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Short break support workers
Would you like to make a big difference to a child with a disability?
Then join Achieving for Children and help to provide young people with short breaks in the community!
What is a short break?
Short breaks provide opportunities for children and young people with disabilities to access mainstream and specialist activities, such as after school clubs, a few hours at a leisure or sports activity group, holiday groups or an overnight stay.
Short breaks give children and young people the chance to develop new friendships, take part in new experiences, learn new skills and have fun whilst achieving positive outcomes.
The purpose of shorts breaks is to give children and young people with disabilities the same opportunity as others to take part in various activities. Also for parents and carers to have a short break from caring.
We have two different roles:
- Sessional Support Worker
- Family Link Carer
Sessional Support Worker
What makes a great sessional worker?
Someone that enjoys spending time with others, who likes the thrill of a theme park or the calm of the zoo. Then this is for you!
You can fit the work in around your current studies or full/part time work. You tell us when you can and can’t work, and we fill your hours from there.
Salary ranges from £12.50 per hour (with an additional holiday accruement on top!).
Staff benefits
As well as a competitive salary, staff benefits include staff awards, social events and access to a counselling service – for confidential advice, for example.
Your development
Staff training is an important part of your growth.
You will have:
- an induction day when you start so that you can learn more about the position and meet other support workers
- regular one-to-one supervision meetings
- group supervisions – where this is a chance to meet other workers and discuss any queries you have, or discuss places you have been that worked well etc
- access to a range of training opportunities
Find out more
You can find out more about short breaks on SEND Local Offer website.
Or contact [email protected] to find out more.
Or apply direct on our jobs website.
Family Link Carer
What is Family Link?
Family Link is an overnight short break service for children and young people with disabilities. Approved link carers provide regular overnight short breaks for children and young people with disabilities in the link carer’s home. Following approval, children and link carers are matched very carefully.
We welcome all applications from single people to couples, from all different backgrounds. Your home can be owned or rented, as long as you have a spare bedroom available.
This role can fit around your current working arrangements, but would also suit someone who is retired or not in employment.
Staff benefits
You will receive an allowance when you have a child or young person with you. You will also be paid to attend training courses. There are also staff awards, social events, and a counselling service – for confidential advice etc.
You can refer a friend: if you refer a friend, once they have been approved as a Family Link Carer you will receive £250.
Your development
Staff training is an important part of your growth! You will receive full training and ongoing development opportunities. You will have access to a Family Link social worker who will prepare, assess and support you through becoming an approved link carer. You will have access to regular supervision, support, help and advice. You will be provided with equipment if this is required for the link child.
You do not need formal qualifications, but previous experience of caring for children and an understanding of the needs of children with disabilities is essential.
Find out more
Please contact Katie Morello, Family Link Social Worker: [email protected].