JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Taking Care Programme Co-ordinator (temporary for approximately 6

months initially)

Council: Social Witness

Salary Scale: Scale E2 (£27,397 - £32,957 per annum)

Responsible to: TheSecretary of the Council for Social Witness, as Professional Line Managerand in relation to policy development and implementation of the Taking Care programme, and to the Secretary of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness for training in relation to Taking Care.

Main function of job:

To contribute to the Christian ministry and mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland through the delivery of the duties outlined.

To be an active member of the General Assembly’s staff team, contributing to the effective administration of its functions and assisting in the development of strategies and plans for the delivery of its agreed objective in a manner in keeping with the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Under the leadership of the Secretary for the Council of Social Witness, the Council and its Taking Care Committee, to assist with the implementation of decisions of the General Assembly relevant to the Council and to carry forward its delegated responsibilities.

Under the leadership of the Secretary of the Council for Social Witness and the Counciland its Taking Care Committee, to contribute to ongoing development of the Taking care programme (for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) in keeping with the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland.

Under the Leadership of the Secretary of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness and the Council, to be responsible for the delivery, facilitation and promotion of the “Taking Care” Training Programme.

Responsibilities and Duties

  1. To contribute to the production of all training materials and promote the Taking Care training programme and Child and Adults at Risk awarenessprogrammes at Congregational and Presbytery levels,under the direction of the Secretary of the Council for Social Witness and the Secretary of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness, as appropriate.
  1. To recruit, train and mentor a network of Taking Care Trainers within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, updating and evaluating the training as appropriate.
  1. To audit and evaluate the Taking Care Training Programme and materialsand to co-ordinate and contribute to the review of the programme under the direction of the two Councils as appropriate.
  1. To provide appointment guidance and advice to congregations based on disclosures from Access (NI) and Garda Vetting.
  1. To organise and deliver training for Designated Persons, Kirk Sessions and Ministers, under the direction of the Secretary and the Council for Congregational Life and Witness as required.
  1. To give appropriate advice and support on safeguarding issues, under the direction of the Secretary of the Council for Social Witness
  1. To monitor and evaluate the work of the Volunteer Trainers and take appropriate follow-up action.
  1. To ensure adequate numbers of Volunteer Trainers are available to meet the needs of congregations.
  1. To ensure accurate records of training provided are kept and that a database for statistical analysis is maintained.
  1. To arrange and promote conferences as required.in conjunction with the Council for Congregational Life and Witness
  1. To assist with the continuing development and implementation of all safeguarding policies within PCI.
  1. To liaise with staff within the Councilfor Social Witness in relation to Protection of Children and Adults at Risk procedures.
  1. To liaise with other church and voluntary organisations in relation to good safe practice and safeguarding matters.
  1. To liaise with Statutory bodies in relation to concerns and disclosures and in the management of offenders attending congregations within PCI.
  1. To prepare regular update newssheets for congregations.
  1. To prepare written reports relating to taking care issues for the two Secretaries and Councils as required.
  1. To be involved in other aspects of the work of the two Councils, or other Councils of the General Assembly (including attendance at events), as deemed appropriate to the post.
  1. To contribute to the overall organisational effectiveness and to perform any other duties as deemed appropriate by the Secretary of the Council for Social Witness in line with the requirements of the General Assembly or the Clerk of the General Assembly.

August 2017