Short Breaks Support Worker

Short Breaks Support Worker

Coventry Part-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with disabilities in fun activities, both individually and in groups.
  • Company: Join Coventry City Council, a 'Good' Local Authority dedicated to children's welfare.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a supportive environment, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a vibrant, inclusive community.
  • Qualifications: Experience with children and understanding of disabilities is essential; creativity and warmth are key.
  • Other info: Guaranteed interviews for specific groups; DBS check required.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, accepting of all, and free from discrimination and bias. At Coventry City Council, we are embarking on an incredible journey to create a brighter future for Coventry's children. As a 'Good' Local Authority, we believe in pushing boundaries and delivering excellence for children and families. Our vision is clear, and our social workers are unwavering in their commitment to putting children and families at the centre of their practice. Be part of our inspiring team, making a meaningful difference in the lives of Coventry's children. Together, let's create a nurturing environment where every child's potential can flourish.

Our Values

  • Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
  • Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
  • Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
  • Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
  • Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
  • Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

What is the job role?

This is an exciting opportunity to support children and young people with disabilities to have fun, play, and experience enjoyable activities, achieving positive outcomes as well as giving parents/carers the opportunity to have a short break. The role involves being responsible for leading and arranging activities for children and young people with disabilities aged 5 - 18 years within Coventry in a group setting and on a one-to-one basis. This is a city-wide service via both building-based and outdoor-based activities from venues such as Broad Park House, Family Hubs, and assorted sports centres. Working hours are 10.25 hours per week in line with service needs, which will cover evenings, weekends, and school holidays. The rota will be provided on a termly basis.

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative, warm, and nurturing person who has experience working with children and young people 1-1 and/or in a group setting, and with an understanding of disabilities and challenging behaviour in formal settings. We are also looking for someone who can demonstrate skills that engage children in activities relevant to their individual needs, personal, social, intellectual, and cultural development.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

  • Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
  • Are currently in care or have previously been in care
  • If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.

About Coventry

Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change. We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant, and diverse. At Coventry, we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together, and find better ways of doing things. To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities. If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package.

Short Breaks Support Worker employer: Coventry City Council

Coventry City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace culture, where every employee is valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. With a commitment to professional development and a supportive environment, staff can thrive while engaging in rewarding work that directly contributes to the community's well-being. Join us in our mission to create a nurturing atmosphere for Coventry's children, where your skills and creativity can truly shine.
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Contact Detail:

Coventry City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Short Breaks Support Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Coventry City Council's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement will help you align your approach during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children and young people, especially those with disabilities. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've engaged and supported them in both group and one-to-one settings.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your creativity and enthusiasm for activities that promote fun and learning. Think of unique ideas or activities you could implement in this role and be ready to discuss them during your interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the local community and the specific needs of children and young people with disabilities in Coventry. Showing that you understand the local context can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely invested in making a difference.

We think you need these skills to ace Short Breaks Support Worker

Experience working with children and young people
Understanding of disabilities and challenging behaviour
Ability to engage children in activities
Creativity in planning and leading activities
Nurturing and warm interpersonal skills
Strong communication skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Flexibility in working hours
Empathy and patience
Knowledge of child development
Problem-solving skills
Ability to create inclusive environments
Organisational skills for activity planning
Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Short Breaks Support Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.

Showcase Your Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children and young people, particularly those with disabilities. Provide specific examples of how you've engaged and supported them in both one-to-one and group settings.

Align with Values: Coventry City Council values diversity and inclusion. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by discussing how you can contribute to an inclusive environment and support diverse communities.

Personalise Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalised cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families. Mention why you are specifically interested in working with Coventry City Council.

How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council

✨Show Your Passion for Inclusivity

Make sure to express your commitment to creating an inclusive environment. Share examples of how you've supported diverse groups in the past, especially when working with children and young people with disabilities.

✨Demonstrate Your Activity Planning Skills

Be prepared to discuss how you would plan and lead activities for children with varying needs. Think about specific activities that promote engagement and development, and be ready to share your ideas during the interview.

✨Highlight Your Experience with Challenging Behaviour

Since the role involves working with children who may exhibit challenging behaviour, be ready to talk about your experience in managing such situations. Provide examples of strategies you've used successfully in the past.

✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication

This position requires collaboration with parents, carers, and other professionals. Be sure to highlight your communication skills and any experiences where you've worked effectively as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes.

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