Specialist Children's Support Worker - St Albans

Specialist Children's Support Worker (Driver)

St Albans, Hertfordshire (AL6)

£14.00 per hour (Weekdays)
£16.00 per hour (Weekends)
Time and a Half on Bank Holidays

Part Time Position with Additional Hours Available

Please note: Applicants must be aged 25+ due to vehicle insurance requirements and hold a full UK driving licence.

About the Role

We\'re looking for a caring, energetic and enthusiastic Support Worker to provide one-to-one support for a fun-loving 15-year-old young person with complex needs.

This is a truly rewarding opportunity to become part of a close-knit family and support a young person to enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle. Every day is different, from accompanying him to school and community activities to encouraging his independence and helping him enjoy the things he loves most.

We\'re looking for someone with the right personality above all else. Experience supporting children, young people or individuals with additional needs is highly desirable, whether that\'s within social care, education or a specialist setting.

About the Young Person

The young person you will be supporting:

• Is 15 years old with cerebral palsy and epilepsy
• Has a fantastic sense of humour and loves being the centre of attention
• Enjoys theatre, music, football, swimming and spending time outdoors
• Attends school during the week and has a busy timetable of activities
• Uses a wheelchair in the community and a walker for shorter distances
• Thrives with routine, patience and positive encouragement

This role is focused on building confidence, encouraging independence and supporting him to access the activities he enjoys.

The Role Includes

• School collection and transport home
• Supporting attendance at physiotherapy, swimming and community activities
• Accompanying him to theatre trips, family outings and social activities
• Encouraging communication, confidence and independence
• Supporting with mobility and safe transfers following training
• Administering medication following competency assessments
• Working closely with his family to provide consistent, high-quality support
• Participating in family holidays where appropriate (all travel and accommodation provided)

Shift Pattern

Current hours include:

• Two weekday shifts of approximately 6 hours
• Sunday morning support
• Friday and Saturday waking nights
• Additional hours during school holidays
• Opportunity for hours to increase as the care package develops

This role offers long-term stability, with the expectation that hours will increase over time.

Requirements

Who We're Looking For

You\'ll be someone who:

• Holds a full UK driving licence
• Is aged 25 or over for insurance purposes
• Is confident driving a mobility-adapted vehicle
• Has experience supporting children or young people, particularly within SEN, education or care
• Is calm, patient and emotionally resilient
• Enjoys being active and getting involved in community activities
• Can build positive relationships with both the young person and his family
• Is happy working around pets (the family has a cat)

Musical interests, sporting hobbies or experience within schools or youth settings would be an advantage but are not essential.

Recruitment Process

Successful applicants will attend an informal meet-and-greet with the management team and the family before progressing through training and shadow shifts.

Compliance

• Enhanced DBS required
• Two references preferred
• Full Right to Work checks completed before employment
• Ongoing competency assessments and training provided

Benefits

Full Training Provided

Comprehensive training will be provided before working independently, including:

• Epilepsy awareness and emergency procedures
• Medication administration
• Moving and handling
• Practical competency assessments
• Shadow shifts within the family home
• Ongoing clinical supervision and support

You\'ll also have the opportunity to meet the family before starting to ensure the role is the right fit for everyone.

What We Offer

• £14.00 per hour Monday to Friday
• £16.00 per hour at weekends
• Time and a half on Bank Holidays
• Paid travel and accommodation when accompanying the family on holidays
• Extensive specialist training
• Clinical support from experienced healthcare professionals
• Friendly, supportive management team
• Opportunity to build a long-term relationship with one family
• Genuine career development within specialist and complex care

If you\'re passionate about helping young people reach their full potential and are looking for a role where you can make a lasting difference to one family\'s life, we\'d love to hear from you.

Apply today to begin a rewarding career in specialist children\'s complex care.