Thanet Children’s Participation Project works with children and young people to enable them to engage in positive activities, contributing to their communities and making their voices and opinions heard.

We’re looking to expand our team of fun, creative and approachable Disability Support Workers. As a Sessional Worker your focus will be to provide support and positive play and leisure experiences for children and young people ages 6 to 16 years with disabilities, in a scheme that runs on 2 weekend days per month, 15 days during the school summer holidays, and an additional 2.5 days during the October half term.

You’ll need to have experience of working with children and young people with disabilities, knowledge and understanding of the issues facing disabled children and young people, and the ability to engage with young people using participative methods in an informal setting. Reliability and punctuality are a critical element of this role.
You’ll be educated to GCSE standard (or equivalent) an NVQ in Play work would be useful.

Hours for this post will be variable and appointment is subject to an enhanced CRB disclosure. The contract will run from October 2010 to March 2011.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Donna Ramm on 01843 596659.

Interview date will be confirmed as and when you apply.

Sessional Support Worker, Disabled Children’s Activity & Play Scheme

Location:

Ashford and Hythe Youth Centres.

• Ashford Youth Centre, Mabledon Avenue, Ashford, Kent TN24 8BJ
• Hythe Youth Centre, Cinque Ports Avenue, Hythe, Kent CT21 6HS

2 Weekend days per month + 3 weeks summer holiday club + 2.5 days during October half-term.

Reward Band:

Project Worker 1  SAN  £8.30 - £9.46 per hour (Sessional) depending on experience.

Reporting to:

Senior Practitioner

Job purpose:

To provide support to children and young people with disabilities, enabling them to access play and leisure activities.

Key activities:

• To provide child focused and positive play and leisure experiences for disabled children and young people.
• To assist through key activities in helping disabled children and young people to develop the skills, knowledge and self-confidence, which will enable them to respond to the issues affecting them.
• To help advocate on behalf of disabled children and young people to enable them to express their concerns and options on issues that affect their ability to live safely and to be included in their community.
• To support children and young people on a range of issues presented, in an open, accessible and non-judgemental way.
• To assist in the development of models of participation, enabling disabled children and young people to be heard in the decision - making processes that affect them.
• To keep accurate and detailed records of the work, ensuring that the Society’s codes of confidentiality, standards, and Ofsted Regulations are adhered to.
• To assist in developing and maintaining links with parents/carers, key agencies and community groups and through participation in meetings where relevant.
• To ensure that information and concerns are shared with line management to support children and young people.
• To assist (when appropriate) in the transportation of disabled children and young people and families, acting as an escort or authorised driver.

Attainments:

 In order to be considered for this post you will have to demonstrate that you already have:

Experience

• Previous experience, either paid or unpaid, of working with children and young people or of assisting in planning creative or leisure activities.
• Experience of working within a team.

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE Standard
• Playwork or suitably recognised equivalent

Work based knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of the issues facing disabled children and young people.

Skills

• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.

Core competencies:

 In order to be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to:

• Meet the needs of the children and young people attending play and leisure activities.
• Assist in the planning of day-to-day activities.
• Make suggestions and contribute towards the improvement of ways of working with disabled children and young people.
• Carry out work as instructed to required Children’s Society and Ofsted Out Of School standards.
• Take a leadership role within team when appropriate, taking initiative that demonstrates a willingness to learn.
• Communicate effectively with others in own area on day-to-day matters.
• Relate well to team members and children and young people.
• Participates fully in team activities.
• Work well in a team and respond well to feedback and shares relevant information with others.
• Supports the efficient use and takes responsibility for sustaining of resources.
• To be able to identify safeguarding issues and contribute to a safe practice environment.
• Be able to report and describe safeguarding concerns to a line-manager.

Special Job Circumstances:

This post has the following special circumstances:-

Working directly with disabled children and young people who may have multiple and complex disabilities and either moderate or severe learning impairment· To attend to the children’s individual care needs, which may include administering medication, lifting and personal care tasks· Work will take place within groups where qualified staff will be present· Weekend and occasional evening meetings or staff training· Ability to supervise and keep safe children and young people with challenging behaviours.· Must be reliable and punctual (Please note: if you have difficulty meeting any of these conditions because of a disability or family circumstances the appointing manager will discuss it with you in order to consider reasonable adjustments to the job or working conditions)

Relevant Personal Characteristics:

So that you personally can succeed in this role with The Children’s Society you will require:-

• To actively promote the values of The Children’s Society and of the project in your day-to-day work
• At all times to carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the Children’s Society’s commitment to keeping children and young people safe
• A commitment to ensuring the needs and rights of disabled children and young people are upheld through their active participation in the work of the project, the Society and within their own communities
• To be flexible and adaptable
• The ability to work as part of a team
• An ability to liaise with parents and professionals
• A commitment to diversity and equality in working relationships and practice
• To maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work of the project and of The Children’s Society