Children and Families Worker – Encounter Archdeaconry Team

Do you have experience and commitment to supporting children as they explore faith, develop discipleship and flourish within their communities?

The Diocese of Manchester is seeking a Children and Families Worker to join the Encounter Archdeaconry Team (Salford). This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in developing, supporting and resourcing ministry with children aged 5 to 11 and their families across Salford.

Working alongside churches, schools, clergy, ministry leaders and the wider Encounter Team, you will help deliver our vision of seeing more young active disciples and ensuring that thriving children and young people’s ministry is within reach of every child.

As Children and Families Worker, you will:

• Support and strengthen existing children’s ministry across churches and mission communities.
• Help establish new and innovative Christian groups and activities for children aged 5 to 11.
• Resource and encourage fresh expressions of worship, including Messy Church, Forest Church and other creative initiatives.
• Develop links between churches and primary schools, including supporting Year 6 transition events.
• Promote outdoor worship opportunities and faith exploration for children.
• Share best practice and support local leaders through training, resources and guidance.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience of developing and delivering children’s ministry.
• Experience of working with children and families across church, school or community settings.
• The ability to lead engaging worship for children and their families.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people.
• A commitment to supporting children in their faith development and discipleship journey.
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and continuous learning.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape vibrant, creative and mission-focused ministry for children and families across Salford. You will support churches to grow and enrich their ministry, help develop new initiatives and distinctly Christian groups for children aged 5 to 11, encourage fresh expressions of worship such as Messy Church and Forest Church, strengthen connections between primary schools and churches through meaningful Year 6 transition events, and champion best practice through ongoing learning and current research.

There is an Occupational Requirement for the post-holder to be a practising Christian in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

For an informal conversation about the role or any recruitment queries, please contact:

Sandra Morris, Encounter Archdeaconry Team Lead (Salford), at SandraMorris@manchester.anglican.org, or Gary Bentley, Encounter Project Manager, at garybentley@manchester.anglican.org.

The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

For full details, please review the Job Description and Person Specification. An Encounter Programme Summary is also attached for further information about the wider vision and objectives of the programme.

We recommend completing your application on a laptop or desktop.

Closing Date: Wednesday 7th October 2026 at 5.00pm

Interview Date: Thursday 15th October 2026 at St John’s House, 155-163 The Rock, Bury BL9 0ND.

Salary

£33,436 per annum (Diocesan Pay-scale Band 3.3 – spot grade)

Hours

Full time – 35 hours per week

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Competitive employer pension contribution