Job Opening: Youth Leader
Employer: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Salem, Oregon
Part-time Position: Average of up to 8 hours per week
Pay: $737 per month
Benefits: SIMPLE IRA match, continuing education fund
Work Location: Will vary according to the activities involved. Our church campus is at 3737 Liberty Road S, Salem, Oregon 97302.
Website: salemwestpres.org
How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter, explaining your interest and your approach to youth ministry in a progressive Christian context, along with your resume, to careers@salemwestpres.org. Submit your application by November 3, 2025, when the first round of review will occur. This recruitment is open until filled. Finalists will be expected to provide references. A successful background check will be required as part of employment.
About Us: Westminster Presbyterian Church is a welcoming, inclusive congregation in the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination. We are rooted in Reformed theology and committed to social justice, critical thinking, and fostering a vibrant faith community. We joyfully welcome all people into full participation in the worship, ministry, and mission of our church regardless of age, race, ability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
The Opportunity: We seek a creative, compassionate, and energetic person to develop and lead our ministry for middle- and high school-aged youth. With a small number of youths, this provides the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and provide a Christian program that is engaging, age-appropriate, and reflective of our church's progressive values. The ideal candidate will have a heart for youth, a passion for innovative ministry, and the ability to work collaboratively with our pastor, families, lay leaders, and the Youth Oversight/Steering Committee.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Work with youth to plan and lead a variety of activities, which may include Bible studies, topical discussions, games, events, and mission trips.
2. Coordinate community service projects and volunteer opportunities for youth.
3. Facilitate social interactions and team-building activities to help teenagers build healthy relationships and make friends.
4. Engage youth in the overall congregational life, including intergenerational experiences.
5. Strengthen involvement of youth and families.
6. Maintain effective communication.
7. Collaborate, as appropriate, with other youth programs, such as Salem Youth Collective.
8. Create and maintain a safe, inclusive environment where all participants feel accepted and valued.
9. Mentor teenagers, offering guidance and understanding of the challenges they face, and act as a positive role model, always demonstrating respectful and fair behavior.
10. Manage conflicts and issues in a just and fair manner.
11. Train volunteers on the Westminster Child Protection Policy.
12. Track volunteers who have completed the training and passed the background check.
Qualifications:
1. A personal Christian faith and resonance with progressive Christian theology and the values of the Presbyterian Church (USA), including a commitment to inclusion and social justice.
2. Experience leading and mentoring youth.
3. Understanding of youth development (sixth through twelfth grades).
4. Energetic, enthusiastic, and approachable personality.
5. Good organizational skills and ability to plan events.
6. Empathetic understanding of challenges facing youth.
7. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
8. Ability to work well with church leadership, youth committee and others.
9. A bachelor's degree is preferred but not required.
Westminster Presbyterian Church is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. We are an LGBTQIA+ affirming congregation and part of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.