Job Description

Children & Young People Worker

Herefordshire Methodist Circuit - Ledbury and Bromyard Methodist Churches

Location: Covering and requiring travel between Ledbury and Bromyard

Rate: £17 per hour

Hours: Annualised hours equivalent to 15 hours per week

Contract: Initial 12-month fixed-term contract, with review and possible extension subject to funding and ongoing need

Salary Guide: Actual salary £13,260 per year / equivalent to £33,150 full-time

Are you passionate about helping children and young people feel welcomed, supported and inspired as they explore faith, belonging and community?

Cole & Yates Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of Herefordshire Methodist Circuit for a warm, organised, enthusiastic and confident Children & Young People Worker to help lead, support and develop children's and youth ministry across Ledbury and Bromyard Methodist Churches.

This is a lovely opportunity for someone who has experience working with children, young people, families or volunteers and would enjoy helping existing groups grow, supporting volunteers, building relationships and developing new activities over time.

The Role

As Children & Young People Worker, you will provide leadership, co-ordination and pastoral support for children's and youth work across Ledbury and Bromyard.

The role will include:

• Supporting and helping lead Soul Space at Bromyard, currently running on Thursdays at 4.30pm
• Supporting Junior Church / Sunday School at Ledbury, currently on Sunday mornings at 10.30am
• Helping develop a new Ledbury Soul Space 2 activity
• Building positive relationships with children, young people and families
• Supporting, encouraging, recruiting and helping train volunteers
• Planning and supporting children's and youth activities, trips and events
• Helping maintain attendance records, consent forms and safeguarding processes
• Working with church leaders, volunteers, families, schools, community organisations and ecumenical partners
• Supporting links with wider Methodist initiatives and events such as 3Generate and Amplify
• Helping children and young people grow in confidence, belonging, faith and community

Current provision includes around 15 children at Bromyard, mainly aged 9 to 12, and around six children at Ledbury Junior Church, mainly aged 8 to 11. There are already volunteers involved at both churches, and part of the role will be helping support and build that volunteer base.

What We Are Looking For

Someone who can bring a mixture of warmth, organisation, faith, creativity and practical children's/youth work experience.

You will need to have:

• Experience working with children, young people and/or families
• Experience in a church, youth work, community, school, pastoral, voluntary or similar setting
• An understanding of safeguarding and safe working with children and young people
• The confidence to plan, organise and support activities
• The ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, families and volunteers
• Good communication and organisational skills
• A flexible approach to working hours, including some evenings, Sundays and occasional events
• Reliable access to transport, as the role involves working across Ledbury and Bromyard
• A willingness to complete safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check

Experience of a similar children's, youth, church, community or family ministry role would be especially helpful.

Faith Requirement

This role involves supporting children and young people in exploring Christian faith, discipleship and belonging within the life of the Methodist Church. Because of the nature and context of the work, there is a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 for the post-holder to be a practising Christian.

Hours and Working Pattern

The role is based on annualised hours equivalent to 15 hours per week.

Some working times will be linked to existing activities, including Bromyard Soul Space on Thursdays at 4.30pm and Ledbury Junior Church on Sunday mornings at 10.30am. Other activities, planning time, occasional events, training and residential commitments will be agreed around the needs of the role.

The normal working pattern will be agreed on appointment.

Salary and Benefits

• £17 per hour
• Annualised hours equivalent to 15 hours per week
• Actual salary £13,260 per year
• Equivalent to £33,150 full-time
• Initial 12-month fixed-term contract, with review and possible extension subject to funding and ongoing need
• Mileage and reasonable expenses reimbursed
• Training support provided
• Pension scheme, subject to eligibility
• 28 days annual leave entitlement per year including bank holidays, pro rata for part-time employees

Safeguarding

Herefordshire Methodist Circuit is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and pre-employment checks.

How to Apply

Cole & Yates Recruitment is managing the recruitment process for this role on behalf of Herefordshire Methodist Circuit.

To apply or register your interest, please send your CV or contact Cole & Yates Recruitment in the first instance.

Suitable shortlisted candidates may also be asked to complete the Methodist application form as part of the recruitment process, subject to final process confirmation.

Interview Process

Interviews are expected to be held in person where possible, with online interviews considered for candidates travelling from further afield.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to prepare a short activity/session idea for interview. This should be a simple, practical activity outline suitable for children aged around 9 to 12, linked to confidence, belonging, faith exploration or community.