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APPLICANT REQUIREMENT: We request that you submit both a Cover Letter AND Resume that demonstrates your interest and qualifications for working in a ministry position. You will not be considered without both of these. Please see requirements below.
The Ministry: OurCalling is a discipleship ministry specifically focused on the homeless community and we operate an outreach center for the homeless near downtown Dallas. We are passionate about loving and helping the unsheltered homeless (our “Guests”) transition to better lives. We are a faith-based, discipleship ministry where every job is a ministry position. Each staff member should be able to clearly share the Gospel and communicate their own testimony. While everyone on the team wears multiple hats, our primary function is evangelism and discipleship. We want everything that we do to point to Jesus.
Position Summary: We primarily serve the chronically, unsheltered homeless population. Our guests are survivors who have experienced vast amounts of trauma. We use resources, services and relationships to create opportunities for gospel centered conversations. We are careful in our interactions to demonstrate to our homeless friends (Guests) and volunteers how to live out the truths of the gospel and let the love of Christ control our actions. This position, while ministry focused, is not like traditional church ministry, but deals with the “rawness” of life on the streets while serving a combination role of chaplain, advocate andcase-worker.
Job Responsibilities:
As part of the Care Ministry team, engage in relational ministry with our Guests, building long-term, one-on-one relationships; this is critical to our work
Both initiate conversations and consciously turn conversations to focus on Christ
Prioritize prayer with our guests, inviting them to exercise their own relationship with God through prayer
Participate in, and lead life-skills classes, Biblically aligned addiction recovery classes, Bible studies and devotionals
Become knowledgeable of placement solutions and utilize motivational skills to help our guests consider and make decisions to get off the streets.
Serve guests at times, through crisis intervention and/or emotional de-escalation
Use active listening, coming into conversations as a humble learner, taking the time to listen carefully to our guests rather than simply suggesting solutions to problems
In conversations with guests, discern what their deeper needs are, and what needs we are capable of meeting
Advise and advocate for homeless guests who are navigating social services in Dallas, developing relationships while walking together through the process
Track and record relationship-building through in house case management systems
Actively manage personal self-care to remain fresh and strong as a minister to our guests
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma/GED required
Three years of related “life” or ministry experience, required
Experience in pastoral care toward those struggling with addiction, mental illness, abandonment, homelessness and poverty, desired
Fluency in conversational Spanish, preferred
Skills and Abilities:
Because many of our guests have been addicts for years or experience various levels of mental illness and trauma, Care Ministers must
Be patient and longsuffering while showing discernment
Show grace to those who feel defeated by their own desires and cycles of destruction or are unable to articulate more than their frustration
Interact gently and with empathy as needed
Be able to establish and manage boundaries, to deny requests regularly and overlook or navigate through entitlement attitudes, demonstrating self-control, not easily offended
Be sensitive to cultural differences such as race, ethnicity, and neighborhoods of origin
Care Minister’s motivation to serve must be
A long-term commitment to build deep relationships,
A love for Jesus Christ and a desire to see His kingdom and glory increase,
A love for those in the homeless community, and desire for them to be won to a fruitful relationship with Jesus Christ, and to escape homelessness
Knowledge of the Bible and comfortable teaching, witnessing, discipling and encouraging
Must have a demonstrable track record of maturity, integrity, taking personal initiative, being flexible in a busy and fast-paced environment, and as a trusted team member, working effectively across the ministry
Able to lift boxes, drive a van, use an iPad to track case notes, willing to help guests with human hygiene challenges
Must have a strong, personal self-care program, be able to set and manage healthy boundaries
Experience in trauma-informed care is helpful
Ability to discern, deal with or manage situations that may feel uncomfortable with our guests including relapse, human frailty, hygiene problems, mental and emotional trauma, hostility, deceit, manipulation or other spiritual challenges
Humble with the ability to listen well and accept constructive feedback from ministry members
Additional Qualifications:
Upholding a close and growing relationship as a disciple of Jesus Christ