• Passion for ministry with children and families and a commitment to faith formation of children. Background in teaching or child development is desired but not required.
• Basic knowledge of child development, Christian faith-formation, and understanding of the importance of a safe and nurturing environment for children.
• Ability to listen to and communicate with people of all ages.
• Ability to work with other ministry leaders, to delegate responsibility and to follow up and complete tasks.
• Genuine interest in responding to the hopes, needs, and concerns of children in the community.

  RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Director will be attentive to the needs of children and families, in both the congregation and local community. He/she should identify key people in the congregation and community who are advocates for children’s needs and issues.
• The Director will advocate that all children be welcome and fully engaged in the ministries of the congregation.
• The Director will work with the Family Ministries Team to implement a comprehensive program for Christian formation with children grades K-5 that includes worship, Sunday school, fellowship, service experiences, and other experiences that guide children as they grow in faith.
• The Director will secure and maintain Sunday School curriculum and arrange teaching schedules for the children’s class using theologically aligned and developmentally appropriate resources and curriculum.
• The Director will, with the support of the pastor, recruit volunteer adults to carry out the mission of the Children and Family ministry at the Ridge.
• The Director will assist in the Nursery on Sunday mornings during worship, 9:45-11:15.

GENERAL PROVISIONS:

• This position will be considered an exempt, salaried, and part-time position in which a minimum of 8 hours per week (1.5-2 hours as Nursery Associate, 6 as Director) will be expended in work toward its fulfillment.
• The Ridge Pastor will be the immediate supervisor for this position. Any concerns or grievances shall be addressed to the Ridge Pastor. Any unresolved issues may be brought to the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) of Western Hills United Methodist Church.
• An annual review shall be conducted by the Ridge Pastor and SPRC representative in order to continue dialog regarding needs, growth of the individual, and affirmation of good service.
• Sunday mornings are a critical time of service for this position, both in the nursery and for children’s programming. The Director is expected to be present regularly during worship times and Sunday school. The Director will receive 4 Sundays per year for personal time and renewal and two more, as needed, for vacation. These shall be used within the year and may not be accumulated year-to-year. Sundays off should be scheduled with the Ridge Pastor, at least two weeks in advance and be for no more than two concurrent Sundays at any given time. Care should be used to secure dates outside of active seasons and Church holidays.
• The church shall deduct and pay Social Security and withholding for taxes from the employee’s salary. The church shall carry and maintain worker’s compensation insurance coverage for the employee.
• The Director of Children and Family Ministries is required to submit to a criminal background check and must undergo a yearly Safe-Sanctuaries Training. The Director must uphold and maintain the Safe Sanctuaries policy of the Ridge and Western Hills United Methodist Church.
• Compensation will be set according to experience and qualifications.