Location: Remote, working across schools and parishes within the Diocese of Manchester
Hours: Full time – 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed term to 31/12/2029 (with potential extension to 31/12/2033, subject to Church Commissioners’ funding)
Salary: £32,463 per annum (Diocesan Payscale‑ Band 3.3 – spot grade)
About the Role
We are delighted to be appointing a brand-new‑ Encounter Team for the Salford Archdeaconry within the Diocese of Manchester. Funded through an exciting national initiative from the Church Commissioners, this new position plays a key part in supporting, resourcing and encouraging ministry with children, young people and their families across our schools, churches and mission communities.
This is a dynamic, varied role that spans early years, children’s ministry, youth ministry, school chaplaincy, and developing young leaders. Working closely with the Salford Encounter Archdeaconry Lead, you will help nurture vibrant Christian communities and create life-giving‑ opportunities for children and young people to grow in faith, confidence and belonging.
What You’ll Do
In this broad ministry role, you will contribute to shaping and strengthening our work across multiple age groups and settings. Responsibilities include:
Early Years & Children (0–5s)
Supporting churches and mission communities to develop creative, age-appropriate‑ ministry for 0–11s.
Helping establish or enrich toddler groups, fresh expressions of worship, Messy Church, Forest Church, and other innovative initiatives.
Championing best practice through current research, training and shared learning.
Strengthening connections between churches and local schools, including engagement with Early Years providers and supporting meaningful transition events (e.g., Year 6).
Children and Families Worker (5-11s)
Support and develop vibrant, engaging ministry for 5–11s.
Enrich existing children’s work and help churches launch new, distinctly Christian groups for primary‑aged children.
Resource fresh expressions of worship such as Messy Church and Forest Church.
Strengthen connections between churches and primary schools, including meaningful Year 6 transition events.
Promote best practice through learning, research and shared training
Youth Ministry (11–18s)
Helping develop and grow a vibrant youth ministry across the archdeaconry.
Supporting churches to run Christian groups, youth worship, retreats, sacred spaces and outdoor worship.
Encouraging creative outreach and discipleship opportunities for young people in a variety of contexts.
Chaplaincy & Developing Young Leaders
Supporting and resourcing chaplaincy across primary and secondary schools.
Equipping clergy and church teams to engage confidently in chaplaincy-related‑ ministry.
Helping nurture the next generation of young leaders by supporting diocesan initiatives such as the Equip Young Leaders Conference and Deeper Year Out.
Creating spaces where young people can explore leadership, faith and discipleship in a supportive environment.
Across all strands, you will play a key part in delivering the diocesan vision to see more young active disciples and ensure thriving CYP ministry within reach of every child and young person.
About You
We would love to hear from you if you are:
Passionate about helping children and young people discover faith, grow in confidence and flourish.
Creative, enthusiastic and energised by working in a wide range of settings — from toddler groups to youth gatherings to school chaplaincy.
Excited about resourcing churches, supporting volunteers and helping spark new initiatives.
A strong communicator, skilled at building relationships across parishes, schools and communities.
Committed to nurturing fresh, innovative, distinctly Christian ministry.
Key Dates
Closing date: Thursday, 9 April 2026 at 5:00pm
Interview dates:
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Friday, 24 April 2026
(Interviews take place at St John’s House, 155–163 The Rock, Bury BL9 0ND.)
You may have experience in the following: Youth & Families Worker, Children and Families Worker, Youth Worker, Early Years Worker, Children & Young People Worker, Family & Youth Worker, Schools Worker, Schools and Community Worker, Chaplaincy Worker, School Chaplain, Children’s Ministry Worker, Youth Ministry Worker, Family Ministry Worker, Children’s Support Worker
REF-(Apply online only)