The Family Ministries Child Care Worker provides active supervision and quality care for children participating in Family Ministries programs. This role serves as a designated ministry leader responsible for creating secure, engaging, and well-organized environments for children and families. Daily responsibilities vary based on ministry needs. This role ensures ministry areas are set with lesson materials, supplies, and safety resources. Regardless of the assignment, the Family Ministries Child Care Worker is expected to lead with integrity, consistency, and commitment to excellence in every interaction. This position is entrusted with representing Christ through every interaction with children, families, volunteers, and staff. The Family Ministries Child Care Worker requires Christ-like character, integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to serving others in a way that reflects Jesus. Each role carries the conviction that every family matters to God and plays a part in advancing His purpose through the local church, according to Ephesians 3:14–15: “I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” Every position at Patria Church reflects the mission to Seek the Lost, Teach the Found, and Send the Disciples. The Family Ministries Child Care Worker reports directly to the Family Ministries Pastor or assigned Family Ministries leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Models the spirit of Patria Church’s guiding scripture, Ephesians 3:14-15, by building a church community that strengthens families.

Fulfill the four pillars of Patria Church. Christ (Mission, Christ-Centered Driven, Community (Diversity, Kingdom Driven), Character (Leadership, Discipleship Driven), Commitment (Family Driven) church.

Embraces and executes Neighborhood Groups philosophy of ministry, discipleship, and connection across campuses Embrace and execute a Neighborhood Groups philosophy of ministry, fostering community, discipleship, and connection across families and campuses.

Fully embraces and acts in accordance with the mission of Patria Church to Seek the Lost, Teach the Found, and Send the Disciples.

Child Supervision and Safety:

Arrive on time and prepared for each scheduled shift.

Supervise assigned children at all times.

Communicate staffing or ratio concerns to Family Ministries leadership.

Follow all safety, security, and child protection procedures.

Report injuries, illnesses, and safety concerns immediately.

Complete required documentation before leaving each shift.

Program and Classroom Support

Prepare classrooms before each program.

Set up lesson materials, crafts, supplies, and snacks.

Assist with child check-in and check-out procedures.

Ensure required forms and communication devices are available.

Verify authorized child pick-up before releasing a child.

Welcome and assist children and families.

Clean, sanitize, and restock classrooms after each program.

Ministry Support

Lead children through activities and classroom routines.

Support volunteers assigned to the classroom.

Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Attend required meetings and training.

Communicate scheduling conflicts promptly to appropriate Family Ministries leadership.

Perform other assigned duties within the scope of the role.

The above summary outlines the primary responsibilities and scope of this position and does not represent an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Additional duties may be assigned by the direct supervisor or assigned Executive Leadership to meet operational or ministry needs.

General Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

Successfully complete all required background checks and pre-employment screenings.

Reads, writes, spells, and communicates clearly in English.

Completes all required onboarding, safety, and role-specific training within established timeframes, including security, compliance, or emergency procedures as assigned.

Works well under limited supervision, showing initiative and follow-through.

Maintains confidentiality, discretion, and integrity in all responsibilities.

Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality for all scheduled shifts.

Wear approved ministry attire and identification while working.

Comply with all Family Ministries safety, security, emergency, and child protection procedures.

Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and Christ-like conduct in all interactions.

Successfully complete California Mandated Reporter Training and all required organizational training within established timeframes.

Represents Patria Church’s mission and values through professionalism, teamwork, and Christlike conduct.

Organizational and Spiritual Alignment

Serves in a ministry environment where biblical character, spiritual maturity, and professional excellence are equally valued.

Demonstrates conduct that reflects a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through integrity, humility, respect, wisdom, and self-control in both ministry and professional responsibilities.

Contributes to a Christ-centered workplace by promoting unity, encouraging others, resolving conflict biblically, and avoiding conduct that creates division or brings discredit to the ministry.

Understands that personal conduct may influence the ministry, those being served, fellow staff members, volunteers, and the public representation of Patria Church.

Exercises sound judgment, emotional maturity, discretion, and professionalism in relationships, communication, and decision-making.

Supports and carries out responsibilities in a manner consistent with Patria Church's Statement of Faith, Christian Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, and organizational policies.

Recognizes the privilege and responsibility of serving in a paid ministry position. Seeks to represent Jesus Christ and Patria Church with faithfulness and excellence.

Participates in the spiritual life of the Church through regular worship services, ministry meetings, and designated church-wide events appropriate to the role.

Be self-motivated and goal oriented, use good judgment, and be flexible and innovative.

Professional attitude and demeanor.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This role requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and move throughout indoor and outdoor ministry environments for extended periods. The position requires the ability to actively supervise children, participate in age-appropriate activities, and respond quickly to routine and emergency situations. Regular lifting and carrying of children, classroom materials, and supplies up to 30 pounds is required. Sufficient vision, hearing, mobility, and verbal communication are necessary to safely supervise children and perform assigned responsibilities. External and internal applicants, as well as current employees who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Education, Training, and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Previous experience working with children in a church, school, licensed child care, camp, or similar setting preferred.

Completion of required child safety, emergency response, and ministry-specific training within established timeframes.

Basic familiarity with age-appropriate child supervision, positive behavior guidance, and classroom routines preferred.

Experience working with children in a church, school, camp, recreational, or similar environment is helpful but not required.

Job Skills

Organizes classrooms, supplies, and ministry resources for daily programs.

Follows written procedures and completes required documentation accurately.

Communicates effectively with children, parents, volunteers, and staff.

Uses basic computer, iPad and mobile applications for communication, attendance, and ministry operations.

Knowledge

Basic understanding of age-appropriate child development and behavior.

Knowledge of age-appropriate games, activities, and classroom routines.

Understanding customer service principles when serving children and families.

Abilities

Respond calmly and appropriately during emergencies or unexpected situations.

Work collaboratively while adapting to changing ministry schedules and assignments.

Maintain attentive supervision of children in active ministry environments.

Adapt to changing schedules, assignments, and ministry needs.

Employment with Patria Church is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or Patria Church at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, as permitted by applicable law.

Patria Church provides all training required to ensure employee safety.