Playscheme Playworker Seasonal in Newport

JOB PURPOSE: To assist in the organisation and delivery of group activities for disabled children and young people who are supported by social services. The focus of the group activities is to support children and young people aged 10-17 years old to increase their skills and opportunities. The young people will be supported to develop a variety of skills from cooking, safety in the home and community along with enhancing their social and communication skills.

KEY RESULT AREAS

• To deliver and support the running of the group activity for the young people as appropriate to their age, abilities and cultural backgrounds.
• To assist in the operation of the sessions where all children can experience a wide range of opportunities to develop their skills, ensuring they are involved in the planning process.
• To meet the individual care needs of the children, including the provision of snacks and drinks, toileting / changing and keeping a high standard of hygiene.
• To be responsible for the setting up and use of equipment and materials, ensuring their safe storage in a clean and orderly state. To inform the supervisor of any concerns regarding equipment and materials.
• To communicate effectively and sensitively, both verbal and in writing with young people and parents whilst maintaining confidentiality.
• To assist in promoting Equal Opportunities for all young people and their families who use the group activities.
• To ensure compliance with all Health and Safety and other legal requirements associated with the operation of the scheme.
• To contribute fully to team briefing and debriefing sessions at the start and end of each session, sharing relevant information regarding young people on a need-to-know basis.
• To administer basic First Aid where appropriate and in line with relevant training.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade of this post as directed by the line manager.

This job description sets out the main result areas of the post at the date when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot in themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

• Qualifications: Minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade A to G or equivalent qualifications.
• Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Procedures.
• Experience: Experience of working or volunteering with children and young people; Experience of facilitating Play and Youth activities.
• Ability to problem solve and work under pressure as part of a team.
• Demonstrate good communication skills - both written and verbal with children, families and other relevant persons.
• To apply learned training when necessary.
• To be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the service.

DESIRABLE

• Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Play work or equivalent; First Aid Qualification.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of Children's Act, CIW regulations and Health and Safety legislation.
• Experience: Previous experience of working / volunteering with disabled children / and or children with behaviours that challenge.
• Able to work on own initiative.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• Able to demonstrate a passion for working with children and increasing play opportunities.
• Welsh speaking.
• Ability to establish good working relationships with children / young people based on respect and openness.
• Ability to liaise and establish good working relationships with professionals / parents / carers and the wider team.

EXPECTED BEHAVIOURS & VALUES

• Encourage and support others as part of a team. Give guidance and advice to others. Grow positive working relationships.
• Contribute with and be open to change.
• Communicate openly, being straightforward with people to generate trust and confidence.
• Follow procedures and rules. Give feedback where these can be improved.
• Honestly reflect on my personal style and its impact on others and develop my skills so I can adapt my style as appropriate.

Equal Opportunities

Understand and demonstrate a willingness to promote positively the Strategic Equality Plan of Newport City Council.

Welsh Language Requirements

The Authority is committed to delivering an equally high-quality service in Welsh and English and will support staff in providing this. All posts have to be assessed in respect of the Welsh Language requirements and will either be Welsh Essential or Welsh Desirable.

Special Conditions

This post will result in you having substantial contact with children, the elderly, sick or disabled. The Authority, therefore, requires that by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, the Children's Act 1989 and/or the Police Act 1997, you reveal any criminal convictions, bind over orders or cautions, including those which would normally be regarded as spent. You must complete the relevant section on the application form - your application will be returned if this section is incomplete. If successful in your application you will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Disclosure.