Director of Special Needs

Grace Church - Eden PrairiePart-time or Full-time: 28 or 40 hours/weekPay: $70,000 - $75,000/yearSalary - ExemptKEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:The Director of Special Needs Ministries will be responsible for all facets of the Disabilities Ministries at Grace Church. The ideal director has a pastoral heart and is able to connect with special needs kids/teens/adults, and their families relationally. In collaboration with our Kids, Students, Family, Care and Adult Ministries, the director will be responsible for creating a safe, welcoming and loving environment where children and adults with special needs, along with their families, can come to know Christ, grow in their relationship with the Lord and be part of a community. Additionally, the Director will be a resource, both spiritually and practically, for special needs families and will seek to grow the scope and depth of this ministry as an outreach to the greater metro area.Successful applicants will:Have a pastoral heart and the temperament, personality, and life experience to connect with and minister to individuals and families with special needs, both cognitive and physical.Have the ability to promote and cast a compelling vision for this ministry.Have a good balance between inter-personal/relational skills and leadership/ministry execution abilities, with a high degree of authentic empathy and compassion.Have a proven track record as an effective recruiter of high-quality volunteers, with the ability to train them and provide effective ongoing coaching, encouragement and correction when needed.Have a proven track record as an effective collaborator in a complex/matrixed organization.Have the ability to strategically plan ministry cycles within 1-2-year intervals, while providing updates to their supervisor, comparing progress to annual goals.Specific ministry responsibilities include: Sunday school classes for children, teens, young adults and adults, as well as “buddy system” inclusion program in the regular Sunday and Wednesday Kid’s ministry.Respite nights for special needs families (4/year).Support/Bible study groups for moms and dads of children with special needs.Resourcing and support to special needs families.Yearly Moms’ retreat and occasional Dads’ retreats for special needs families for community & encouragement.Dedication to praying for the ministry.Monthly e-newsletter to foster connection, information, and community within the disabilities community at Grace.Ongoing connection with other local and national disability organizations for learning and best practice guidance.Manage resources efficiently while staying within budget.Other duties as assigned by supervisor.PROFESSIONAL AND SPIRITUAL EXPECTATIONS:Experience: 5+ years of experience.Grace Church’s member or willing to be a member.Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Ministry preferred or corollary work experience.Exhibits a meaningful and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as evidences by the manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.Has a commitment to personal and active participation in the fulfillment of the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20).Willing and able to become a member of Grace Church, regularly and consistently attending the weekend worship services and participating in the life of the church.Has demonstrated skills in relating to and working with people, especially volunteers, church staff, the congregation and others, within a team environment.Has demonstrated a spiritual capacity and heart willingness to view this ministry as a being a ministry unto the Lord, by serving the body of Grace Church.Compatibility with the Grace Church Mission, Vision, Values, and Priorities and a lifestyle appropriate to a person in Christian Ministry.Has a commitment to prayer, as evidenced in both corporate and personal prayer times.The staff member agrees to abide by the staff handbook and in agreement with Grace Church’s Statement of Faith. About Grace Church: We are an informal, come-as-you-are gathering of Jesus followers who love God and one another. Our goal is to provide a place for you to connect and grow in your faith. Grace Church is committed to teaching sound Biblical truth. Our mission is simple – we exist to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ across the street and around the world. As a non-denominational church, we are congregational involved, staff led, and Elder protected.