At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fun, inclusive activities for children and young people with SEND.
- Company: Join Epping Forest District Council's passionate Disability Inclusion Team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities to grow and learn.
- Why this job: Create engaging experiences that promote health and wellbeing in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in community activities and knowledge of neurodiversity is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28171 - 28742 £ per year.
About the job
Join Our Disability Inclusion Team as a Community Activity Leader (SEND). Are you passionate about creating inclusive, engaging experiences for all? We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals who embody our organisation’s values and behaviours to join our Disability Inclusion Team on a casual basis.
As a Community Activity Leader, you’ll take the lead in delivering high-quality, fun, and accessible community-based activities that promote health and wellbeing across the district, as well as Harlow and Uttlesford. We are especially keen to hear from candidates with experience working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and those who demonstrate a strong understanding of neurodiversity and inclusive approaches to engagement.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Leading sessions in sports, physical activity, arts, or cultural programming.
- Delivering activities such as multi-sports, craft camps, after-school clubs, day trips, and special events.
- Creating safe, welcoming environments that celebrate diversity and support individual needs.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in delivering community activities in one or more of the following areas: sport, physical activity, arts, or culture.
- Knowledge of neurodiversity and inclusive practices, with a commitment to supporting diverse learning and communication styles.
- A positive, outgoing attitude and a genuine passion for working with people of all ages.
- Flexibility to work during term-time and/or school holidays, evenings, and occasional weekends.
- Ability to travel to various venues across the Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford districts.
You’ll be part of a dynamic, multi-skilled team reporting to the Team Manager for Economic Development and Inclusion. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and help shape inclusive community experiences, we’d love to hear from you. A valid driving licence is essential. Please note this role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Baring Service check.
Epping Forest District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Community Activity Leader (SEND) - Casual employer: Colchester Borough Council
Colchester Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and community impact. As a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer, you will enjoy flexible working arrangements, a comprehensive local government pension scheme, and access to extensive health and wellbeing programs, all while contributing to meaningful projects in the Braintree area.
Contact Details:
Colchester Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Activity Leader (SEND) - Casual
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Colchester Borough Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Colchester Borough Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Colchester Borough Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Colchester Borough Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Activity Leader (SEND) - Casual
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Colchester Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Colchester Borough Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester Borough Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
