We are so excited you have chosen to join the iKidz Youth team! We want to see kids develop a BIG, authentic kind of faith. It’s a BIG challenge, but we believe it can happen through something SMALL. . .You and the Small Group Leader! But the only way you can help kids cultivate authentic faith is through assisting the leader in leading small.

The Win:
As a small group youth assistant, we need you to invest in the lives of a few to encourage authentic faith by assisting the leader engage the children and by being a role model for the children in your group.  You win when kids have meaningful interactions, both inside and outside of small group, that influence their faith in Jesus and deepen their relationships with others.

Job Description:
What exactly IS a Small Group Youth Assistant?   A Small Group Youth Assistant  is any student who chooses to invest in the lives of a few to encourage authentic faith. Every Youth Assistant should do three  things:
•Be Present: Connect their faith to a community by showing up predictably and mentally. 
  Leave your phones in your pocket and be present for every kid.  Be attentive to the needs of the leader and the children.
•Create a Safe Place: Ensure all policies in place to keep children safe are being followed.  (Drop off/Pick up policies, Bathroom policies,  Rough play)   Report any violations or unsafe behavior to an adult immediately.
•Make it Personal: Inspire their faith by your example by being a healthy role model for the children. 
Learn the children's names, get down on their level and engage them.  

Qualifications: 

To be a Small Group Youth  Assistant, you don’t have to be a Bible scholar, pass a theological aptitude test, or display a particular set of special spiritual gifts. You don’t even need to be that cool.
Here’s all you need to do: 

•Love God. 

•Care about others. 
•Complete the application.

Expectations:

• I understand that I should come prepared to use my talents to serve God and to provide a safe environment and an excellent experience for the children.
• I understand that I must come at least 5 minutes before the start of the service. I will check in immediately with the leader to find out where I am assigned for the service and will report to that area. 
• I understand that I will stay at/in my assigned area/room for the duration of the service. 
• I understand that only high schoolers/adults are authorized to take a child to the restroom.
• I understand that only high schoolers/adults are authorized to change a child's diaper.
• I understand that I should not use my phone while serving.
• I understand that I am in a position to be a role model for the children. I take this responsibility seriously and my behavior will reflect this. I will not engage in any horseplay or any activities that disrupt the service. I will be attentive to the needs of the children and leaders at all times.
• I understand that my own walk with God is my top priority.  I cannot truly love and serve others unless I have an overflow of love from God.  I will consistently attend a Sunday morning service or Youth services to ensure I am growing in my relationship with Jesus.  

Polices and Procedures:
Check In and Dismissal
Make sure each child in your group has gone through the official check-in process before entering the classroom. If a child is missing a name tag, please notify the Leader immediately.  All  parent and child’s tag must be checked during dismissal.

Restrooms
Never go into the bathroom alone with a child. If they need help, bring another adult with you or leave the bathroom door open. If they are old enough to go by themselves, wait outside for them.  Middle schoolers are not authorized to take kids to the restroom. If a  kid asks you to take them to the restroom and you are middle schooler you will need to take them to a trusted adult/high schooler who can accompany them to the restroom.

Allergies
Be aware of the allergies of your few—especially peanut allergies. During group times when you are giving out food, double check with each child to make sure they aren’t allergic to anything you’re giving. This information should be on the child’s tag.

Discipline
If you have a child that is not following the guidelines that have been put in place, try first redirecting the child’s behavior. If that doesn’t work, notify your leader of the issues so that they can handle the situation apart from small group.

Sickness Policy
If a child has had a fever within the last 24 hours, they should not be allowed in the environments. If you suspect a child is not feeling well or if a child tells you that are not feeling well, please notify your Leader immediately.  

Lost Child Procedure
Should a child get lost after they have been dropped off, please let the Leader know immediately,   We may need to shut down the environment and not let anyone in or out until the child has been found. Make sure you know what the child is wearing to let staff and leading volunteers know what to look for. If a child has not been checked out of the area, he or she will still have a tag on.

Diaper Changing Polices
Middle schoolers are not allowed to change diapers. If you see that a child needs their diaper changed, tell an adult leader.  High School students need to train with an adult leader before changing diapers.

Cleaning
After all children have left, please make sure the room is cleaned up/materials are put up and are ready for the next service.