May 23, 2024
FoL (Fountain of Life Church) is an Extra-Parochial Place which describes itself as a missionary congregation whose focus is on taking the gospel to those who haven't yet encountered it, and serves a variety of communities across every age group. The church is located in Mid-Norfolk between Swaffham, Watton and Dereham and is in the Deanery of Breckland. We have two congregations - one in Ashill approximately half a mile outside the village and a church plant in Swaffham that meets in the community centre.
FoL is a New Wine Church that works in around 20 schools, runs a number of missional communities, hosts leadership and training days, Alpha Courses, training conferences, theological courses, 18 home groups, a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre and CAP Money training programme. It has been designated as a source church by the Diocese of Norwich.
FoL is committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding principles, and in the growth and development of both staff and volunteers.
For our current vacancies, please see below;
Development Worker for Children, Youth and Families (CYF)
Job Description
You will be launching and developing CYF initiatives in Swaffham, being a catalyst for creating and developing pathways and provision for young people to know Jesus. You will also have the opportunity to support a fast growing new FoL church plant in Swaffham. You will have a passion for CYF work. Activities are likely to include developing FoL youth provision in Swaffham, liaising with and building relationship with local schools, working with a team to establish a parent and toddler group and working with families.
You will have the opportunity to connect in with FoL network activities such as children and youth events in Ashill, Swaffham, Watton, Dereham and events further afield such as New Day. As well as promoting and influencing a radically collaborative approach to youth work across the diocese.
Details
This is an exciting year long opportunity based predominantly in the Swaffham area.
The role is funded as part of the Diocese of Norwich Church Planting and Revitalisation programme and seeks to build a bridge into the Diocesan strategic objectives around strengthening youth and children’s ministry, church planting and revitalisation. As part of the funding requirements you will be asked to keep records and produce some reflections.
You will be based at the Fountain of Life Church (FoL), a missionary congregation of the Church of England (profile available) with congregations in Ashill and Swaffham; http://folchurch.co.uk/
Our hope would be to secure further funding following this initial year to focus on;
- building relationship and liaising with local church leaders, staff and volunteers in order to explore and develop CYF provision, and fresh approaches to CYF work.
- using your knowledge and experience to make best use of available funding.
- encouraging and networking with volunteers and staff involved in CYF Ministry to build team.
- considering onward sustainability of projects and groups.
- having an awareness of the potential for a wider networking of CYF mission in other areas in Norfolk.
You will be required to ensure safeguarding requirements are met in line with the Diocesan safeguarding policy and ensuring good management of volunteers.
Accommodation options may be available and can be discussed with us.
The Fountain of Life Church is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Person Specification
Personal Characteristics and Skills
Essential
- To have an inherent sense of fun!
- A strong personal faith and willingness to become a regular member of FoL, committed to our vision and participating in other events in addition to CYF.
- To be a person who can bring initiative and creativity to the role.
- A passion for discipling others.
- An ability to inspire and envision volunteers, recruit and manage a team.
- To be self-motivated and able to work unsupervised.
- To have good communication skills, organisation, planning and time management skills.
- A team player, able to network with the wider staff team and others.
- To be a facilitator and networker with the ability to work with other agencies and organisations.
- To have experience and knowledge of Safeguarding, Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety.
- To have a driving licence and access to a car which can be used for business purposes.
- Working knowledge of kids’ and youth culture.
Desirable
- Able to drive a minibus.
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Essential
- GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English.
- Good IT skills, proficient use of Microsoft Office/Google Workspace and a range of Social Media platforms.
- Experience of working with youth in a paid or unpaid role.
- Experience of co-ordinating and managing volunteers.
- Experience of organising events.
Desirable
- A qualification in Child Development /Health and Social Care / Children or Youth Ministry.
- Some form of Theological training.
- Knowledge of Churchsuite.
There is an Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010, section 1 schedule 9, that the successful applicant will be a practising Christian and we are looking for someone who will embrace FoL’ s Christian ethos and values.
Appointment will be subject to an enhanced check via the Disclosure and Barring Service, satisfactory references and criminal record declaration as well as a three-month probationary period. In addition, all applicants will be expected to work within schools’ and Diocesan policies and procedures.
Terms and Conditions of employment
- Salary £25,480 per annum plus agreed expenses
- Hours 35 per week
- 1 Year contract
- The post requires evening and weekend work, usually including Sundays
- Holiday entitlement: 25 days in addition to statutory holidays
- Pension arrangement: 4% employers’ contribution
- The postholder will be based in the Swaffham area but will be expected to work in other locations around the diocese. The church office is in Ashill, however some remote working will be required
- The postholder will work within the safeguarding policies of local churches, schools and the Diocese of Norwich
- Your line manager will be the Senior Minister of the Fountain of Life Church
- You will be expected to attend monthly staff meetings in Ashill
Schedule
- Closing date for applications: 23rd August 2024
- Date for interview: Week beginning 26th August 2024
- Start date: as soon as possible in September 2024
How to apply: contact to request an application pack.