Position Purpose summary:
The children and youth coordinator provides an outreach and discipleship ministry to children and young people from the church and the local community, from preschool through university, with the ultimate goal of reaching them with the gospel, solidly connecting them with the church, and growing them in their relationship and service to God.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. Spiritual Leadership
· Contribute with the spiritual development of children/youth by mentoring, discipling, encouraging, and modeling appropriate Christian attitudes and behaviours
Pray with and lead youth to Christ, as well as family members, where opportunity is given
Follow up with youth and parents/guardians on spiritual decisions made, build, and strengthen relationships, and guide youth in establishing active links with the Corps and its ministries
Other duties as required, including the possibility of occasional Sunday preaching
2. Children and Youth Program Leadership
Provide leadership/oversight for all current child/youth ministries
Evaluate, develop, and implement programs/ministries relevant to the children and youth of the church and the wider community
Plan, promote, facilitate, and supervise special events, including Rally Day, Vacation Bible School, any day trips or special outings, and support Divisional Youth Events
Create and coordinate evangelistic outreach activities and provide/ensure pastoral care for children/youth as well as parents and guardians
· Must be accountable to the Mission Board for regular updates
· Inform the Corps Officer regarding any concerns or issues in a timely manner
3. Volunteer Coordination & Leadership
Recruit and train volunteer leaders, as needed; submit recommendations and facilitate leadership development of volunteer team members
Deal with volunteer complaints and incident reports
Prepare, post, and maintain all volunteer schedules in accordance with operational requirements ensuring adequate coverage for all program functions
Prepare and maintain written records/logs of activities, including activity reports and statistical information in accordance with TSA guidelines and standards
Provide direction and support to program volunteers ensuring that they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army
Must submit all pertinent statistics into The Salvation Army’s database (SAMIS)
4. Community Relationship Management
Liaise with our Community & Family Services to connect with youth/families, and to communicate appropriate services and programs the church offers
Manage online ministries and online services as well as social media accounts
Develop and maintain a strong social media presence for youth programs in accordance with TSA mission, vision, and values
Connect with local school personnel to explore any mission/outreach possibilities
5. Health and Safety
· Maintain program storage areas (e.g., updating, safety, organizing, etc.).
· Seek out continual education in food safety and health standards, including maintaining Safe Food Handling Certification.
· Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
· Ensure compliance with all COVID-19 protocols and requirements.
Perform other related duties as required.
CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Internal:
Corps Officer, Community & Family Services Officer, volunteers, and staff, Mission Board
External:
· Local community
MANAGERIAL/Technical RESPONSIBILITY:
This position reports directly to Corps Officers
Supervise and oversee up to 5 volunteers at a time within established guidelines
Provide leadership/oversight for all current child/youth ministry activities and events
FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:
· The successful candidate will be required to create a budget under the supervision of the Corps. Officer, manage and stay within that budget, submitting all receipts in accordance with TSA policies and procedures.
This role is responsible for curriculum, program equipment, and driving Corps vehicle.
This role will be granted with an allowance or small amounts of cash at the Corps Officer’s discretion to use towards equipment, supplies, rentals, etc. but this role will not have formal expenditure authority without running it by the Corp Officer first.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This is a permanent full-time position based on 35 hours per week.
Job duties will be performed in the Corps building for the major200ity of the time, with work being done in public spaces (coffee shop and parks) and camps as well
Work requires a flexible schedule which will include evenings and weekends, as needed
May include garbage handling and clean up duties after events
May deal with emotional people
Ability to lift/move objects/materials of up to 20 lbs.
Some travel is required in all 4 seasons and is up to 24% of the time (program vehicle as available).
Normal hours of work: The working conditions are such that to meet the operational needs of the job, flexibility in scheduling is required as it relates to hours of work and work schedule. i.e., meet with youth at regular events or special events/appointments. Schedule will include evenings and weekends.
The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision, and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Education, Qualifications and Certifications:
· Completion of a formal post-secondary/college certificate or diploma program in Biblical Studies/Theology, Bible College/Youth Ministry education.
· Additional education in Children/Youth work is an asset.
· Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:
· Minimum 2 years’ experience in Children/Youth leadership, with a background in volunteer coordination and strong outreach and discipleship skills.
Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License; personal vehicle and insurance, and a current copy of a Driver’s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
Proficiency with social media and Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:
· Must have good written and verbal communication.
Strong sense of integrity including the ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality.
An ability to communicate to, motivate, train, and empower youth and youth ministry volunteers.
Ability to work well within a cooperative team environment and follow the direction of the immediate supervisor.
Possess strong interpersonal and conflict management skills.
Possess a passion for the spiritual development and well-being of young people, and a love for the Church.
Articulate and demonstrate a clear vision for child/youth ministry.
Understand and accept the Mission Statement of Oakville Community Church.
Willingness to attend and invest in The Salvation Army Oakville Community Church Sunday services.
· Solid grasp and application skills in social media applications (advertising, creating videos etc.)
· Ability to embrace growing technology needs – able to post to social media platforms and aptitude to develop online communications.
· Strong public speaking skills with the ability to preach a sermon or give a devotional when required.
Understand, support; committed to teach and promote and be able to communicate and model the Mission, Values, sound Christian doctrine, and policies of The Salvation Army in Canada.
· Ability and willingness to provide a valid Safe Food Handlers Certification and First Aid/CPR Certification.
· Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
· Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.