Position Description

Organist

Reporting to with Church Council Location: Full time/part time/casual Commission, support services: Date created/amended: June 2014

Organist Name

Organist Signature

Date

Church Council representative Name

Church Council representative Signature

Date

Organist Page 1 of 7 1 Primary Job Purpose Music is one of the powerful languages of that the Church uses in its witness of word and action by which Christ reaches out to command people’s attention and awaken their faith. By singing their praises to God all people who gather together to worship have opportunity to participate in this witness to one another and to the World. Organists, pianists, instrumentalists and choir leaders are among those given responsibilities in the musical life of the worshipping Church. The organist provides accompaniment for scheduled worship services and other occasions in support of the music ministry of the church.

Organist Page 2 of 7 2 Number of Staff Reporting Directly: Nil Reporting Nil Indirectly:

3 Nature of Communication Requirements Internal Church Council Music leader Minister Congregation members

External Families requiring music for a wedding or funeral Visitors to the church

4 Level Of Decision-Making Decisions relating to day to day workflow

5 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION Capacity and willingness to work within the ethos of the Uniting Church

Notify the minister or church council a minimum of two weeks prior but as soon as planned absences are known to allow for scheduling of a substitute organist.

Organist Page 3 of 7 6 Job Competencies Qualifications and Experience 1. Skills in experience in playing the organ 2. An understanding of the structure of the Uniting Church in Australia preferred

Skills and abilities 3. Organ playing skills 4. Ability to take direction and work as a member of the worship team 5. Ability to sight read music 6. Excellent organisational skills 7. Excellent interpersonal skills 8. Excellent verbal communication skills 9. Ability to use the skill of improvisation is desirable

Personal and professional competencies 1. Excellent interpersonal skills 2. Demonstrated initiative

Organist Page 4 of 7 7 Key Responsibilities, Tasks And Outcomes

Key Responsibilities Tasks Outcomes

Organ playing (a) Provide assistance in Regular preparation and regular planning, rehearsals are completed preparing, rehearsing as required and playing appropriate music for scheduled worship services and other required occasions to support the music ministry of the church. (b) Direct and play music Music is directed and for the and for such other services as may be arranged from time to time. These may include but are not limited to Christmas, Holy Week, Easter etc (c) To play for weddings Music is performed at and funerals as weddings and funerals as required required Consultation (a) Consult regularly with worship leaders (b) Encourage and arrange for the participation of other musicians and the use of other instruments in worship; (c) Cooperate with the ministers and music leaders of other congregations in the arrangement of combined services; (d) Consult with couples intending to be married at the Organist Page 5 of 7 Key Responsibilities Tasks Outcomes

congregation regarding appropriate music for their wedding service; (e) Consult with families regarding appropriate music for funerals Advice (a) Advise on suitable Suitable music is advised. music for services

Organist Page 6 of 7