Trainee Youth and Children’s Worker – Holy Trinity Frome

Holy Trinity Frome is looking for a Trainee Children’s and Youth Worker to join our growing church team. Our vision is to see a Jesus-filled Frome, our purpose is to be and grow Jesus’ lifelong disciples, and placing children and young people at the heart of all we do is top of our priorities. We are seeing God doing many new things in Frome, not least among children, young people and their families, and see this new role as an exciting opportunity for the right person to make a lasting impact whilst being trained and equipped to explore and grow in the gifts and calling God has for you.

In this role, you will have many opportunities to work across Trinity’s children’s and youth ministry with church families, schools and the wider community. These include:

· Trinity Kidz - Sunday morning children’s groups and creche

· Trinity Youth - currently meeting on Sunday afternoons

· Brick Buddies - our Tuesday Lego-based afterschool club

· Trinity Tots - a small group on Wednesday mornings supporting new parents in their Christian faith and discipleship

· Trinity Toddlers - our successful Thursday morning toddler group reaching many in the local community

· Our growing work in local first schools (years R to 4) including school assemblies, reading clubs, RE lessons, etc.

· Working with other local churches in developing a coordinated approach to children’s and youth work

· Opportunities working with other local children’s and youth work providers

· Possibilities include launching a Holiday Club, Open the Book, youth events, etc.

You will work primarily with our Head of Children’s and Youth Ministries, who as one of our senior church leaders oversees this ministry, working closely with our Vicar and our many volunteers. As a member of Trinity’s staff, you will join a caring and supportive team. Growing and supporting new leaders is one of our prime objectives and we are looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas, create new opportunities and increasingly take on responsibility; you really will be able to impact our community! There may be opportunities to explore other areas of ministry, for example working in the local community at our café or as part of our CAP debt centre.

Your training through SWYM will be prioritised throughout this placement. We will work with you to put into practice what you have learned in your studies, and to grow your responsibilities and skills as the Holy Spirit shapes and builds your ministry.

What we will offer you:

· The opportunity to work with a well-resourced and dedicated staff team, focused on seeing God at work in and beyond Frome, who will support you and encourage your skills and creativity

· Weekly meetings with your line manager and mentor, who will work with you to help grow your ministry

· A supportive and vibrant church who want you to flourish and grow in the gifts and calling God has for you

· Training that will equip your ministry and grow your skills, for example working in schools, leading children’s & youthwork sessions, safeguarding and health & safety

· A beautiful part of Somerset to live and work in that has a rich history and culture

· Accommodation with a local church family

We are looking for someone with:

· A personal commitment to Christ, who is committed to daily prayer, Bible reading and growing as Jesus’ disciple

· Passion and energy to help children and young people encounter God, introducing them to Jesus and helping to nurture their faith as disciples who know God’s purpose for their lives

· A willingness to understand the issues and challenges that affect children and young people

· A desire to grow ministry to children and young people within the church, local schools and the wider community

· The ability to build positive relationships and a willingness to work as part of a team

· A desire to bring the best out of others, who is approachable and has the ability to build effective relationships with children, young people and their families

· Initiative and drive; willing to try new things, work independently and take the lead as appropriate

· Boldness and resilience; able to make mistakes and learn from them.

· Good organisational skills who is reliable will follow policies and procedures and can be trusted

· IT skills including reasonable knowledge of Microsoft Office, email, internet and church management system (Church Suite or similar)

· An awareness of safeguarding responsibilities of those working with children and young people (training to be provided.

Holy Trinity Frome is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant is expected to share this commitment. Appointment is dependent upon a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Disclosure with barred lists, confidential declaration, confirmation of right to work in the UK and references.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

We are looking for someone who is willing to learn and make the most of the opportunities this role provides to grow in discipleship and ministry. Your character and attitude are more important than specific skills you currently possess. The following skills and experience would be beneficial, but please don’t think that you can't apply if you do not have them; we will provide training and understand that learning through experience is often the best way.

· Experience of working with children or young people, in church or other settings including schools

· Experience of communicating biblical truths in a relevant and engaging way for children and young people

· Experience of providing care for others

· Leadership experience at any level

· Good communication skills and interpersonal skills including experience of using social media platforms

· Graphic design, web, video and photography skills

· Willingness to develop organisational and administration skills

Accommodation details to be provided

Proposed weekly overview (dependent upon SWYM cluster and other requirements)

Mondays am Trinity staff team meeting; pm SWYM Cluster

Tuesdays pm Brick Buddies (Lego club); possible school engagement

Wednesdays am Trinity Tots; pm school engagement

Thursdays am Trinity Toddlers; pm school engagement

Fridays Study day/day off

Saturdays Study day/day off

Sundays 11am Service (Trinity Kidz); 4pm – 6pm Trinity Youth

Subject to currently identified opportunities and responsibilities. Suitable times will be found for regular meetings with your line manager and mentor, as well as for preparation and studying.

Some evening and weekend working will be required. Adjustments will be made as required e.g. around Christmas, Easter, summer holidays.

Key relationships for the post holder

· Children and young people in Frome and the surrounding area

· The Head of Children and Youth Ministry at Holy Trinity Frome

· The Vicar and other leaders and staff at Holy Trinity Frome

· The Holy Trinity Frome congregation and community, including children, young people and their families

· Local schools and colleges

· Other local youth and children’s workers