children’s ministry and outreach work with families

• Be able to engage with and relate to a wide range of families and individuals, and to work collaboratively with both lay and ordained people

• Be willing to become a worshipping member of St Augustine’s• Be proactive, capable of identifying and developing opportunities and of

facilitating their implementation• Be organised and flexible in approach, able to manage a diverse workload

and wide-ranging responsibilities through effective time management• An enhanced DBS check

COMPETENCIES

Achievement Drive – A desire to meet or exceed standards, welcoming feedback, and continually seeking to improve. It includes staying focused on goals over an extended period of time.

Relationships – The ability to understand the perspectives, feelings and concerns of others and initiate, build and maintain relationships in a mutually beneficial way. Recognise one’s own feelings and those of others and manage emotions effectively.

Persuasiveness – The ability to convince others of a view, conclusion, position etc. Communicating in an impactful way, tailored to one’s audience.

Problem Solving – The ability to investigate and breakdown a problem or situation into its component parts, identifying implications and the key underlying issues and establish possible solutions.

Independence – A demonstrated belief in one’s capability to select an appropriate approach to a situation. It includes confidence in one’s judgement or opinion and showing resilience in adversity. Know when to seek the support and advice of others.

Adaptability – The ability to adapt one’s behavioural style or method of approach where necessary to achieve a goal. Responds to change with a positive attitude and demonstrates a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish objectives.

Teamworking – The willingness and ability to work co-operatively and collaboratively with others toward a shared goal, contributing actively to the team. Builds positive relationships and a sense of pride within the team.

January 2020