Children's Support Worker

Location: Crawley

Contract: 6 hours per week

Monday = 10:15-13:45pm (3.5 hours) & Friday = 4:45-7:15pm (2.5 hours) must to able to drive. There is room for extra work (overtime) as and when, more so in term time.

Driving Licence essential for this role

Salary: £11.44 as of April 2024

About Aspens:

At aspens we have over 100 years of experience supporting individuals of all ages with a range of disabilities, those on the autism spectrum, and those with complex needs. Through the provision of highly personalised support across a variety of services, we aspire to enable people to learn new skills, live life to the full and contribute to society however possible.

Here at Aspens we strive to uphold our core values by aspiring to be honest leaders 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.

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

About the Service:

Aspens offers services across West Sussex for children and young people who have complex needs, are/are not attending school or college, are unable to access group-based activities due to social anxiety, challenging behaviour etc, have had their mental health and well-being affected by becoming socially isolated because they don't feel able to leave their home and / or have previously been unable to access any short breaks provisions.

We run groups for children and young people in Crawley, East Grinstead, Felpham, Middleton and Worthing. Our groups are fun, friendly, safe places where all our young people can spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.

About the Role:

The Children’s Support Worker provides flexible support to children and young people and their families within both group environments (building based and community based) and 1-1 outreach support.

They work with young people and children aged 5-25 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.

Key Tasks

· 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 service users and their families.

· To develop close professional relationships with colleagues and service users and to maintain an up-to date picture of the individual needs of each service user.

· To provide personal care to service users where needed whilst maintaining the dignity of the individual.

· To support service users 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.

This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the post holder. The post will include other duties and responsibilities not specified here. It is also likely that changes will be required: such variations are common place and cannot in themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Person Specification

We are looking for Caring, hardworking and understanding people to join us to promote the values of Aspens; respect, honesty, empowerment and professionalism.

Ideal candidate are those who are able and willing to work toward 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.

Below you will find our essential and desirable criteria for candidates applying for a Support Worker role with us.

Essential Training and Qualifications:

· QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent

· General education and ability to attain the desired qualifications.

· Ability to undertake all necessary training related to the job role.

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

· Experience of working with individuals who have an Autism Spectrum Conditions and/or other disabilities.

· Experience of supporting Children and Young People aged 5-25 years.

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.

Desirable Training and Qualifications:

· Degree level qualification in relevant area

· First Aid

· Care Certificate

· Medication management and administration.

· Any other training relevant to supporting the service users that we work with.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

· 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.

Desirable Skills and Attributes:

· Competent IT skills

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements with opportunities to take on additional bank shifts too.
• Full training and career progression opportunities (including recognised qualifications in health and social care)
• 30 Days Annual Leave (including Bank Holidays)
• Nest Pension and Death in Service Benefit
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Access to Mental Health First Aiders
• Aspens High Street Stores - 20% discount on all items for Aspens’ staff stores: Bexhill, Crowborough, Hampden Park, Paddock Wood, Seaford
• Refer a Friend Scheme, so you can earn up to £250 for every person you refer to work for Aspens

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.

Any offer would be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks, which we will complete on your behalf if you don't already have one, and satisfactory employment references. We will consider job share and part time arrangements for all posts in line with the needs of the charity.

Aspens Charities are an equal opportunities employer.

At Aspens Charities, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in Aspens’ workforce, such as sex/gender, minority ethnic group, religion or belief.

Aspens is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of all children, young people and adults. All successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS disclosure, and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order (1975, 2013,2020). Our safeguarding policies can be found on our website.

Apply via CV or Application Form Application Form

Email us your CV direct Contact: Recruitmen[email protected]