Childcare Support Worker Level 3 in Birmingham

Birmingham Crisis Centre has been providing a safe haven for female victims of domestic abuse since 1988. Domestic abuse occurs across society, affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth, and geography. Children are also affected, both directly and indirectly, and there is a strong correlation between domestic violence and child abuse. While figures of domestic abuse rise, we continue to bring security and comfort to vulnerable women and their children.

Job Purpose

To work as part of a team providing a confidential and supportive service, working closely with women and their children who are living in our refuge as a result of experiencing domestic abuse. To work effectively within the nursery and after-school club supporting women and children, treating them equally and fairly, thereby enabling children to fulfil their potential.

Main Duties

• Ensure that women and children admitted to the centre are made to feel welcome and safe.
• Provide a safe, caring, supportive and stimulating environment for children to play and learn.
• Provide nutritious snacks and lunches.
• Plan, provide and facilitate structured activities for children during daily sessions within the nursery and After School provision (Buzz Club).
• Keep records on individual children, including observations, assessments and future planning.
• Support children’s emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self‑concepts.
• Plan, facilitate and support children with offsite activities and trips.
• Report and record any injuries, illnesses or concerns to the Nursery Manager.
• Organise and store toys and materials to ensure order in activity areas; ensure that all nursery equipment is cleaned and maintained to a high standard and any faults are reported to the Nursery Manager.
• Discuss developmental progress of children with mothers, colleagues and other professionals.
• Promote equal opportunities at all times; be aware of individual children’s needs demonstrating understanding of race, ethnicity, religion and belief, disability and family structures.
• Plan and facilitate a range of cultural celebrations according to the client group.
• Be aware of SEN Codes of Practice and ensure all activities and the Nursery and Buzz Club environment complies with the Code.
• Effectively manage children’s challenging behaviour in an assertive and positive manner, promoting their development and self‑esteem.
• Liaise with mothers, staff and other professionals ensuring excellent continuity of care and development is maintained.
• Work within the confines of confidentiality and ensure that professional boundaries as outlined in the centre handbook and policies and procedures are always maintained when working with women, children, staff and external bodies.
• Ensure that security of sensitive information is maintained.
• Provide support, information and advocacy to mothers and children.
• Accurately record information on files and, where appropriate, share relevant information with staff and other professionals in accordance with legislation.
• Ensure that any issues in relation to Child Protection matters are brought to the immediate attention of management in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Attend Child Protection Case Conferences and Core Groups as appropriate.
• Implement and comply with Birmingham Crisis Centre and Nursery policies and procedures.
• Attend staff meetings, open days and training sessions as required.
• Maintain knowledge of existing and forthcoming childcare legislation and good practice guidelines.
• Assist in preparation for Ofsted Inspections.
• Carry out any other duties that may be required and are appropriate to the post.

Additional Information

• Responsible to: Centre Manager Childcare Manager
• Salary: increments with service
• Direct Reports: Senior Childcare manager – N/A
• Location: Birmingham
• Work Pattern: Flexible Circa 26 hours Position 1: Monday‑Friday 9.00am – 3.00pm or 10.00am start. Hours can be flexible; discuss with childcare manager.

The above is provided for guidance and is not an exhaustive list of all accountabilities that the post holder may have. Application closes Friday 1st May. To apply, please send a copy of your CV to lillis@birminghamcrisis.org.uk stating you are applying for the Childcare Support Worker vacancy.