This is an exciting opportunity for a Christian to grow and develop our children’s ministry, working alongside an enthusiastic and committed group of volunteers.
Following the recent appointment of our new incumbent, the successful candidate would be expected to work alongside the Rector to promote and develop our work with children and families.
Our vision for our family and children’s worker is that they are a presence throughout the whole life of the church, including the weekly Sunday Eucharist, the monthly Family Eucharist, a weekly Baby and Toddler group, and a monthly Messy Church service.
A pivotal aspect of this role is for the appointee to seek opportunities for mission and growth in the church, the schools, and the wider community.
Main duties of the role
- To co-ordinate and develop the church’s work with children and families
- To continue the church’s engagement with the local schools, participating in collective worship, particularly Overleigh St Mary’s Church of England Primary School
- To contribute to the planning and delivery of church services and events involving children and families, including restarting a Sunday School and organizing holiday activities
- To keep and maintain appropriate records (working within the guidelines of the Data Protection Act)
- To work alongside volunteers as we strive to realise our vision for children and families
- To make a positive contribution to our Children and Young Person’s Cluster Group and supporting them in their planning.
- To ensure strict adherence to parish policies, such as Safeguarding and Health and Safety
- Such other duties and tasks as the Rector/PCC may from time to time require
Skills and Qualities
We are looking for someone who can plan ahead, think creatively, and work well in a team.
- A Christian faith and a desire to encourage others in the faith
- Experience of working with and leading children and volunteers across the primary age range is desirable
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to motivate others and self
- Ability to physically interact with children in clubs, games, and sports
- Is able to use IT and multimedia creatively in order to enhance interactive teaching and learning
- Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings
Working Specification
The role is 15-20 hours per week. We offer flexibility in the working pattern where possible.
Salary range £14,040 - £14,560, depending on experience, with the opportunity to join an employer pension scheme.
An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for the successful candidate. In addition, the postholder would be expected to undertake the Diocese of Chester’s Safeguarding training.
There is an Occupational Requirement for the postholder to be a practising Christian in accordance with the Equality Act, 2010.
Applications
Please complete an application form detailing experience in response to the job description.
Application forms available from office.stmaryschester@btconnect.com to be returned by the closing date of 27 June 2025.
Informal questions about the role can be sent to the Rector, the Revd Antony Dutton, ant_SJD@hotmail.com 01244 913898.
Job Context for Children and Families Worker
The parish of St Mary Without-the-Walls is situated immediately to the south of the River Dee and the city of Chester. Within the parish are four nurseries/pre-schools, three primary schools, four secondary schools, a college of further education, and a campus of the University of Chester. The church has a longstanding relationship with uniformed organizations.
The main act of worship at St Mary’s is the Eucharist. The clergy wear vestments and we follow the liturgical calendar of the Church. There is a strong choral tradition, and the choir also consists of a junior choir who sing at the monthly Family Eucharist. Our services are also broadcast on a YouTube channel.
Our work with children and families includes a weekly Baby and Toddler group, which is open to all.
Each month, St Mary’s offers a Messy Church service via a team of volunteers, who provide a talk, song, craft, and food for those who attend.
The church formerly had a Sunday School and there is a strong desire to see this begin again.
The Children and Families Worker, working with the incumbent, alongside the rest of the ministry team, Children and Young People’s Cluster, and volunteers, will be crucial in delivering our vision for the future, proclaiming the gospel, and shaping our outreach to children and families locally.