Parish Development Worker

The post holder will work with the Rector and Select Vestry to develop strategies for outreach and Parish development amongst all ages, with a particular focus on young people and families. This will include:

Pastoral/Spiritual

• Create a welcoming environment that will facilitate the exploration of a Christian faith.
• Build relationships with young people and families
• Participate in leading worship, to include the Children’s Thought for the day and involvement in the first Sunday services
• Attend Sunday worship and encourage young people and families to do the same
• Provide pastoral support for leaders of Parish organisations.

Church Activities

• Develop and coordinate sustainable outreach activities for young people and families
• Encourage and support Sunday School leaders, and Youth Fellowship particularly with sourcing new and appropriate materials
• Develop and lead new ministries for young people and families
• Engage with current Parish groups to encourage regular attendance at Sunday worship
• Develop, train and support the existing team of volunteers
• Explore and engage with new volunteers to support outreach activities for all ages
• Provide reports to the Rector and Select Vestry on the outcomes and effectiveness of the strategies for development and outreach

Partnerships outside the church

• Build relationships with local schools (Primary and Secondary), including delivering school assemblies
• Raise the profile of the church in the local community
• Build relationships with the Diocesan officers and organisations such as Scripture Union
• Seek out and avail of training and opportunities for support from third parties, where appropriate

Other requirements of the post

• Fully comply with the Church of Ireland Safeguarding Trust policy
• Enhanced Access NI disclosure
• Create and maintain accurate records appropriate to the role
• Work to agreed budgets
• Comply with health and safety policies and statutory regulations when carrying out the duties of this post
• Any other duties as needed that are related to the role

The job description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the post holder works. It may be modified to meet changing needs and other duties of a similar nature may be assigned from time to time by the Rector or Select Vestry.