Position Description

The Children and Youth Director is passionate about the spiritual development and well-being of children and youth. The successful candidate will ensure successful provision of a discipleship and outreach ministry to the children and youth from our community and church.

This is a permanent position based on 35 hours per week (flexible schedule according to the needs of evening and weekend responsibilities).

The starting salary will be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience of the successful candidate. Benefits will also be provided.

RESPONSIBILITY

Reporting to the Corps Officers (Pastors), the Children & Youth Director is responsible for the full range of programming geared toward the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of children and youth. The position establishes and maintains effective working relationships with individuals/families, additional support workers, temporary employees, as well as church and community volunteers. As a result of Encounter Church being a newer church plant, the Children & Youth Director will be a key member of the leadership team of this new expression of the Salvation Army in Halifax Reginal Municipality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

• Contribute to the spiritual development of children, youth, and families by mentoring, discipling, and modeling appropriate Christian attitudes and behaviors.
• Implement an effective discipleship model for children and youth with an emphasis on being Christ centered and others focused. Regularly assess effectiveness of the discipleship model and make recommendations for change as needed.
• Integrate Orange Curriculum into teaching opportunities.
• Plan, supervise, implement, and participate in regular special church events focused on youth and their families with the goal of creating fun, fellowship, and outreach.
• Connect with children, youth, and families outside of programming to aid in building relationships and trust.
• Provide a relevant online connection and communication that gives youth the opportunity to connect with each other and their leaders on a regular and consistent basis.
• Assist with community and family service ministry and outreach programs when needed and encourage youth to get involved in service opportunities.
• Recruit and register children and youth for Salvation Army camping programs and other regional and divisional events.
• Follow up with children and youth who attend Salvation Army summer camp programs, including their families to build relationships and establish active links with church ministries.
• To prepare/deliver children and youth worship services, share devotionals and preach on occasion during corporate worship services.
• Interact with community partners as necessary to seek resources and services for youth ministries.
• Recruit, orientate, develop and supervise a team of volunteers and leaders for children and youth programs, bible studies, and a College and Careers group. Provide necessary training and oversight in these programs
• Ensure completion of all necessary paperwork required for work with children and youth, including police check, vulnerable sector check, statement of applicant, and online abuse prevention training.
• Attend staff and church board meetings when appropriate/required.
• Perform other assigned duties

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of formal post-secondary/college diploma of 2 or 3 academic years in related field of study, Children/Youth.
• Current Safe Food Handling Certificate, or willing to obtain and maintain current certificate
• Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willing to obtain and maintain current certification
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience leading volunteers and working with children and youth programming.
• Proficiency in a computerized environment; skilled in Social Media and Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint platforms.

Skills and Capabilities:

• A strong commitment to Christ with a deep and thoughtful understanding of their faith.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and relate to children, youth and parents.
• Articulate and demonstrate a clear vision for child/youth ministry.
• Understanding of the youth and young adults, and associated needs.
• Strong team player with demonstrated leadership skills.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Participation in Encounter Church as an active member is expected.
• Conflict management, resolution skills, communicate effectively; strong oral/written communication skills; exhibit good listening skills, lead by example demonstrating a strong work ethic; willingness to learn and to embrace change.
• Self-motivated/disciplined, effective time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and adaptability.
• Possess good technology skills to enhance communication and outreach.
• Ability to embrace growing technology needs - able to post to social media platforms and aptitude to develop online communications.
• Experience, passion or interest in Church planting would be an asset.
• Musical ability is an asset.
• Valid Driver’s License; personal vehicle and insurance, and a current copy of a Driver’s abstract
• Ability to lift/move objects/materials of up to 20 lbs.
• Provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening
• May require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• Understand and support the Mission, Values, Doctrines of The Salvation Army

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $41,175.43 to $51,469.29 with a maximum of $61,763.15.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.