Little LIons Parents Day Out Ministry Assistant

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the Parish (St. Jerome Catholic Church) which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Jerome Catholic Church help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Job Summary:

The PDO Ministry Assistant fulfills the mission of LLPDO: To provide an experience of the love and saving presence of Jesus by nurturing families and creating an environment of support and belonging, while encouraging the spiritual, emotional, social, and intellectual growth of their youngest members. To encourage the overall growth of the PDO children, the PDO Ministry Assistant implements the holistic PDO curriculum by planning for and teaching all classroom activities, providing a safe, nurturing, and positive space, and encouraging virtuous social interactions among children.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Implement the holistic PDO curriculum according to lesson planning guides.

2. Ensure that the classroom is set up prior to each PDO session and returned to an orderly and clean state after each PDO session.

3. Assist with feeding and toileting as necessary for children ages 0-5, including changing diapers, feeding bottles, ensuring the safety of finger foods, and assisting with toileting for children who are not fully independent.

4. Participate in annual training, and back to school events.

5. Maintain friendly communication with parents during drop off/ pick up times, with emphasis on positive qualities, and actions of children.

6. Display a consistent attitude of joy, acceptance, and warmth to PDO children and parents

7. Comply with the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry Standards as directed by the Diocese of Austin

8. In case of absence, work with PDO ministry coordinator promptly, so that a substitute teacher can be secured.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good organizational and collaborative skills
• General knowledge of positive behavior management strategies.
• Work with parents in a supportive and collaborative manner.
• Complete duties with minimal supervision.
• Helpful attitude, patience and team spirit
• Good communication skills with ability to keep confidentiality

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• CPR Certified
• Complete 4 hour annual on campus training session (kick off meeting/training)

Experience:

• Prior experience caring for young children, as parent, guardian, or in some childcare setting.
• Some form of teaching experience is preferred.

Catholic Requirement:

• No
• Due to the nature of the PDO program, we require that teachers be practicing Christians.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies through the employment period.

Accountability:

• This position reports to the Little Lions Ministry Coordinator

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Parish is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or parish vehicle to drive to off-site locations.
• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging.