Lay Ministry Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Description

SUMMARY

The Youth Ministry Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and implementing parish youth ministry for junior and senior high school students. This includes fostering faith formation, community building, service opportunities, and leadership development, while engaging youth and their families in parish life. The Coordinator collaborates with the Parish Catechetical Leader, Pastor, and parish staff to ensure alignment with overall faith formation efforts and diocesan standards.

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.
2. Respect: Affirming each person's God-given dignity and uniqueness.
3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.
4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and functions outlined herein are representative of the types of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this role. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Program Development and Relationships

• Assists in developing and sustaining a youth ministry advisory group composed of youth and adults. 
• Assists in the development and implementation of a parish youth ministry plan in collaboration with the Pastor, Parish Catechetical Leader, and parish staff. 
• Facilitates leadership development opportunities for youth and adult volunteers. 
• Assists in the preparation of liturgical celebrations for youth, including reconciliation services, confirmation, retreats, and special events. 
• Provides pastoral presence through listening, advising, and referral as appropriate. 
• Coordinates retreats and reflection opportunities by developing and supporting retreat teams. 
• Builds relationships with parents to foster open communication and engagement in youth ministry. 
• Develops and implements age-appropriate catechetical programming in alignment with diocesan standards. 
• Provides opportunities for service and justice education, promoting Catholic social teaching. 
• Supports youth in discerning and utilizing their gifts within parish ministry. 
• Collaborates with the Parish Catechetical Leader to align youth ministry with broader faith formation efforts. 
• Develops peer ministry opportunities to support retreats, service projects, and prayer experiences.

Recruitment and Training

• Recruits, trains, assigns, and supports youth ministry volunteers and leaders. 
• Coordinates participation in diocesan-sponsored training and formation opportunities. 
• Provides ongoing guidance, evaluation, and support to volunteer leaders. 
• Defines roles and responsibilities for adult leaders and advisors. 
• Ensures compliance with diocesan Safe Environment policies and requirements. 
• Promotes continuing education and formation opportunities for volunteers through diocesan and external programs. 
• Encourages participation and support from parents and the broader parish community.

Administration

• Assesses the needs, interests, and engagement of youth to inform program development. 
• Plans, organizes, and implements youth ministry programs and experiences. 
• Assists in the preparation and administration of the ministry budget. 
• Maintains accurate program records, reports, and documentation. 
• Coordinates communication and promotion of youth ministry activities. 
• Provides periodic updates and reports to the Pastor and parish leadership. 
• Assists in evaluating the effectiveness of youth ministry programs. 

Communication

• Collaborates with the Parish Catechetical Leader and parish staff in planning and implementing ministry initiatives.
• Participates in parish staff meetings and keeps leadership informed of youth ministry activities.
• Communicates youth ministry programs and goals to the parish community.
• Maintains relationships with diocesan offices, deanery groups, and other parish ministries.
• Coordinates scheduling of youth ministry events and activities.
• Encourages parent involvement and maintains regular communication with families.
• Stays informed on youth ministry trends through ongoing learning and professional engagement.
• Connects with community resources that support youth and families.
• Assists in setting and monitoring annual goals for youth ministry programs.

Professional and Personal Development

• Participates in retreats and engages in ongoing spiritual development. 
• Actively participates in deanery and diocesan formation opportunities. 
• Maintains progress in diocesan catechetical certification. 
• Attends diocesan, regional, and national training opportunities. 
• Seeks continued professional and ministerial development.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CATHOLIC FAITH

Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Catechetics, Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in parish ministry or related field. 
• Must have or be in the process of obtaining diocesan catechetical certification.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills. 
• Knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs as presented in the documents of the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other relevant ecclesial documents and publications. 
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals across all organizational levels. 
• Ability to effectively engage and minister to adolescents in a faith-based environment. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Publisher. 
• Valid Florida driver's license required, with an acceptable driving record.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in an office setting. This position may require a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, and may involve extended computer use.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Tasks require the ability to perform light physical work, which may include lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling objects and materials up to 15 pounds. Work may involve extended periods at a computer or workstation.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.