Church and Community Worker

Main Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Church Commitment

• To be an active member of  the church (East Belfast Mission) as a full member, attend on a regular basis and become part of the worshipping community.
• To play a full part in the Ministry team which involves preaching, leading Bible Study and small groups and participating in baptisms and funerals.
• To assist the Superintendent in any other duties that may be required.
• In conjunction with the Mission Superintendent and the congregation to help develop vision and Mission for the church.
• Pastoral visiting as agreed by the Mission Superintendent

• In conjunction with the Mission Superintendent encourage opportunities for Spiritual growth within the congregation.
• To participate in and help develop the yearly church programme.
  
   

To Support staff and work with existing Church Community Projects

• To attend  for regular team meetings and ensuring staff meet any funding obligations.- remove
• To Play an active part in developing  team spirit and promote best working practices.  This will be achieved through regular meetings and good communication. 
• To support the Community Worker with the Neighbours in Need Christmas Hamper appeal.
• To encourage and help manage volunteers.
• To initially plan a programme and lead Friendship group – a group of elderly church ladies.
• To arrange a programme for Thursday morning bible study
• To develop new projects as required.
   

To work towards engaging the Church Community and the Mission projects more fully:
 

• To develop links strong with church and Mission where possible and seek opportunities to get to know staff and clients where appropriate.
• To participate in and encourage an existing weekly time of reflection/prayer for all staff.
• To work with the Counselling Team for two way communication about referrals and follow up.
• To liaise with Hosford to offer another source of Pastoral support and community opportunities to residents.  This should be complementary to the tenancy support service offered by Hosford.
• To liaise with the Employability Project to offer pastoral support for clients who are in a process of looking for work, but may benefit from other groups, volunteering opportunities or assistance.
• To maintain a presence in the refresh café – offering support where necessary.
• To participate in developing and directing a fresh vision for Church and Mission.

Community Engagement
 

• To seek opportunities to engage with the local community.  To befriend, encourage and give pastoral support.  Attend relevant workshops, committees, events etc.
• To be proactive in getting to know Skainos residents and offer pastoral support.
• To share information about opportunities for volunteering, classes and partnership in local projects.
• To offer support and pastoral care to single identity groups – men and women  – developing a holistic approach to health and well-being to include spiritual, mental and physical well-being through organised programmes.
• In agreement with the Superintendent to take responsibility for managing the Superintendents  fund.
• To be a pointer for community towards Mission Programmes or other bodies that may provide more specialist help when required.

Other

• To ensure adherence to all health and safety regulations and EBM’s policies and procedures
• Any other duties conducive to the effective operation of the post and deemed to be within the post-holder’s competencies and areas of responsibility

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria:
 

Experience

• Experience of working/ volunteering within a similar community (PUL) for a minimum of 2 years.

• Experience of Pastoral work of a similar nature for a minimum of 3 years.

• Experience in preaching and leading small group Bible Study.

• Experience in establishing, leading and developing groups – in particular single identity groups.

• Experience of building relationships with Church and Community Groups.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Significant experience of working on own initiative and with minimum supervision.

• Excellent motivation and supporting skills to support and promote the organisation.

• Trustworthy and dependable.

• Good leadership skills with the ability to accept responsibility for decisions.

Other

• Able to demonstrate a sound, reliable network of contacts within the Church and Community sector.

• A strong commitment to the values and vision of EBM and a commitment to work within the ethos and the Methodist Church in Ireland.

• A strong Christian faith

Desirable Criteria:

• Ability to drive a minibus (hold a valid licence).

Additional Notes

This Role Profile is an accurate reflection of the job as at the time of review. 

This position may give the post-holder access to children and/or young people and vulnerable adults, and therefore may be subject to disclosure background checks of any criminal convictions, including spent, bind-over orders and cautions in accordance with the Access NI Vetting and Baring Scheme and our Safeguarding policy.  An AccessNI check will be carried out prior to any employment. 

East Belfast Mission is an Equal Opportunities Employer