Overview
We are seeking a passionate, inspirational and dedicated Primary School Chaplain and Children & Youth Worker to nurture the spiritual development of children and young people within Brenchley and Matfield CE Primary School and All Saints' Church, Brenchley. This role offers an opportunity to shape bible and faith-based activities, support young people in their spiritual journey, and strengthen links between the school, church, and wider community. The Chaplaincy role involves working alongside the Vicar of All Saints in the school and responding to the needs and direction of the school. All Saints' strongly supports work in the school through a range of activities such as "open the book" and reading assistance, and links with the school are strong. The Youth and children's work at All Saints is central to its ministry and we seek to include the whole family in the worship life of the church.
Responsibilities
* Primary School Chaplain (Brenchley and Matfield CE Primary School): plan and deliver age-appropriate Collective Worship twice a week; organise and lead faith-based school clubs for children; support and mentor the Junior Chaplains, equipping them for peer chaplaincy roles and involvement in school worship.
* Embed the school's Christian vision and values: create termly in-class activities that reinforce Christian values; organise and lead whole-school prayer station sessions.
* Provide mentoring support to children as requested.
* Develop and maintain links with Christian parents: lead weekly prayer meetings for parents and staff; facilitate weekly Bible study opportunities for parents and/or staff.
* Plan and prepare termly whole-school services at All Saints' Church, including Harvest Festival, Christmas Service, and Easter Service.
* Youth Leader (All Saints' Church, Brenchley): lead a weekly after-school youth group; organise and run a monthly Sunday morning youth session during the church service; plan and deliver termly social events to encourage fellowship and deeper engagement; prepare and lead termly youth services; attend and support an annual youth camp; manage administrative tasks including consent forms, risk assessments, safeguarding requirements and reports to the PCC and church community; build and maintain links with local youth groups, exploring opportunities for collaboration.
* Head up and help train Children’s Worker (All Saints' Church, Brenchley): Junior Church – plan and lead Sunday morning Junior Church sessions; Family Services – assist in planning and delivering family-friendly services; Events & Outreach – organise and lead faith-based community events (Light Parties, Holiday Clubs, Messy Church or interactive worship events, seasonal events); Pastoral Care & Discipleship – support children in their faith journey through small groups and one-to-one chats; Parent & Carer Engagement – encourage parental involvement through family activities and church-school connections.
* Reporting and Networking: contribute to the PCC and other relevant groups; undertake professional development through study and training; maintain regular communication with line manager and relevant co-workers.
* Administrative and safeguarding: undertake safeguarding practices in close liaison with the safeguarding officer; six-month probationary period with regular line management and annual reviews; an enhanced DBS check is required; some evening and weekend work.
Qualifications
* A committed Christian with a deep personal bible-based faith and a passion for sharing the Gospel with children and young people.
* A communicant member of the Church of England, or of other Churches allied to the Church of England.
* Experience in leading children’s and youth ministry within a school or church setting.
* Ability to communicate effectively with children, young people, parents, and school staff.
* Strong organisational and administrative skills.
* Ability to plan and deliver engaging and interactive sessions tailored to different age groups.
* A heart for pastoral care and discipleship.
* Understanding of safeguarding policies and willingness to undertake relevant training.
* Experience of working with volunteers and supporting a team.
Desirable
* Experience working in a school chaplaincy or pastoral role.
* Theological training or youth ministry qualification.
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