Youth Ministry Coordinator

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The Youth Ministry Coordinator is responsible for assisting with developing a parish based ministry with youth in junior and senior high school. Reaches out to all youth in the community, provides for formal catechesis, invites and enables youth to serve others. Develops close communication with and mutual support from families of youth and collaborates with other community and parish youth organizations.  This part-time role focuses on weekly Life Nights (youth group meetings), Edge Middle School night, volunteer coordination, and spiritual preparation.

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.
2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.
3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.
4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Program Development and Relationships

• Assists with creating and developing a youth ministry advisory group with youth and adults and provides for its enrichment.
• Develops a plan for youth ministry in collaboration with the pastor, parish staff, and the youth ministry advisory group.
• Facilitates development of leadership skills in youth and adults.
• Assists in the preparation of liturgical celebrations for youth (reconciliation, confirmation, World Youth Day Sunday, liturgies for retreats and special youth events).
• Is available for listening, advising, and referral.
• Provides opportunities for weekend retreats and evenings/days of reflection by developing a retreat team and providing for its development and enrichment.
• Develops the kind of relationships with parents that are conducive to open communication between parents and youth.
• Develops an age appropriate catechetical program that includes the Faith Themes as outlined in Renewing the Vision, in the spirit of the General Directory for Catechesis and under the guidance of the National Directory for Catechesis.
• Provides opportunities for justice/service education, inviting youth to a deeper appreciation of the social teachings of the Church.
• Helps youth to discern their gifts and how best to use them in the ministries of their parish communities.
• Collaborates with the Parish Catechetical Leader in merging youth ministry catechetical models with religious education for junior high students.
• Develops peer ministry to assist in retreats, service opportunities, and prayer experiences with junior high students.

Recruitment and Training

• Recruits, trains, assigns and evaluates the youth leaders. Coordinates participation in diocesan-sponsored training programs.
• Serves as an advisor and support to youth leaders.
• Monitors the efforts of volunteer leaders and evaluates progress.
• Defines the responsibilities of each adult leader/advisor.
• Ensures that all adult leaders/advisors comply with diocesan safety regulations (i.e., finger printing/criminal background check).
• Publicizes and offers education programs and support systems for volunteer leaders, connecting them with diocesan certification programs, diocesan in-service opportunities, state and national programs for professional development and faith formation.
• Makes special efforts to gain the endorsement, support, and involvement of all adults, especially parents and parish organizations; helps the parish community come to a greater awareness of its role in comprehensive youth ministry.

Administration

• Initiates ways of gathering data on the needs, interests, attitudes and beliefs of youth.
• Plans, organizes and implements programs/experiences that provide a holistic approach in meeting the needs/interests of youth.
• Submits annual financial report and budget; administers budget throughout the year.
• Maintains necessary office and program records, including a log of activities and times.
• Determines effective means for publicizing and promoting programs and experiences.
• Submits periodic reports to the pastor detailing programs in youth ministry.
• Initiates procedures for evaluating all aspects of the parish’s ministry to youth.

Communication

• Actively works with the Catechetical Leader/Director of Faith Formation to determine appropriate curriculum and participates in the planning and implementation of various ministries.
• Participates in parish staff meetings, keeping the pastor and other staff current on youth ministry activities and concerns.
• Keeps the parish community informed of youth ministry activities and goals.
• Advises, communicates and cooperates with other parishes and diocesan organizations, specifically the Faith Formation Deanery Association Meetings.
• Participates in parish governing structures to insure greater participation of youth in parish life and to facilitate communication and decision-making.
• Supervises and coordinates scheduling of youth events and activities.
• Keeps informed through attendance at diocesan, regional, and national conferences, regular reading, and membership in professional associations.
• Keeps parents informed of youth ministry activities and invites their participation in and presence at all youth ministry events.
• Is aware of and connected to community agencies and resources that interface with youth.
• Sets annual goals and objectives for each Junior/Senior High program as requested.

Professional and Personal Development

• Participates in annual retreat and seeks spiritual direction.
• Is a member and active participant in the Faith Formation Deanery Association.
• Is involved in the Diocesan Catechist Certification Program.
• Attends diocesan, state and national in-service opportunities.
• Seeks other opportunities to meet national standards and competencies for coordinators of youth ministry.