Youth & Children's Leader (Part-Time)

 St. Mary's Parish Church, Howth

General:

The Church of Ireland Parish of Howth is situated on the northern tip of Dublin Bay.   It is a varied Parish, serving the communities of Howth, Sutton, Bayside and Baldoyle.   The emerging community of ‘The Coast', currently being built on the site of the old Baldoyle Racecourse, lies within the Parish boundary and will offer opportunities and challenges to our Church community.   The Parish is a welcoming one that has recognised the need to develop our ministry to our young people, building on the work of a committed Sunday School.   The Burrow National School, a dynamic 8 teacher National School, lies within the Parish.   There is a good relationship between the School and the Parish that both parties would be keen to build upon.   In addition, the Parish has good working relationships with other local churches.

With this in mind, the Parish is seeking the services of a Youth & Children's Leader to work in partnership with the Youth Support Committee.   This position provides an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to the overall ministry of the Parish of Howth.

The Position:

St. Mary's Parish Church Howth, is currently seeking to fill this new position of Youth & Children's Leader for people in the age range 9 - 17.   This position will be on a part time basis, i.e. 20 hrs. per week, and will take effect from circa September 2008.   The successful candidate will be appointed on a one year, fixed term contract of employment.  This period of employment may be extended and the successful candidate will be advised, one way or the other, three months prior to the end of this fixed term period.   Since this is a new position, it would suit an enthusiastic individual who is creative and self driven and would view a blank canvas as an exciting opportunity.

 Key Responsibilities:

 The key responsibilities of this position will include:-

 Developing and implementing appropriate clubs, programmes and church services to facilitate the maximum engagement of young people in the life and witness of Howth Parish, other Christian Churches and the wider community.

  • Responsibility for setting up, managing and co-ordinating the various youth groups/activities on a year round basis.
  • Co-ordinating and implementing special events for young people during the year in liaison with neighbouring youth leaders, e.g. summer camps and/or social events during mid-term break and/or Easter break, etc.
  • Organising appropriate after school activities/clubs for the young people attending the Burrow School and separate activities for those leaving the Burrow School for second level education.
  • Fostering excellent communication channels with the Sunday School teacher(s) and the Principal of the Burrow School, to ensure a co-ordinated approach to youth activities.
  • Identifying and developing potential youth leaders within our Parish.
  • Enabling young people to understand and implement God's work in relation to their family, education, employment, life in general and in the wider community.
  • Ensuring compliance with the Safeguarding Trust, which is the Church of Ireland's Child Protection Programme.

 In addition to the specific areas of responsibility outlined above, the successful candidate will, as a member of the Parish team, be required to play a proactive role in developing overall parish activities with regard to young people.

 As already mentioned, Howth Parish has a vibrant Sunday School and National School, both of whom will support the successful candidate in their activities.

 The Candidate:

 The successful candidate will have the following attributes:-

 The spiritual gift of leadership that expresses itself in a sincere heart to serve young people

  • The ability to drive best practice youth leadership and spiritual guidance within the parish and the wider community, so that the contribution of the youth of our parish is optimised
  • Possess excellent teamwork, inspirational and motivational skills
  • Be enthusiastic, dynamic and self-motivated, with a genuine interest in the development of young people
  • Possess a personal style which encourages a culture of involvement and teamwork and actively encourages the social and spiritual development of youth within Howth Parish and the wider community
  • Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Musical skills would be desirable
  • Good computer skills desirable

 Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

 The ideal candidate will have:-

  • A background in Theology and/or Biblical studies
  • Experience in running  youth group programmes
  • A proven track record of mentoring emerging youth leaders

Job Relationship:

 A designated Youth Support Committee has been set up to assist the integration of the successful candidate into the Parish.   The appointed candidate will liaise closely with this three person committee, on an ongoing basis, to ensure maximum support and guidance in the execution of their assigned responsibilities.

 Applications:

 A two-page Curriculum Vitae, clearly outlining your achievements to date, should be submitted as outlined below:

    On line applications:             howth@dublin.anglican.org     

    Hard Copy CVs.                    The Rectory. 37 St. Fintans Park, Sutton, Dublin 13.