About Us
The Benefice of Scremerston, Spittal, and Tweedmouth (BESST) is a group of three parishes working closely together in the Berwick-upon-Tweed area. We are rooted in the life of our communities and committed to sharing the love of God in ways that are generous, hopeful, and real.
We are at an exciting moment. With a newly appointed vicar, renewed energy, and a shared desire to grow, we are looking to expand and deepen our work with children, young people, families, and the wider community.
Our Vision
Our vision is to help children, young people, families and the local community discover that they are deeply loved, valued, and known by God, and to reflect that love in the way we serve our communities.
We believe we are called to:
• Share the generosity of the Father in word and action
• Serve one another, following the way of Christ
• Support all people with compassion, encouragement, and hope, as the Spirit enables us
We are particularly keen to strengthen our existing church-based work while developing meaningful community connections especially within local estates, focusing on children, young people and families
The Role
We are seeking a Children, Young People and Community Worker to join us in this shared mission.
This role will begin by building on existing work with children, young people, and families, particularly at Spittal Church, while gradually developing deeper links within the local community and estates. Over time, the role will include listening, relationship-building, and the careful shaping of new initiatives that respond to real local needs.
The postholder will be encouraged to participate fully in the worshipping life of the benefice and to use their gifts in leadership, creativity, and community engagement. While aspects of the role are clearly defined, there is genuine scope to help shape its future direction.
You will not be working alone. The role is supported by the vicar who is the line manager, a management team, dedicated volunteers, and diocesan partners.
Key Responsibilities
• Work collaboratively with clergy, volunteers, and lay leaders
• Support and develop existing children’s, youth, and families activities
• Grow and encourage volunteer teams through support, training, and reflection
• Help plan and deliver Holiday Clubs and special events
• Build relationships and explore opportunities for community engagement, particularly within local estates
• Enable children and young people to participate in worship and church life
• Participate in the prayer life of the church
• Ensure robust safeguarding practice underpins all work
• Attend line management and ministry meetings
• Provide reports to PCCs and APCMs as required
Person Specification
Essential
• A practising Christian, committed to the worshipping life of the church
• Experience of working with children and/or young people and/or families within community settings
• A deep commitment to safeguarding and good practice
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Good communication, organisational, and relational skills
• Flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to learn
• A heart for justice and compassion for those facing disadvantage
• Right to work in the UK, suitable DBS, and a full driving licence
Desirable
• Experience of developing new initiatives including community-based work
• Experience of volunteer leadership or training
• Competence using social media and IT for communication
• Experience working with children or young people with SEND
What We Offer
• A supportive and collaborative benefice
• Dedicated volunteers and engaged congregations
• Full-time post (37.5 hours per week)
• Salary negotiable based on experience and qualifications within the range £25,000 to £28,000
• Six-month probation period
• Training and diocesan support
• Regular supervision and spiritual accompaniment
• Dedicated office space and equipment
• Expenses covered, including local mileage
• A beautiful region with strong transport links to Newcastle and Edinburgh
How to Apply
If you wish to find out more, please email our vicar Richard Cornfield besstvicar@gmail.com. To apply for the position, please email and include a relevant CV together with a summary of how you would develop the role with no more than 2 sides of A4.
| Attachment | Size |
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| Application Pack BESST Children^J Young People and Community Worker.pdf | 112.39 KB |
If you wish to find out more, please email our vicar Richard Cornfield besstvicar@gmail.com. To apply for the position, please email and include a relevant CV together with a summary of how you would develop the role with no more than 2 sides of A4.