Cambridge Jewish Community Worker

Main purpose of role:

To develop and run activities that meet the needs of Jewish teenagers, university students and young adults in the Cambridge area.

Key focus

Prepare and lead a variety of activities that will bring together as many young people as possible in order to develop good social contact between individuals and encourage friendship groups.
Ensure that there is a fun, social and Jewish element to the events.
Link up with other youth and student movements such as International Scouts, BBYO and RSY-Netzer.
Use these events to discover interests of different groups and develop further projects whether they be sports, cultural or social to create greater interest and engagement within groups.
Identify future potential leaders (Madrichim) among the groups, encourage and train them to take on leadership roles.
Bring awareness of relevant Jewish activities and events beyond the direct community, and encourage participation.

Principal responsibilities

To create and maintain a list of as many potential participants within the different age groups; 13-15, 16 – 18; 18 – 21 (students); and 21 – 26; as possible within the whole of the wider Jewish community in Cambridge and its environs, through contact with Beth Shalom.
Plan and lead regular meetings, and be dynamic about evolving meeting structure.
Liaise and discuss with each group the direction of their own programmes. These could be cultural, educational and social justice activities.
Work with each group towards specific projects they want to pursue, e.g. leadership skills; serviceleading; community service; participation in wider movements
Ensure that leaders in Beth Shalom are kept well informed about progress on events, by providing regular written updates.
Meet with the line manager regularly (at least once a month, plus by phone). Keep them updated on all activities, welfare issues and identification of future leaders.
Contribute to outreach initiatives to other Jewish groups in Cambridge, to other shuls in our region connected through greater MRJ , and to joint initiatives with like-minded groups of other faiths.
For 13-15 year olds – build upon new BSRS teen group towards making it self-sustaining. For 16-18 year olds, try to forge links with greater London youth movements to increase Jewish social exposure, as well as ensuring opportunities to lead younger Jewish kids in the community.

Specifically prior to events:

Send out reminders via email and through newsletters to ensure good attendance, or ensure that this is undertaken by another responsible person.
Ensure food/snacks, catering and any other relevant details are prepared or inform line manager of requirements.
Send details of project events for inclusion on synagogue/alumot/student websites and other suitable social media outlets or ensure that this is undertaken by another responsible person.
Conduct a full risk assessment prior to events, ensuring the safety and welfare of the participants at all times.

Specifically during events

Lead and ensure participants are included and thriving.
For relevant age groups, talk to parents to encourage their children to participate and to build relationships within the wider group.
Supervise the running of events by Madrichim and help out where necessary.
Keep an incident/first aid book where necessary.

Dimensions

Work in conjunction with the Community Support Team.
Liaison with Beth Shalom Cheder
Community Support Team will provide line-manger to line-manage/ support and advise the community leader.
£17-£20 per hour depending on experience plus expenses (e.g. travel)
10 hours per week (Events / Contact time, planning, admin)
Two meetings per month with the different target groups.
one term’s notice must be given in advance.
24 hours notice must be given of any sickness where possible.

Expectations of the Community Worker

Be punctual and reliable.
Inform line-manager well in advance if unable to attend an activity.
Prepare and plan all activities well in advance.
Uphold the policies and work practices of the synagogue.
Report and/or refer any issues with running the activity, welfare, safeguarding young people or behaviour.
Be in regular contact with liaisons.

Expectations of Beth Shalom Project Group

Provide working space for the community leader to store material/resources and carry out their work;
Provide administrative support for activities, including accurate email lists and help sending out publicity/event information;
Provide a budget and bank account/petty cash/float for activities;
Publicise and promote events through announcements, website and community newsletters.
Pay all expenses incurred by the community worker in the course of their duties.
Ensure that the community worker is working in according to current legislation, polices of the synagogue and is in regular contact with their line-manger/liaisons.

Person Specification / Essential and Desired Qualifications

Essential

DBS checked
Creative
Jewish knowledge
Role model
Able to be flexible to meet the needs of the job role
Happy and able to work evenings and weekends

Desirable

First Aider – desirable (training will be offered)
Knowledge of Health & Safety requirements (must learn)
An understanding of Jewish leadership
Ability to deliver unique and exciting informal Jewish educational events
Understanding of wellbeing for young people
Skilled and experienced youth worker

Qualities

Ability to work on own as well as part of a team
Reliable and organised in the planning and delivery of events
Able to manage and support team members
Able to co-ordinate planned events
Able to communicate effectively with differing age groups
Able to adapt to changing situations quickly

This job description serves as a guide only and may be changed from time to time. The Community Workerwill be directed to other similar but related activities on occasion. It is necessary for the Youth Worker to follow all reasonable requests as described.

To apply

Please complete the application form.

Email completed application form to: mryten@gmail.com

Mark Ryten
254 Hills Road
CB2 8QE