Children and Young People’s Support Worker for Holiday and Weekend Short Break Scheme (East Sussex)
Location: Hailsham
Contracted Hours: Permanent and Relief Contracts available
7.5 hours on a Sunday during term time plus additional holiday activity supports
Hourly Rate: £11.44
What you can expect from us:
* Fantastic paid training and career progression opportunities (including recognised qualifications in health and social care)
* Paid DBS (we will recover the cost should your employment terminate for any reason, other than redundancy, before passing your probation)
* Flexible work arrangements with opportunities to take on additional bank shifts too
* 30 Days Annual Leave (including Bank Holidays) / Pro rata dependent on hours. Annual leave entitlement increases with length of service
* Nest Pension and Death in Service Benefit (Includes unlimited access to a suite of six services: a 24/7 UK-based GP, Best Doctors, mental health support, a health check, access to nutrition consultations and an online fitness programme [Smart Health])
* Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Access to Mental Health First Aiders
* Hardship loans and advance (subject to conditions)
* Enhanced family leave pay
* Travel season tickets (interest free loans for those wishing to purchase a travel season ticket)
* Aspens High Street Stores - 20% discount on all items for Aspens’ staff
* Blue Light Card and access to high-street discounts
* Refer a Friend scheme, so you can earn up to £250 for every person you refer to work for Aspens
* Recognition schemes, including ‘Employee of the Month’
About the Role:
The support worker provides flexible support to children, young people and their families within both group environments (building based and community based).
They will work with young people and children aged 8-25 years with Autism Spectrum Conditions and associated disabilities to help develop individual skills and confidence in all aspects of daily life, including building positive relationships, activities, leisure and social skills.
Duties and Responsibilities:
* To support children and young people who attend our groups to remove barriers so that they can engage as fully as possible in order to benefit from the group objectives and realise their abilities.
* To support children and young people to engage in activities that broaden their opportunities to be part of their local community.
* To work closely with the Group Lead and other Support Workers to provide a safe and enjoyable group environment for the children, young people and their families.
* Develop close professional relationships with colleagues, children and young people and maintain up-to-date picture of the individual needs of each service user.
* To provide personal care if required to children and young people where needed whilst maintaining the dignity of the individual.
* To support children and young people to attend the groups by providing support prior and after sessions where needed for individuals.
* To provide support to the Group Lead to document and reflect on group sessions.
* To comply fully with Aspens Charities expected practices and procedures including Child Safeguarding.
* To conduct yourself at all times in a way that represents the values and principles of Aspens.
The post will include other duties and responsibilities not specified here.
About the Service:
The team within the Children and Young People’s Service work closely with families, carers and other social services involved in a child/young person’s care to build a package of support that is right for every individual and help every step of the journey. Our East Sussex services include social support groups, after-school clubs, Saturday clubs, community-based 1-1 support and holiday activities as well as residential holidays for children and young people with autism and learning disabilities aged 8yrs to 25yrs.
Our existing staff teams deliver excellent services based on the needs of the individual, teaching skills and creating support solutions that enable individuals to manage the impact of their difficulties. The staff team have the skills, knowledge, expertise and confidence to best support individuals with neurological needs.
About Aspens:
Here at Aspens we strive to uphold our core values by aspiring to be leaders with Integrity in the social care field, setting the highest possible standards for the care of the people we support.
Our dedication to caring for people applies to our valued workforce as well as to the people our organisation exists to support, and we work to treat all of our employees, external partners and those we support with respect and kindness at all times in an inclusive environment we offer here at Aspens.
We empower our staff by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and tools they need to do an excellent job, remain up to date with the latest developments and training in the sector and to achieve their own professional goals.
For more information about Aspens and our services please visit our website: https://www.aspens.org.uk/
You can also take a look at our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Person Specification:
As a charity, we are looking for caring, hardworking and understanding people to join us to promote the values that Aspens champions; respect, honesty, empowerment and professionalism.
Ideal candidates are those who are able and willing to work towards their own personal progression, for self-development and to be able to better support the people we work with. We have an incredible internal training team who support staff from day one to not only benefit your career going forwards but to offer you that first step in a new career if this is what you’re looking for.
Essential Availability:
Flexible working hours including after school and weekends.
Essential Training and Qualifications:
* General education and ability to attain the desired qualifications.
* Ability to undertake all necessary training related to the job role.
Desirable Training and Qualifications:
* Childcare qualification.
* Area of interest such as sports, art.
* First Aid.
* Care Certificate.
* Medication management and administration.
* Any other training relevant to supporting the children and young people that we work with (particularly training in Autism Spectrum Conditions and Positive Behavioural Support).
Essential Experience and Knowledge:
* A willingness to learn how to support individuals who have an Autism Spectrum Conditions and/or other disabilities.
Desirable Experience and Knowledge:
* Experience of working with children and young people with SEND.
* Experience of working with individuals with behaviours that could challenge.
* Experience of providing personal care to individuals.
* Experience of providing group support.
* Knowledge of alternative communication methods - Makaton, BSL, PECS etc.
* Knowledge of pan-London Safeguarding procedures.
Essential Skills and Attributes:
* Ability to work within a group environment.
* Ability to transfer skills between job roles.
* Ability to work on your own if required.
* Good verbal and written communication skills.
Additional Essential Criteria:
* Ability to attend various locations for group activities.
Additional Desirable Criteria:
* Ideally living in and around the following areas:
* Hastings
* Bexhill
* Hailsham
* Eastbourne
* Lewes
* Uckfield
How to Apply:
If you are friendly, dedicated and passionate about supporting others we would LOVE to speak to you!
Click ‘Apply now’ and one of our team will be in touch to discuss the role.
APPLY NOW with one easy click and one of our team will be in touch to discuss the role with you and answer any of your questions and arrange an interview.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
At Aspens Charities, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities and those who are likely to be underrepresented in Aspens’ workforce, such as sex/gender, minority ethnic group, religion, belief, sexual orientation, age, as well as abilities. We believe that a diverse team leads to better outcomes and a more enjoyable work environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and has an equal opportunity to thrive.
As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is dedicated to supporting and promoting the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities. We recognise the value and contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to our organisation. Applicants who declare they have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the role will be offered an interview, where practicable and appropriate.
Accessibility and Accommodations:
We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting recruitment@aspens.org.uk.
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: £11.44 per hour
Education:
* GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
* Residential Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
* Support Environment: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (preferred)
* NVQ Level 2 Health & Social Care (preferred)
Work Location: In person
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