St James Church, Barton and Tredworth – Sessional Lead Youth Worker

St James Church, Barton and Tredworth is looking for enthusiastic, creative and committed people to join us in developing our work with young people. We are seeking a Sessional Lead Youth Worker

Pay: £16.00-£18.00 per hour.
Expected hours: 6 hours per week.
Work Location: In person 4 hours / Remote 2 hours.

About us

We already have a small but growing group of around 8–10 young people who meet regularly on Wednesday and Friday evenings. We are now looking for youth workers who can help us build on what we have, develop relationships with young people and create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable space where they can grow in confidence, explore questions of life and faith, and discover that they have a valued place within our community.

St James is an open, welcoming and diverse Church of England community in the heart of Gloucester. We are a genuinely multicultural congregation, with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. We believe that everyone has a part to play, regardless of age, background, identity or stage of faith. We are a community of learners, where mistakes can be made, fresh opportunities are given, and people’s contributions are valued.

We are deeply connected with our local neighbourhood and work alongside schools, charities, community organisations and people of different faiths and none.

The Lead Youth Worker will take a particular responsibility for helping us develop and shape our youth ministry. Working alongside the clergy, church leaders and volunteers, you will help us build on the existing Wednesday and Friday groups and explore where the work might develop in the future.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys working relationally with young people and who can bring energy, imagination and initiative to a developing ministry.

Job Overview

We are seeking an energetic and dedicated Lead Youth Worker to inspire and support young people in our community programs. In this vital role, you will lead a team of youth workers, develop engaging activities, and foster a safe, inclusive environment where youth can thrive. Your passion for mentoring and commitment to youth development will help shape positive futures for the young individuals you serve. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact while honing your leadership and youth work skills.

Duties

Lead and supervise a team of youth workers, ensuring high-quality delivery of programs and activities
Develop, plan, and implement engaging educational and recreational activities tailored to diverse youth needs
Foster a welcoming environment that promotes respect, inclusion, and positive relationships among participants
Mentor youth workers, providing guidance, support, and ongoing training to enhance their skills
Collaborate with schools, families, and community organizations to support youth development goals
Monitor program progress, maintain detailed records of activities, attendance, and participant feedback
Address behavioural or safety concerns promptly, ensuring a secure environment for all participants

Qualifications

We are looking for people who:

Enjoy being with young people and are able to build positive relationships with them.
Are enthusiastic, approachable and able to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Have experience of working with children or young people, whether paid or voluntary.
Are able to lead activities confidently and imaginatively.
Are good listeners and take young people’s views seriously.
Are reliable, organised and able to work independently.
Can work well as part of a team.
Understand the importance of safeguarding and creating safe spaces for young people.
Are comfortable working with people from different cultures, backgrounds and faith traditions.
Are willing to engage with the Christian ethos of St James and help young people explore faith without assuming that everyone will have the same beliefs or experiences.

We would particularly welcome someone who can:

Take initiative and help shape a developing youth ministry.
Think creatively about how we might reach and engage more young people.
Support and encourage volunteers and young leaders.
Reflect on what is working and identify opportunities for development.
Build relationships with schools and community organisations.
Bring ideas, energy and a willingness to try new things.

A youth work, teaching or similar qualification would be welcome, but experience, enthusiasm and the ability to build meaningful relationships with young people are more important to us than qualifications alone.

This role is perfect for passionate individuals eager to lead positive change in young lives through dynamic programming and dedicated mentorship. Join us in creating empowering environments where every young person can reach their full potential!

Safeguarding

St James Church is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The successful applicants will be expected to share this commitment and to follow the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Church of England and St James.
The appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and an appropriate Enhanced DBS check, together with the usual pre-employment checks.

Support and development

You will be supported by the clergy, churchwardens, PCC and wider church team. We will encourage appropriate training and development and provide regular opportunities to reflect on the work and review how the youth ministry is developing.
We recognise that this is a developing ministry and want the successful applicants to have the opportunity to contribute ideas and help shape its future.

Informal conversation