Youth Worker

Purpose of appointment

To enhance the growth of [Employer hidden]'s reach in connecting with young people in the communities in Cowal. Creating a fun, stimulating, inclusive & safe environment where young people can contribute and feel they can invite others to take part too. The aim is to work as a part of a team in order to transform lives, helping them to be confident, feel accepted, gain leadership skills and exposing them to the Christian lifestyle – encouraging them into a positive destination where they can thrive. In this role you will take an active role in an already established effective team and help plant fresh expressions of church and community work amongst young people, many of whom are disaffected and disadvantaged. This is an exciting opportunity to work with young people of all faith backgrounds and none and in a variety of settings.

Main duties

• To work within a team running community and church youth activities and be a part of the planning and implementing of these activities when they happen, including a regular Friday Night Youth Club in Dunoon.
• Rural primary school work, delivering RMPS activities once per month.
• To be a part of the ongoing work of [Employer hidden] in Dunoon Grammar School. One day per week working as the school youth worker, running a Tuesday lunch time club (MAD Club – Make a Difference Club). At some lunchtimes your role will be to wander the school forum and reach out to familiar and new young people.
• To be a part of weekly team meetings, Bible Studies & Prayer times.
• Support the work of Cowal Kirk, Pizza church and summer club.
• Take part in planning and implementing of a Christian youth residential weekend at Port Ban.
• To spend time in the community & churches talking to the young people and inviting them to join in youth activities, and liaising with Church leaders to encourage partnership working.

This work will include

• Preparing materials and resources and delivering them where appropriate.
• Radically challenging the young people involved with [Employer hidden] to be different & make a difference.
• Devising programmes that will enable young people to invite their friends to participate.
• Casting a vision for and energising the young people to know and believe that they are the hope for our community and nation.
• Encouraging the young people to take up opportunities in [Employer hidden] as a means of learning leadership, training for future careers and the potential to gain experience that will better prepare them for adult life.
• Providing Pastoral Care for designated young people.
• Supervising young people in your care at designated hours.
• Helping with fundraising for this post and other [Employer hidden] activities

Accountability

To be directly responsible to the [Employer hidden] Team Leader (in the first instance) and Trustees for spiritual and ministry guidance, work plan and implementation, team involvement, personal and spiritual wellness. This will include:

• Attending a weekly team meeting
• One on one weekly meeting with the Team Leader
• Production of a monthly work plan
• Flexibility in work hours according to organisational needs
• Accountability in personal & spiritual Life

Person Specification

1. Christian Character: The Youth Worker must be a practising Christian, regularly attending church and have a heart for God, and a desire to grow in faith. This is a Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010.
2. Personal Qualities: The Youth Worker must have a passion for young people, a vibrant & positive approach to working in a team. They must be confident in being upfront and leading by example. Self-motivation, good organisation & communication skills are essential. A proven record of planning and implementing first rate youth work is desirable.
3. Gifting: The Youth Worker will be able to recognise their gift of working with and alongside young people and be able to speak openly about their Christian lifestyle & experience.
4. Work Experience: Previous experience in youth work is essential but candidates/applicants with relevant life experience or transferrable skills will also be considered.
5. Education: At least to Secondary School Higher / A level. Additional education & experience in youth work desirable.
6. Other: a driving license and car are essential. Understanding and ability to engage with several online social media will be a part of this post. The post will include some weekend work and overnight activities. There will be no overtime pay. When extra hours are worked these will be taken as time in lieu in agreement in advance with the Team Leader.

Further information about [Employer hidden]

Website: expyouthwork.org.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/expyouthwork

Application process

To apply, please send a CV together with a letter describing why you are interested in this post and why you think you are suitable for it, and the names and contact details of 3 referees. Applications should be sent by to Dr Chris Brett at [contact hidden], or at 63 Hillfoot Street, Dunoon, Argyll, PA23 7DR.