Employment opportunities

St. Thomas and Symons Valley United Churches have a very active youth group for Junior High and Senior High School Students.  The program includes social events, mission and outreach activities, involvement in the life and work of the two congregations, and Sunday morning faith exploration and social justice discussions.   The group meets Sunday mornings at each church and holds a weekly joint social event typically either on Friday evening or Sunday afternoon.  They also attend Fish Creek Shared Ministry youth events.

We are currently looking for enthusiastic and energetic people to join the youth leader team.  The people in this role will be key to the continuation and growth of the shared youth program at St. Thomas and Symons Valley United Churches.  Responsibilities will include planning and running social activities and Sunday morning youth classes as well as communicating with other staff members and committee members to ensure the success of this program.

For further information or to apply, please email youth-advisory@stthomasunited.ca.

To provide space, opportunity and support for youth to be challenged and to grow as participating members of the Christian community.

A team of people sharing 16 hours per week will be employed to work with the Symons Valley/St. Thomas Youth Advisory Committee to carry out the Youth Ministry for  grades 7 – 12

• Fitting with established procedures in youth ministry at St. Thomas/Symons Valley, work with the St. Thomas/Symons Valley Youth Advisory Committee to plan spiritual, outreach and social programs for the Junior and Senior High youth
• Execute the plans made with the Youth Advisory Committee through:
• Leading Christian development/social justice exploration sessions on Sunday mornings
• Facilitating regular outreach and social events for the youth
• Facilitating youth involvement in worship
• Be aware of Fish Creek Shared Ministry for Youth and Young Adults and Chinook Winds Region youth events and encourage the youth to participate.
• Understand and conform to the principles of duty of care
• Maintain regular communication with the ordered Minister designated to mentor the Youth Leaders at St. Thomas and the Symons Valley Children and Family Ministry Coordinator.
• Communicate concerns with behavior, safety and emotional well being of youth group members to the Minister(where confidentiality is required) or Youth Advisory Committee as appropriate.
• Provide Pastoral Care to the youth to the extent you are comfortable and knowledgeable enough to do so. Refer to the St. Thomas ordered Minister or Symons Valley Children and Family Ministry Coordinator if beyond your comfort or knowledge level.
• Attend youth leader training if provided by Fish Creek Shared Ministries or Chinook Winds Region.

• Basic knowledge of current social issues pertaining to youth
• An understanding of the Christian faith, consistent with United Church beliefs
• Basic First Aid and CPR or willingness to obtain certification
• Clean police record check including a vulnerable sector check
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport with youth
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience and ability to apply principles outlined by the Youth Advisory Committee.
• Understanding of group dynamics; the need for confidentiality, respect for differences, and equal opportunities
• Understanding and respect for the boundaries necessary between youth leaders and youth
• An understanding of the Christian faith, consistent with United Church beliefs
• Skills in program development, leadership, and facilitation would be an asset.