KIDS MINISTRY ASSISTANT (SHINE/Special Needs)
JOB TITLE: Kids Ministry Assistant (SHINE/Special Needs)
REPORTS TO: Director of Family and Women’s Ministries
HOURS/WEEK: Part time, 29 hours weekly
FLSA DESIGNATION: Non-exempt
STAFF CATEGORY: Family Ministry
ILLUMINATE’S OVERALL MISSION: We are called to love all people, make disciples, and empower them to be on mission for God.
ILLUMINATE’S OVERALL VISION: Our vision is to be a “city on a hill” where the broken, hurting, and searching are drawn to the light and love of Jesus.
JOB SUMMARY: The Kids Ministry Assistant serves as a key member of the Family Ministries team by providing administrative support, volunteer coordination, ministry organization, and Sunday operational assistance, with a special needs focus. This position exists to help create safe, welcoming, organized, and Christ-centered environments where children and families can encounter Jesus while equipping and encouraging the volunteers who make ministry possible.
This role focuses on supporting the day-to-day operations of Kids Ministry and SHINE Ministry through volunteer management, administrative organization, event preparation, and weekend ministry support.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Volunteer Coordination & Communication
- Assist with recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, and caring for Kids/SHINE Ministry volunteers.
- Manage weekly volunteer schedules through Planning Center (PCO).
- Send volunteer reminder emails, confirmation texts, lesson plans, and ministry updates.
- Fill volunteer openings and respond to schedule changes throughout the week.
- Prepare and distribute volunteer newsletters and communications.
- Maintain volunteer records and assist with volunteer appreciation and recognition.
- Help equip volunteers by communicating ministry vision, policies, procedures, and classroom expectations.
Weekly Ministry Support
- Be present and engaged during Sunday morning services (6:30 AM–12:30 PM).
- Assist with Sunday morning setup and classroom preparation.
- Support volunteer teams and provide assistance as classroom needs arise.
- Troubleshoot scheduling, staffing, and operational needs throughout the morning.
- Ensure classrooms are clean, organized, stocked, and ready for children and volunteers.
- Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment for every child and family.
- Ensure meaningful inclusion of individuals with special needs in weekend services, programs, and church-wide events
- Assist with facilitating children's programming and childcare during Friday evening Celebrate Recovery programs.
- Attend weekly Family Ministries meetings and all church staff meetings.
- Assist with data entry, ministry reports, and other administrative projects.
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills while managing multiple ministry priorities.
Family Engagement
- Build positive relationships with children, parents, and volunteers.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with ministry families regarding schedules, events, and ministry updates.
- Assist in creating an inviting environment where families feel welcomed, known, and cared for.
- Maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
Special Events
- Assist with planning, preparation, volunteer coordination, setup, and execution of:
- Family ministry events
- Easter services and family events
- Vacation Bible School (VBS)
- Back-to-School Family Event
- Friday night Celebrate Recovery Kids Ministry
- Christmas Family Event
- Christmas Eve services
- Additional church-wide events as assigned
- (Hours will vary throughout the year based on ministry needs.)
SUCCESS OUTCOMES
Success in this role will be demonstrated through:
- Consistent volunteer coverage across Kids Ministry and SHINE Ministry environments.
- Volunteers who feel informed, encouraged, appreciated, and supported.
- Safe, organized, and welcoming classrooms each week.
- Strong communication with volunteers and ministry families.
- Well-executed ministry events that reflect excellence and hospitality.
- Administrative tasks completed accurately and on time.
- A positive ministry culture that helps children and families experience the love of Jesus.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Previous experience serving in children's ministry, education, administration, or a related field preferred.
- Experience working with volunteers or coordinating teams is beneficial, as well as event planning.
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience working with individuals with special needs (church, school, nonprofit, or therapeutic setting)
- Working knowledge of a range of disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing, developmental delays, physical disabilities)
- Ability to develop and implement individualized support strategies and inclusive environments
- Heart for special needs, children's discipleship and family ministry.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing ministry needs in a fast-paced environment.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
- Maintains strict confidentiality and sound judgement when handling sensitive information related to church operations, staff, and congregants.
- Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Works effectively in a team-oriented environment, collaborating with staff, volunteers, and ministry leaders.
- Displays initiative, reliability, and strong organizational skills.
- Able to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail and professionalism.
- Functions effectively both behind the scenes and in public-facing situations, depending on ministry needs.
SPIRITUAL & CHARACTER QUALIFICATIONS
- A committed follower of Jesus Christ whose life reflects biblical character and aligns with Illuminate Community Church’s Statement of Faith, Position Statements and Staff Handbook.
- Demonstrates a high level of personal and professional integrity, striving to live above reproach in both personal life and ministry responsibilities.
- Supports and promotes a Christ-centered work environment, contributing positively to staff unity and the mission of the church.
- Serves as a Christlike example to the church body, fellow staff and the broader community through conduct, attitude, and relationships.
- Demonstrates humility, teachability, and a servant-hearted approach to ministry.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS
- Supports and participates in the overall ministry and mission of Illuminate Community Church.
- Attends required staff meetings and church events (including Easter and Christmas) as requested.
- Performs other duties as assigned to support the effectiveness of the ministry and staff team.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move classroom furniture or ministry supplies as needed.
- Ability to actively participate in children's ministry environments during weekday/weekend services and events.
WORK SCHEDULE
- This is a part-time position averaging 29 hours per week, including weekday administrative responsibilities, volunteer coordination, Friday evening Celebrate Recovery, Sunday morning ministry responsibilities, monthly staff meetings/trainings, and additional hours during seasonal ministry events.
