Youth Development Coordinator (Columbus)

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 God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Starting Pay: $40,000.00

Job Description:

As the Youth Development Coordinator, you will develop youth (0-29yrs) in their faith, character a person through the corps programs and ministries. Increase local corps programs and outreach to youth. 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....ensuring that the Mission of The Salvation Army is effectively carried out.

What You Will Do:

General Functions:

• Further the mission of The Salvation Army through ministry and spiritual development of youth (0-29yrs).
• Provide Christian example and leadership to youth in order to encourage their spiritual development.
• Provide an example of Salvationism in order to fulfill the Army's mission of saving the lost, serving suffering humanity and making disciples for Jesus.
• A person of prayer whose character is fully consistent with their Christian faith.
• This position will not replace current active youth leaders but will serve as an advisor and resource for all existing and future youth leaders and programs; only taking on leadership where needed.
• Seek to discover ways to engage youth in Salvation Army distinctive and/or sponsored programs with the end result to get youth 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 ways relevant to youth.
• Intentionally seek and meet regularly with a mentor and/or small group for personal fellowship, spiritual formation and accountability.

Internal Functions:

• Plan, schedule, coordinate, facilitate, 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




• Oversee and organize on-going training, development and discipleship programs for active local youth leaders, working closely with the YPSM and or the YPL leaders.
• Identify and encourage new leadership potential from within or outside the corps to fill current and future leadership needs.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with existing youth leaders, parents and youth.
• Serve as an international mentor and role model: Share meals and fellowship time; provide individual spiritual guidance when needed; remain available as much as possible which may require responding to emergency situations outside of normal working hours.
• Available to organize and conduct weekly bible study/small group meetings for the youth.
• Ensure youth attend Sunday services, Bible study and Gospel Arts rehearsals as required.
• Provide opportunity/training for youth to participate in volunteer/ministry opportunities (thrift store, disaster services, feed homeless, Community Care, Christmas effort, mission opportunities, active roles in Corps' life and worship, etc.).
• Plan, develop, and distribute a regular newsletter via email, Facebook, and/or mailing addressing the interests and needs of the 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 for the community.

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.
• Speak to civic clubs, schools, and local businesses about corps program or opportunities within The Salvation Army who could become potential volunteers or donors.
• Seek to find those in the community that could provide leadership to Salvation Army programs, camps, outdoor events, and other activities.

• Work with Community leaders to develop and 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 CBLI & camp; Refuel Events annually for on-going trainings.
• May serve one week on divisional or territorial youth camp staff, with corps officer's approval.
• Submit quarterly report to DHQ/THQ (provided by THQ)
• Participate in monthly phone calls from DYS to discuss issues and progress.
• Trained in Safe from Harm and qualified to teach course locally.
• Ensure that Safe from Harm guidelines are instituted and followed in the local setting.
• Perform other activities/special projects as assigned and only as it relates to youth development.
• May engage in Christmas fundraising and social activities up to 10 hours per week.
• Some travel to camps, events, workshops, and seminars are required.

• Other tasks as assigned by leadership

Minimum Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, skills, and/or abilities required for this position.

Education:

• Associate's degree with a minimum of two years' experience in progressively responsible youth development work, or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience.

• A Senior Soldier in good standing or willing to support Salvation Army doctrine, mission, and practices with the encouragement to explore senior soldiership.

Background Checks: Position requires a background check to be completed, and all background check results will be reviewed.

Experience:

• Knowledge if principles and practices of The Salvation Army - preservation of its mission and doctrine.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of youth ministries and program development.

Certifications: Must have a valid driver's license and maintain The Salvation Army Driver's qualification standard; must complete Safe from Harm training within the first 90 days of employment.

Skills/Abilities:

• Able to speak, write and understand English in a manner sufficient for effective communication with leadership, field personnel, and clientele.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems.
• Ability to research and interpret youth ministry materials to determine compliance of outside source with Salvation Army doctrine.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and complete tasks with a minimum of direction.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Ability to use Salvation Army approved word processing, spreadsheet, data base management, and graphic/desktop publishing software packages.
• Ability to participate in physical activities associated with walking, standing, lifting, playing games, and transporting objects of reasonable weight.

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical Requirements Include:

• Good speaking, hearing and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity
• Lifting, pulling, and pushing of materials up to 25 pounds
• May require bending, squatting, walking.
• May require standing for extended

Travel: Some travel to camps, events, workshops and seminars are required.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a office and church environment; may require some weekends.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

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.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job-related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.