SUMMARY

The Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leader is responsible for developing a parish based ministry with youth in junior and senior high school and Young Adults 18-35 years old. Reaches out to all youth and young adults 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. 

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

• Creates and develops a youth ministry advisory group with youth and adults and provides for its enrichment.
• Develops a plan for youth ministry and young adults 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).
• Ensures annual safe-environment training is conducted for all students per the diocesan requirements.
• 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 and young adults 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.
• 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 and young adults.
• Plans, organizes and implements programs/experiences that provide a holistic approach in meeting the needs/interests of youth and young adults.
• 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 and young adult ministry.
• Initiates procedures for evaluating all aspects of the parish’s ministry to youth and young adults.
• Is responsible for and runs all fundraisers for youth ministry (golf tournament, wreaths sales, advent calendars, etc.)

Communication

• Actively works with the Pastor 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 and young adult 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 and young adult 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and experience required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CATHOLIC FAITH

Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree in Theology, Ministry, Catechetics, or equivalent.
• 3 years practical parish-level ministry leadership experience.
• Must have or be in process of obtaining Master Catechist Certification by the Diocesan Office of Religious Education/Secretariat for Evangelization and Family Life.

MISSION DRIVEN

Must be a practicing Roman Catholic and currently participating in Diocesan or parish ministry. Must be willing to reflect the Christian attitude of the Church in dealing with fellow employees and those from outside of the parish.  

ORGANIZATIONAL/INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

A high level of organizational and interpersonal skill is required. Attention to detail and working well with others is also required.

LANGUAGE/COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to read and analyze written and electronic correspondence and compose appropriate responses utilizing others in the organization when appropriate. Ability to effectively present verbal and written information to constituencies and public groups.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working hours of this position are not limited to an 8-hour day. This person will need to be available in the evening and weekends, as needed. Performs extensive computer work and physical labor. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods of time, lift at least 40 pounds, walk, bend, crouch, talk, feel, grasp, hear and perform repetitive motions of the hands, wrists, and arms. Job incumbent also required to read/see up close and from afar. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (15 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.