SWYM Trainee Youth Worker

Key Responsibilities

• To help develop the existing programmes of activities to ensure a dynamic, relational youth programme where young people feel safe, loved and able to invite their friends.
• To invest in young people in such a way that helps them grow as disciples of Jesus and step out in service
• To build on links with Downend Secondary School
• To lead or assist in the planning and delivery of sessions for young people, and to empower key volunteers
• To participate in residential activities as availability and other commitments allow.
• To pray regularly for the young people and for fruitfulness in the youth work at Christ Church.
• To seek to be a role model for young people at all times, living a life consistent with Christ’s teaching and seeking to exercise the fruit of the Spirit in all interactions.

Our expectations

As Youth Leaders at Christ Church, we seek to be men and women of deep faith and integrity, leading by example, who take responsibility for continuing to grow in our own personal faith. We have hearts to serve the Lord and have responded to his calling to serve young people in the Church and community. We are fully committed to the work we have been called to do and are fuelled by the desire to see the Christ Church Vision ‘Learning to live the Jesus life’ fulfilled in the young people we serve. The PCC has approved a clear set of expectations for all key leaders to ensure consistency of approach.

Youth team members are encouraged to take responsibility for their own spiritual wellbeing through involvement in a home group or other accountable small group, and to access external support through mentoring and/or spiritual direction. To ensure that the youth trainee is able to participate in the regular Sunday worshipping life of the church, they will not usually be expected to serve across more than three Sunday sessions a month.

All members of the youth team are expected to work within the relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, and to attend all required safeguarding training. An enhanced DBS check is required with children’s barred list checks.

The SWYM trainee will be based at Christ Church Downend and the role will require some evening and weekend working.

Training and Support

Christ Church will ensure that suitable additional training and growth opportunities are provided for the youth trainee and that appropriate mentoring and pastoral support is offered.

Board and lodging will be provided with members of Christ Church.

Person Specification

This role requires someone who:

• Has a secure and growing Christian faith
• Is passionate about seeing young people grow in faith
• Works well as part of a team
• Is committed to good safeguarding practice
• Builds good relationships with tact and sensitivity
• Is an encourager, able to nurture skills in others
• Is approachable and empathetic
• Is fun loving and has a good sense of humour
• Is willing to develop skills and to engage with training
• Treats everyone with respect and dignity
• Has access to the internet and is confident using email
• Has good communication skills

Driving licence preferred but not essential

Accommodation would be provided with members of the Christ Church Congregation, within walking distance of the Church

Midweek daytime - schools work, prep time and team sessions

SWYM training and study

Midweek evenings - youth group, potential youth home group, after school club

Sundays - youth group and Sunday worship

Other ad hoc commitments as agreed with line manager