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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in developing and delivering pastoral services for individuals and families.
- Company: Join the Church of Scotland, a charity dedicated to community support and engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, birthday off, pension contributions, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a committed Christian with an active Church connection and right to work in the UK.
- Other info: Opportunities available for Parish Deacon and Congregational Facilitator roles.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
On site: St James, Pollok, Presbytery of Glasgow
Closing: 24th July 2025
Advertised from: 1st July 2025
18.75 hours per week
Ref: M16/25
Role
Could you be part of something different? We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to use their gifts, skills, and experience to make a difference in the lives of people in our parishes and communities. We are looking for someone to assist the Kirk Session in developing and delivering a range of pastoral services aimed at supporting individuals and families, and increasing participation in community and congregational life.
This post is also suitable for a Parish Deacon (please see additional information under Main Duties, Person Specification, and Terms and Conditions for candidates wishing to apply as a Deacon). The successful candidate will be a committed Christian with an active Church connection (Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010). It is essential you have the right to work in the UK before applying. You will need to provide proof of your eligibility to work and remain in the UK if invited for an interview.
Closing date: 12 noon Thursday, 24 July 2025
The Church of Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland SCO11353.
Additional Opportunities
We are also looking for a Congregational Facilitator to work with congregations and groups of congregations to promote effective and creative mission through participation in the implementation of the Presbytery Mission Plan and ensure collaborative working. The successful candidate will have significant knowledge of Church of Scotland structures (particularly at congregational and presbytery levels) and experience of local congregational life. They should possess theological awareness and the ability to work across a wide-ranging theological base, enabling and empowering people in exercising their ministries in Parishes and Presbyteries. The candidate must be a committed Christian with an active Church connection (Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010). It is essential you have the right to work in the UK before applying. Proof of eligibility to work and remain in the UK will be required if invited for an interview.
We also seek individuals to develop, lead, and deliver our activity programme for children, young people, and families across the parish from our purpose-built facility. On site: Presbytery of North East and Northern Isles. Closing: 3rd July 2025. We are looking for someone to encourage family participation in the congregation, support and develop ministry and outreach to young people, families, carers, and local schools within the new parish. The successful candidate will have experience working with children, young people, and families, and the ability to build strong connections within the congregation and wider community.
Pathways Coordinator for Lochaber High School
About the role: You will deliver the MCR Pathways mentoring programme to students at Lochaber High School, working within the school community and supporting volunteers who mentor students for an hour weekly.
Key responsibilities:
- Building relationships with students across S1 to S6.
- Supporting and engaging volunteer mentors and assisting in volunteer recruitment.
- Supporting students in their education and employment pathways.
- Documenting progress and impact of the programme.
About you: Ability to build meaningful relationships with young people, education staff, mentors, and community organizations. Understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles. Confidence in presenting information and delivering training. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, flexible to current needs. Understanding challenges faced by care-experienced or vulnerable young people. Experience in documenting good practice and outcomes. Proficient in Google and Microsoft Office tools. You should be empathetic, open-minded, resilient, and motivated to improve outcomes for vulnerable young people.
About MCR Pathways: MCR Pathways, established in Glasgow in 2007, is dedicated to helping vulnerable young people gain confidence, skills, and opportunities. Our mentoring programme is delivered across Scotland and aims to ensure all young people reach their potential. The Lochaber High School programme will continue to expand under your leadership, reaching more students and supporting mentors.
Benefits include: 33 days annual leave in the first year (rising to 38 days from the second year), an additional day off for your birthday, employer pension contributions, and life assurance at 4x salary.
Parish Assistant/Deacon employer: Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
Contact Detail:
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Parish Assistant/Deacon
✨Tip Number 1
Get involved in your local church community before applying. Attend services, participate in events, and volunteer for activities. This will not only enhance your understanding of the church's needs but also help you build relationships that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Church of Scotland's structures and mission plans. Understanding how the Kirk Session operates and the specific challenges they face will allow you to tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to their goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current parish assistants or deacons if possible. They can provide insights into the role and share their experiences, which can be invaluable when preparing for your application and potential interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your community involvement and pastoral skills through practical examples. Whether it's through previous roles or volunteer work, being able to discuss specific instances where you've made a difference will resonate well with the selection committee.
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Assistant/Deacon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Parish Assistant/Deacon position. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Your Faith and Community Involvement: Since a committed Christian with an active Church connection is a requirement, make sure to include specific examples of your involvement in church activities or community services. This will demonstrate your alignment with the values of the role.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your passion for pastoral care and community engagement. Use this opportunity to share your motivations for applying and how your skills can contribute to the parish and its members.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential in a pastoral role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
✨Show Your Passion for Community Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working within the community and supporting individuals and families. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to pastoral care and community engagement.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Church Structures
Familiarise yourself with the Church of Scotland's structures, particularly at congregational and presbytery levels. Be prepared to discuss how these structures influence your approach to ministry and community involvement.
✨Highlight Your Theological Awareness
Since the role requires a strong theological foundation, be ready to discuss your beliefs and how they align with the values of the Church of Scotland. This will show your suitability for the position and your ability to work across diverse theological perspectives.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the church's current initiatives or how they envision the role of the Parish Assistant/Deacon evolving. It shows your interest and engagement with the position.
