Families’ and Children’s Worker

Part Time (21 Hrs/week)

£24,000 FTE

Who are we?

FVFC is a long-established Baptist church on the outskirts of Worthing, with a growing diverse congregation. As a church, we believe God is leading us to invest in our families’ and children’s work, and so we are looking to employ a Families’ and Children’s Worker.

What do we need you to do?

This is an exciting opportunity to build on a solid reputation, but to make a fresh start in this work. FVFC are in the process of becoming a community Hub, and children’s and family work is a very important part of the vision for this outreach project. Pre-Covid, we had very little F & C work happening amongst families, it took place predominantly through our weekly Toddler group. More recently, this area has begun to develop across whole church life, with activities such as Sunday School, Messy Church, FVFC Kids Summer club, the Toddler Group ‘Open House’ and school liaison/assemblies. We are therefore looking for someone with a vision and heart to develop and build on our already established groups, but also someone who is not afraid to develop new ideas. Someone who is a committed Christian with a mature faith, dedicated, a self-starter who obviously can work within a structure but who has a vision for the church of the future.

Responsibilities

·        Contribute to the development and delivery of a strategic vision for work with children and families.

·        Working with the Minister and Church Diaconate Team We are looking for someone who is able to meet the needs of our current young families and attract new families to the church, not necessarily re-starting the projects of the past but building upon their legacy and reputation, to grow and develop the church’s Children and Families Ministry in the congregation and the community.

·        We expect that you would commit time to developing and running family-focussed groups from the church premises and one-off events, in conjunction with the Hub, and subsequently developing relationships with families, in order to share the Gospel to those who do not share our faith, and to pastor and disciple those who do. Overseeing, supporting, and collaborating with the Children’s and Families Ministry volunteer workers and encouraging additional volunteers from the congregation.

·        Your focus would not be solely on our children’s work on Sundays, but we would

want you to come alongside volunteer leaders, encourage and help develop current ministries and make us your church, attending our Sunday services regularly. Be involved on the rota for our children’s work on Sundays and predominantly, lead and develop the ministry to families within the services. Participating as appropriate in various church events such as church services, retreats, seminars, and other special events.

·        Another important aspect of the role would be to foster greater community engagement within the church fellowship, centred upon our families’ and children’s work.

What are we offering?

This is a part-time role for 21 hours a week initially for 3 years, but we may be able to consider extending the term as the role and work develops.

·        Salary would be £24,000 FTE.

·        Holiday entitlement 28 days (FTE) (or 112 hours, based upon 20 hours per week).

·        Further training would be available if required.

·        Our minister will be your line manager, and you would be subject to performance appraisals by another member of the Diaconate team.

Essential qualities

·        There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 that the post holder must be a committed Christian and we would need you to agree to the Baptist Union of Great Britain Declaration of Principle.

·        Some prior practical experience in families’ and children’s work.

·        Some prior practical experience in speaking and service leading.

·        A people person, who will seek to share Jesus and encourage others to do so,

·        seeking to develop relationships with those outside the church. A self-starter and willing to work independently at times, but also willing to work as a

·        team player and to learn from others, and able to grow and manage teams of

·        volunteers from within the church, and some from outside the church, to support

·        this work.

·        Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (including ICT literacy), good at

·        record keeping, and able to write clear and accurate progress reports.

Desirable qualities

·        Experience working with neurodivergent children.

·        Able to bring creativity and enthusiasm to this work.

·        Theological and/or children’s ministry qualification.

·        Willing to undertake role-related training (as appropriate).

·        Full driving licence (but we would anticipate you would primarily be involved in

activities from the Church premises in Findon Valley).

Additional requirements

A successful candidate will:

·        Have satisfactory DBS enhanced disclosures and references.

·        Be eligible to work in the UK.

·        Have an understanding of and comply with FVFC procedure on safeguarding and

·        welfare of children and adults at risk (as the role holder will be working with

children).

·        Comply with FVFC health and safety policy and data protection to protect own, and others’, health, welfare and safety.

·        Be able to maintain confidentiality at all times.

·        Be subject to a probation period of 3 months.

How to apply Please submit your CV and a covering letter by email to administrator@fvfc.org.uk or by post to Richard Moore, Administrator, Findon Valley Free Church, 1-11 Lime Tree Ave, Findon Valley, Worthing, BN14 0DJ.