The Salvation Army

Position Description

Decatur, IL

Position Title: Youth Ministry Specialist

Job Summary: The Corps Outreach Worker is responsible to:

• Develop youth & young adults in their faith, character and person through the corps programs and ministries.
• Increase local corps programs and outreach to youth & young adults.
• Provide oversight of multiple youth programs by providing program leadership and/or providing guidance, support, and basic training to active youth leaders within the corps.

Reports To: Corps Officer(s)

Supervises: N/A

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a passion for fulfilling the mission of The Salvation Army and must be articulate in presenting the same to others.

Candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background inquiry and annual motor vehicle check with a valid driver's license.

Education:

• Associate degree in ministry related field preferred; significant related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Skills:

• Ability to manage people and projects successfully efficiently and effectively.
• Team player, self-starter, and perform well with minimal supervision.
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to establish program policies and procedures, holding others accountable to the same.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Demonstrated awareness of budget resources and cost control, as well as assisting in planning and administering budgets.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications, Internet, and Social Media platforms.
• Must be able to workdays, evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary, especially in emergency situations.

The Salvation Army Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of Christ. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Further the mission of The Salvation Army through ministry and spiritual development of youth & young adults.
• Provide Christian example and leadership to youth & young adults to encourage their spiritual development.
• Seek to discover ways to engage youth & young adults in Salvation Army distinctive and/or sponsored programs with the result to get youth & young adults active in the corps and enrolled as members of The Salvation Army.
• Understand that programs do not necessarily have to be conducted in the corps facility, but can also be held at community centers, community rooms, schools, etc.
• Encourage, train, and engage in evangelism in ways relevant to youth & young adults.

Internal Functions:

• Plan, schedule, develop and monitor a variety of educational, recreational, relational, and spiritual development activities, events, and trips for children, youth and young adults that promote:
• Thriving individual spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical development
• A healthy and safe environment for youth to learn.
• Opportunities to discover and practice love for God and neighbors.
• Skills for productive participation in family and corps life, as well as their extended community
• Identify and encourage new leadership potential from within or outside of the corps to fill current and future leadership needs.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with existing youth leaders, parents, and youth.
• Serve as an intentional mentor and role model: share meals and fellowship time; provide individual spiritual guidance when needed; remain available as possible which may require responding to emergency situations outside of normal hours of work.
• Organize and conduct weekly Bible study/small group meetings for the youth & young adult population of the corps.
• Ensure youth attend Sunday services, Bible study and Gospel Arts rehearsals as required.
• Provide opportunity/training for youth & young adults to participate in volunteer/ministry opportunities.
• Plan, develop, and distribute a regular newsletter via email, Facebook, and/or mail addressing the interests and needs of youth - promoting awareness, information, and involvement in programs.
• Record and maintain statistical information regarding youth related activities and participants.
• Participate as needed in the Young People pastoral care council and/or Corps Council.
• Attend and participate in Corps staff meetings.
• Plan, organize, and schedule youth activities for Spring Break and summer months as needed in the community.
• Assist as needed with picking up youth and leaders for corps events and activities.

External Functions:

• Build relationships with other agencies involved with or interested in youth to develop local resources:
• Meet with high school and college staff to find students who plan to go into the field of youth work/ministry and could be potential staff or volunteers.
• Seek to find those in the community that could provide leadership to The Salvation Army youth programs, camps, outdoor events, and other activities.
• Work with community leaders to develop an environment for youth to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Seek to bring all youth representatives to plan, organize and implement needed programs/opportunities and to address problems and issues that relate to the youth population in the local community and corps.

Other Responsibilities/Expectations:

• Attend Salvation Army services/events to support and develop relationships with youth and adult leaders.
• Attend Youth Councils with corps delegates and serve as a chaperone.
• Attend camp & other related events annually for on-going trainings.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere through appropriate conflict management, courteous demeanor, and professional and appropriate communication practices.
• Maintain compliance in The Salvation Army's "Safe from Harm" Certification.
• Perform other duties as assigned as related to The Salvation Army Macon County Youth programming processes.

Travel will be required.

Position Ranking:

• Non-Exempt, Full Time

Physical Demands/ Work Environment:

This Position is required to do basic business and office work. In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the individual is regularly required to talk and listen, stand, walk, sit and use hands. Individual must be able to regularly lift up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to fifty pounds. The use of Office and Computer Equipment is necessary. Vision abilities will require close vision. Work may be performed indoors and occasionally require outdoors to attend meetings. There is low to moderate noise level for this position.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.