Family Worker
JOB VACANCY
For a support Family Worker to work with and alongside the current Family Worker to create, develop and lead Christian-based activities for Children and young people in both the Penlee Cluster and the Schools linked to the Cluster.
15 hours per week at £12.60 per hour.
The Application Forms and job description and person specification can be found below.
This post has a genuine occupational requirement to be filled by a Christian.
Application by completion of forms, with a covering letter setting out how you think you meet the criteria and how you are sustained by your faith to:
Eliza Sewell, Church Warden,
St Mary’s Church, Chapel Street,
Penzance, TR18 4AP
stmaryswarden@penleecluster.com
Closing date: Friday 23rd May
Shortlisting: Tuesday 27th May
Proposed interview date: Tuesday 3rd June.
Job Description May 2025
Role: Rainbow Project Family worker part time 15 hours a week
St Paul’s Trust Objectives:
Funding for the Rainbow Project is from the St Paul’s Trust and all activities need to be in line with the objectives of the charity.
These are:
1) TO ADVANCE THE EDUCATION OF THE PUPILS AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND VOLUNTARY AIDED SCHOOL BY PROVIDING AND ASSISTING IN THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES (NOT REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY) FOR EDUCATION AT THE SCHOOL.
2) TO FURTHER THE EDUCATIONAL WORK OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN THE AREA OF BENEFIT.
Rainbow Project Ethos and vision
The Rainbow Project is funded through the St Paul’s Trust. The ethos and vision of the Rainbow project is set out below
The main focus of work for the Penlee Cluster churches and Church schools of An Baya combines ‘Reaching Out Together’ into the community with love and compassion and ‘Together we can make a difference’. These pithy strap lines represented our response to the Five Marks of Mission that was developed by the Anglican consultative council in 1984. Responding to human need and being an agent to ‘transform unjust structures in society’ is particularly focused in our work, working directly with families and young people. Our church schools live out their ethos of care and compassion both in school and in serving the wider community.’
Reference – The Rainbow Project Business Plan 2022
Summary of Role
To work with the lead family Worker to create, develop and lead Christian-based activities for Children and young people and families in both the Penlee Cluster and the schools linked to the Cluster.
Family Activities
Focus on developing Christian-based activities for children, young people and families across all 4 churches in the Penlee Cluster benefice.
This will include:
1. Develop and lead weekly toddler group activities at St Pol De Leon and St John’s Church
2. Develop and lead monthly Godly play/Messy Church activities at St Peter’s and/or St Mary’s
3. Develop and lead monthly family Creative Care activities at St Pol De Leon
4. Develop and lead Sunday worship activities for children at St Mary’s
5. Ensure each church has vibrant and inviting children’s area and prayer spaces that are accessible to all
Holiday Clubs these are supporting the current Family worker in her role.
1. Assist with planning and organising 4 weeks of Holiday club over the Summer Holiday
2. Assist with planning and organising at least 4 days of Holiday club over the Christmas Holiday
3. Assist with planning and organising at least 4 days of Holiday club over the Easter Holiday
4. Plan and run a Christmas Family activity linking with Church focus (Angel trail in 2023, Shepherds in 2024)
Linking with Schools these will be working with the current family worker to strengthen the connections between school and church
1. When a new incumbent is appointed, assist in schools with leading acts of worship
2. When a new incumbent is appointed – help with planning and running termly RE-focused days, help to develop worship in schools
3. Development of prayer spaces in both schools and in the churches
Publicity
1. Assist with publicity for all events on social media
2. Liaising with other bodies involved in Children’s Activities in West Penwith
Support for Family Workers
1. To meet with line manager every two weeks
2. Yearly appraisal and half-year review
3. Link with Deanery Family workers for support and fellowship
4. Attend children and families network meeting organised at a deanery or diocese level
Essential
1. There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be a Christian. You will be able to encourage people in their spiritual journey
2. The ability to develop and lead Christian-based activities for children, young people and families
4. You have previous experience of working with Children in a Christian/ non Christian environment
5. You listen actively
6. You are a team player, able to be guided by the lead Family Worker, in a spirit of openness and accountability
7. You have good organisational skills.
8. You have an enhanced DBS certificate and will have done or be willing to do the required safeguarding training
9. You are proactive, self-motivated and willing to undertake training to enhance your competence
Desirable
1. You are non-judgemental, respectful, patient and tolerant with children and young people
2. You have a First Aid qualification
3. You have creative abilities
4. You are resilient and resourceful
Application by completion of forms, with a covering letter setting out how you think you meet the criteria and how you are sustained by your faith, to be emailed to stmaryswarden@penleecluster.com or sent by post to St Mary’s Church, Chapel Street, Penzance TR18 4AP