Outreach Worker:
Margaret Amatides

Outreach

Community Outreach Worker
Danforth Mennonite Church

Job Description

Danforth Mennonite Church (DMC) is a small church with a big heart in the city of Toronto. Located in the vibrant Danforth/Woodbine neighbourhood, "Danforth" has a long history of community outreach and ministry. In its quest to continue to develop this ministry, the church is currently seeking the right person to fill the part-time position (15 hrs per week) of "Outreach Worker."

Collaborating closely with the DMC staff team, the Outreach Committee (OC), and the Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) committee, the Outreach Worker will have the following responsibilities:

1. Community Outreach: approximately 50 % of time
To work with DMC in developing its mission in the local community, leading to increased community participation in the church and more effective church ministry in the community.

· Assist church in assessing how to best connect with our local community
· Assist church in acting on potential connections-help the church to mobilize programs and resources for community outreach
· Promote the church: help DMC to be better known in the community.
· Work with the OC and others in the congregation to help DMC be a "welcoming, accessible church"
· Promote and support Vacation Bible Camp, the Christmas Community Carol Sing and other seasonal outreach events
· Maintain relations with outside organizations as they pertain to community outreach (such as Habitat for Humanity)
· Participate in OC and MVS committee meetings--generally one meeting each per month; limited other meetings as required

2. Seniors Social Club Support: approximately 30 % of time
To support the existing Seniors Social Club (SSC) in its weekly activities, managing the SSC at current levels of activity and participation while working with the SSC members, the OC and DMC to determine the future of the program.

· Provide weekly program support at Wednesday meetings
· Ensure that seniors connected to the SSC are connected to and supported by the church (setting up a volunteer visiting program, prayer links, liaising with social services, etc.)
· Help the OC and the seniors to define the future of the SSC

3. Mennonite Volunteer Service (MVS) Support: roughly 20 % of time.
To support the work of the MVS Committee in developing a viable and effective MVS unit.

· Support the MVS Committee in the ongoing recruitment and placement of MVS participants
· Support the MVS Committee in day to day relations with the MVS unit
· Maintain relations with MVS support bodies on behalf of the MVS Committee

Details of employment

Reporting Structure: The Outreach Worker will collaborate closely with the other staff at DMC-the Minister and the Church Administrative Assistant. The Worker will report to and be supported by the Outreach Committee. Ultimate responsibility is to the Church Council, representing the DMC congregation.

Contract: The position is for 15 hours per week, with a six month contract starting at the beginning of January, 2004. There may be a possibility of contract renewal at the end of the 6 months. Ideally, the Outreach Worker would have some flexibility around the timing of the 15 hours per week, as some work could occur in evenings or weekends and work intensity will vary with seasonal church activities.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate is an individual whose Christian faith and practices align closely with the faith and practices of Danforth Mennonite Church and the greater Mennonite Church. The candidate can work well in a team, and knows how to strike an effective balance between 'getting tasks done' and 'supporting the congregation' in outreach initiatives. She or he has the interest, enthusiasm, skills and self-management capacity to successfully complete the outreach tasks described in this job description. She or he can demonstrate these qualifications in an interview process, through past work experiences and through appropriate references. It would be beneficial if the Outreach Worker attended DMC worship services at least some Sundays but this is not a requirement for the position.

Contact Information
For more information please contact
Doug Blackburn (416) 413 9903; doug_blackburn@worldvision.ca
or
Barb Bryson (416) 467 0260; bbryson@ica.net .