At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's emotional and behavioural needs while ensuring a safe camp environment.
- Company: Join Barracudas, the UK's leading children's holiday camp provider.
- Benefits: Competitive weekly salary, seasonal contract, and valuable experience in childcare.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare or education, strong communication, and empathy skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Work Hours: 08:30 – 18:00, Monday- Friday (Total hours will not exceed 45 hours per week)
Contract Type: Seasonal Fixed term
Salary: £559.79 – £680.83 salary per week (dependant on age, experience, qualifications and camp size)
Reportable to: Camp Manager, Area Manager and Central Office
Barracudas is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and act in the best interests of children at all times. Adhering to our safeguarding policies and procedures including safer recruitment practices, staff should play an active role in creating a supportive, safe and protective environment for all children and young people.
About Us
Barracudas is the UK’s leading provider of children’s holiday camps, helping young people build confidence, develop new skills and make new friends through a wide range of activities. With 45 camp locations across the UK, we offer exciting programmes including Sports, Arts & Crafts, Drama and more. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels supported and valued. Safeguarding and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.
Role Purpose
The Welfare Officer is responsible for supporting the emotional, behavioural and safeguarding needs of children at camp. They work closely with the Senior Team to ensure children feel safe, supported and included, while guiding staff in behaviour management, welfare procedures and SEND support. Through strong communication, pastoral care and proactive oversight, the Welfare Officer helps maintain a positive, nurturing and safe environment for all children.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Daily Operations
- Support and/or deliver Induction Training and assist with Set Up Days to ensure camp is fully prepared.
- Spend time in groups to understand dynamics and ensure children receive active supervision and support throughout the day, including breaks and lunchtimes.
- Get to know children as individuals, incorporating their interests into their camp experience.
- Carry out general observations around camp to ensure welfare standards are consistently met.
- Safeguarding & Welfare
- Act as the Designated Person (DP) for Safeguarding, responding to child protection concerns and working alongside the Camp Manager/Early Years Manager.
- Oversee action plans relating to behavioural challenges, safeguarding concerns and general welfare needs.
- Ensure relevant child information (child notes) is shared with appropriate staff ahead of camp.
- Communicate with parents and Central Office regarding SEND needs, behavioural concerns or welfare issues.
- Support staff in understanding and meeting children’s medical, dietary and additional needs.
- Ensure medication is administered safely and documentation is completed accurately.
- Behaviour Management & Staff Support
- Implement and model effective behaviour management strategies to support staff in their daily practice.
- Provide guidance to staff on managing challenging behaviour and promoting positive interactions.
- Assist with staff disciplinaries during the operating season when required.
- Contribute to end-of-season performance evaluations for staff members.
- Health & Safety
- Enforce Health & Safety procedures, ensuring safe systems of work are followed at all times.
- Complete required paperwork, including high-risk activity forms.
- Be proactive and diligent in identifying and addressing safety concerns.
- Parent & Stakeholder Communication
- Liaise professionally with parents and guardians, providing feedback and addressing concerns, including complaint handling in collaboration with Central Office.
- Communicate regularly with Area Managers and Central Office regarding welfare, safeguarding and SEND matters.
- Administration & Other
- Prepare for Induction Training using relevant manuals and resources.
- Ensure site and base rooms are tidy, hazard-free and well-organised.
- Support additional camp activities, including Skills Builder sessions (where required) and swimming sessions.
- Carry out additional duties as required in line with camp needs and organisational objectives.
Requirements
- Essentials
- Experience working in childcare, education, holiday camps or similar settings.
- Experience or qualification in pastoral support, welfare, behaviour management or SEND.
- Strong communication, empathy and problem-solving skills.
- Confidence supporting staff and managing sensitive welfare or behavioural situations.
- Desirables
- Experience supporting children with SEND or behavioural needs.
- Experience supervising staff.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding training or certificate.
- Experience working in a fast-paced childcare or activity environment.
Employment in this role is subject to completing all pre-employment requirements, including being aged 18 or over by the start date, providing proof of eligibility to work in the UK, supplying satisfactory references and holding or obtaining an Enhanced DBS check. All Senior staff must complete mandatory training, including online modules, an in-person Induction Training Day and any additional role-specific briefings delivered by Central Office. This role involves working with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the children's barred list. Applicants are not required to disclose convictions or cautions that are considered 'protected' under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013 & 2020). This information will not be taken into account. Guidance on protected convictions and cautions is available from the Ministry of Justice.
Locations
Contact Details:
Barracudas Activity Day Camps Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Officer - Summer - Woodford Green, London
✨Get Involved in Local Community Events
Dive into your local community! Attend social work fairs, community service events, or workshops that can help you connect with potential employers like Barracudas Activity Day Camps. This is a fantastic way to meet people in the field and get your foot in the door.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're a student or recent grad, hit up your university's career services to unlock seasonal internship opportunities in social work. They often have special listings or connections that could lead you directly to roles like the one at Barracudas Activity Day Camps.
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Join social work groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. These communities often share job leads, seasonal opportunities, and even advice from experienced pros. You’d be surprised how much support you can get from people who’ve been in your shoes!
✨Highlight Seasonal Availability
When reaching out to hiring managers or applying for roles like Welfare Officer - Summer - Woodford Green, London at Barracudas Activity Day Camps, don’t forget to highlight your seasonal availability. Let them know you’re ready to jump in during peak times, as this can set you apart from other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Officer - Summer - Woodford Green, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Compassionate Side:In social work, empathy and compassion are key. Your CV should reflect experiences where you've helped others, whether through volunteering, internships, or relevant coursework. Make sure to include any specific instances that demonstrate your ability to connect with people in challenging situations.
Show Off Your Relevant Qualifications:If you have certifications, training, or coursework related to social work, flaunt them! A seasonal role might require you to hit the ground running, so showcasing your qualifications can really set you apart. Don’t just list them; briefly mention how they’ve prepared you for practical situations.
Keep Your Intentions Clear:In your cover letter, make it crystal clear why you're excited about this seasonal role at Barracudas Activity Day Camps. Express your passion for social work and the impact you hope to make this season. This not only shows your motivation but also lets us see your fit with our mission and values.
Bring Your Unique Experience:Mention any unique experiences or perspectives you bring to the table—maybe you’ve worked with a specific community or tackled particular social issues. Tailoring your application to show how your grassroots experience aligns with what Barracudas Activity Day Camps values can make a big difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barracudas Activity Day Camps
✨Get Familiar with the Challenges
In social work, it's all about understanding the community you're serving. Brush up on current social issues and think of how they might come up in your interview. Be prepared to discuss real-world scenarios you might face in the role with examples of how you would handle them.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, you'll want to demonstrate your understanding of empathy and active listening. Consider sharing personal experiences that highlight your ability to connect with clients, especially in seasonal roles where you might be working with diverse populations in need of support.
✨Speak to Seasonal Considerations
Since this is a seasonal position, be ready to discuss your availability and how you can adapt quickly to the fluctuating needs of your community. Employers want to know you can jump in at peak times and remain resilient, so come prepared to talk about your flexibility and commitment.
✨Prepare Your Collaborations
Social work often involves collaborating with other professionals and organisations. Think about your past teamwork experiences and how you can contribute to an interdisciplinary approach. Mention any relevant partnerships or community initiatives you've been part of that could resonate with the team at Barracudas Activity Day Camps.
