Director of Social Ministries   
St. Francis Xavier Jesuit Parish                        
Kansas City, MO  

Oversees social ministry and direct service programs, creates formation and education programs, manages budget. Requirements: BA (MA preferred) in theology, ministry, or social sciences; experience in parish social ministry or social justice work. Full description: http://www.sfx-kc.org. Applications due April 1, 2013. Send cover letter, resume, 3 references to: search@sfx-kc.org.   Begins July 1, 2013.

1. Empowers the parish to fulfill the church’s mission of justice and reconciliation through a communal organized response to societal needs.
2. Plans, organizes, and directs programs containing service, education, advocacy and action components, which cover a range of social ministry as determined through assessment of needs and collaboration with parish leadership.
3. Provides direct service for those in need of food, housing and clothing, those who are sick or suffering from bereavement, divorce or separation, those with special needs such as the disabled, shut-ins, widows, seniors, and prisoners.

III. Position Content

Social Justice Responsibilities

1. Promotes formation of the parish community in the social teaching of the church in cooperation with the parish’s workshop and education ministries.
2. Educates parishioners about social justice teachings and issues through the bulletin, newsletters, presentations, and programs.
3. Promotes networking, parish involvement and serves as liaison to and collaborates with civic community service, ecumenical and legislative groups and other religious associations to lobby for social change.
4. Analyzes local social justice issues in light of church teaching and motivates parishioner involvement in local, state, national and global issues.
5. Fosters cooperation with the diocesan offices related to justice and peace/social ministry, utilizing diocesan resources and being responsive to diocesan activities and emphases.
6. Fosters cooperation with the local churches and community organizations in social justice efforts.

Direct Service Responsibilities

1. Provides information, referrals and pre-counseling services.
2. Does crisis intervention when necessary.
3. Acts as an advocate with public agencies to obtain benefits, services, etc. for clients.
4. Networks with civic, state, ecumenical groups and individuals to obtain needed services.
5. Provides resources for emergency assistance in the following areas:

a. Food - collection, pantry, baskets, emergency assistance and referral.
b. Shelter - emergency referrals or parish overnight shelter program.
c. Clothing - collection distribution.
d. Transportation service for elderly, disabled and poor.
e. Visiting persons who are bereaved, homebound, incarcerated.
f. Support groups for bereaved, divorced, single.
g. Information, referral and pre-counseling services.

Financial Responsibilities

1. Prepares, oversees, and administrates annual budget for area of responsibility and administers the expenditures of approved items.
2. Analyzes revenue and program cost data to determine budget priorities.
3. Administers funds and contributions related to this ministry.
4. Orders, purchases, and distributes all program supplies from appropriate vendors.
5. Maintains the accuracy of files and records.

Administrative Responsibilities

1. Recruits members for, sets agenda for, and chairs the Social Ministry Committee.
2. Recruits, trains, supervises, supports, and evaluates volunteers for programs, as needed.
3. Directs publicity for programs and events.
4. Serves as a staff liaison to other parish committees, as needed.
5. Maintains the accuracy of files and records.

General Responsibilities

1. Attends Parish Staff meetings and other meetings as needed.
2. Reports to the Pastoral Council on plans and activities as needed.
3. Coordinates and works with staff members and parishioners on special parish events.
4. Provides pastoral care to parishioners, as needed.
5. Consults with and advises Pastor on matters that affect the parish.
6. Remains active and resourceful in the appropriate diocesan organizations and attends appropriate diocesan meetings, events, and programs.
7. Maintains own professional competence through regular practice, training, and continuing education.
8. Establishes and maintains contact with resources, programs, and people to facilitate the growth of new ideas.

Other Duties as Assigned
Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

IV. Education, Training, and/or Experience

To perform the job successfully, an individual should have the following:

1. Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree or its equivalent preferred in theology or ministry with course work in the social sciences.
2. Work experience in parish social ministry or related social justice field.
3. Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
4. Working knowledge of the Church’s social teaching, the use of social analysis, and models of parish justice and peace/social ministry.