Nursery Coordinator

Description

Job Summary: 

The Coordinator of the Nursery will use his or her energy, enthusiasm, and passion to ensure that the young children of the parish are well cared for in a loving and Christ-centered environment during Mass, Faith Formation classes, and for any event or ministry of the parish for which childcare is requested. The work of the Coordinator of the Nursery thus allows the children and their families to be formed as joyful disciples of Jesus Christ that are seeking to grow in faith, love, and service. He or she does this primarily by developing, organizing, and implementing nursery services and programs, and by recruiting, training, and equipping additional volunteers for the nursery.

This is a part-time position not to exceed 15 hours a week that requires flexible work hours to include weekends, weekdays, and some evenings. This position reports to the Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation (DEFF) and the Pastor of the parish.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St. Luke Catholic Church which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Luke Catholic Church help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Job Duties: 

· As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Luke Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life.

· Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

· Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.

· The Nursery Coordinator, in close collaboration with the DEFF, pastor, parish staff, and volunteers, will have primary responsibilities in serving and coordinating volunteers to ensure that nursery services are provided during:

a. Masses (8:30 am Sunday, 11am Sunday, and 5pm Sunday)

b. Faith Formation Classes (Wednesday and Thursday evenings)

c. Regular Confession Times (Wednesday and Saturday evenings, and Fridays during Lent)

d. Other requested events or ministries (Holy Day Masses, Stations of the Cross, etc.)

Spiritual and Prayer Life:

· Participate in ongoing spiritual formation, including that which is required by the Diocese of Austin.

· Maintain a personal commitment to holiness (frequenting the sacraments, seeking Christ in daily prayer, etc.).

· Attending at least one spiritual retreat per year for his or her personal development.

Evangelization/Catechesis:

· Oversee regular nursery programming.

· Ensure that the nursery program is easily accessible, appealing, and welcoming.

· Select/Develop programming and activities for students that are age-appropriate, engaging, and will lead children into a deeper knowledge of the Catholic Faith and relationship with Jesus.

· Intentionally recruit new families into the program.

Health and Safety:

· Ensure that the nursery is clean and safe (including furniture, items, etc.)

· Regularly rotate toys, books, etc. in the nursery to ensure that all items are clean and in good repair.

· Thoroughly wipe down and disinfect all surfaces and toys in the nursery after each day that the nursery is used.

· Work with Facilities and Maintenance personnel to ensure the bathroom is cleaned and disinfected weekly and that all aspects of the nursery are maintained in good repair.

Leadership:

· Actively coordinate, recruit, train, empower, and form volunteers for ministry in the nursery program.

· Lead the nursery volunteers in planning and coordinating snacks, activities, etc. during nursery services.

· Find a replacement for, or step in and cover, the absence of any volunteers to ensure the availability of the nursery program during all scheduled times.

· Provide appropriate evaluations and feedback for the nursery volunteers. 

· Ensure that nursery volunteers are engaging in ongoing religious and spiritual formation, including that which is required by the Diocese of Austin.

· Ensure that all nursery volunteers are compliant with Diocesan safe environment policies and procedures.

Advocating for the Youth:

· Represent the needs of young children and families to the pastor and the parish community.

· Work in partnership with the DEFF to effectively reach children and families in the community.

· Support families in their roles as the primary educators of young children. 

· Maintain the nursery section of the parish website.

· Establish proactive processes to ensure the safety of all children, ensuring that all State and Diocesan guidelines for protection and safety of children are followed.

· Serve as the liaison with any relevant Diocesan offices and their programs, services, and resources.

· Awareness and implementation of resources (new and existing) to improve and develop the nursery program.

Administrative 

· Facilitate the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the nursery program’s mission/goals. 

· Communicate professionally and clearly with parents and volunteers in the nursery program.

· Effectively and creatively provide communication to families, the parish, the staff, and community regarding matters relevant to the nursery program (face-to-face, phone calls, emails, etc.).

· Develop and maintain records and database(s) of information pertinent to the nursery program (membership lists, resource materials, budget, program income/expense, etc.)

· Conduct regular inventories of program supplies and recommend purchases or donations to replace what has been used.

· Develop and monitor a nursery budget in collaboration with the DEFF, Pastor, and Finance Council.

· Collaborate in a team environment with the parish staff and other parish ministries, being able to give and receive honest feedback (attend staff/committee meetings, retreats, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

· Embody the mission of St. Luke Catholic Church to be a joyful disciple seeking to grow in faith, love, and service

· Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills

· Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively

· Be proficient with technology and media

· Ability to multi-task and set priorities

· Possess good organization and time management skills

· Be an active and engaged member of the parish community

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

· Bachelor’s Degree

· Degree or Certification in Early Childhood Development or Education, or a similar field, especially from a Catholic Institution.

Experience:

· 3-5 years of experience in this (or related) field is preferred. 

Language:

· English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)

· Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). Preferred but not required.

Catholic Requirement:

· Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

· Valid Texas driver’s license.

· Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.