Sandwell Community Short Breaks Worker

Sandwell Community Short Breaks Worker – WS5, WS10 and B43

Employer – Kids
Location – Kids Orchard Centre, Lye By-pass, Lye, Stourbridge DY9 8HA (base location)
Working Hours – Flexible
Pay – £12.21 per hour (£13.68 per hour including holiday pay)

Why Join Us?

• Travel expenses reimbursed
• Enhanced hourly rate to account for holiday entitlement
• Life assurance coverage
• Employer pension contributions
• Flexible working hours to support a healthy work-life balance
• Recommend-a-friend referral bonus
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential guidance and expert support on personal and professional issues

The Role

We are looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals to provide meaningful short breaks for children and young people aged 5–18 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

We are now recruiting specifically for workers to support the children and young people in these three post code areas (WS5, WS10 and B43). These areas are close together, allowing the possibility of supporting multiple families depending on your availability.

You will offer children a 4-hour break every two weeks – or alternatively, 2 hours weekly – depending on what works best for the family. These breaks are meant to be enjoyable and engaging for the young people and are designed to give both them and their families a valuable respite.

Activities may include:

• Swimming
• Soft play
• Parks and outdoor activities
• Shopping
• Cinema trips
• Trampoline parks
• Social clubs or groups

The needs of the young people vary and may include mild learning disabilities, physical disabilities, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), communication challenges, personal care needs, or behaviours that can be challenging. Depending on these needs, the child may require either one support worker (1:1) or two (2:1).

For 1:1 short breaks, a valid driver’s licence and Class 1 business insurance are essential.
For 2:1 short breaks, driving is desirable but not required.

You will collect the young person from their home in a staff members vehicle and arrange activities directly with the family at mutually convenient times. Breaks typically take place after school, during evenings, or on weekends, with more flexibility during school holidays.

You may choose to support one family or several. Each family offers a minimum of 4 hours of work per fortnight, with flexibility around rescheduling when needed due to personal commitments like holidays or family events.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children, young people, or adults with disabilities
• Understanding of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• A fun, proactive, and positive attitude
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• Patience, empathy, adaptability, and resilience
• Reliability and a commitment to high standards of care
• Willingness to learn – full training provided

Essential Requirement: You must hold or be working toward a Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) in working with children and young people.

Ready to apply?
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