At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people with autism and additional needs in their homes and communities.
- Company: Join a family-run organisation dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, guaranteed hours, paid leave, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Flexible hours with clear career progression opportunities in a growing team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while building meaningful relationships with children and families.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people; driving licence and vehicle required.
The predicted salary is between 16.5 - 16.5 £ per hour.
Location: Community-based roles across Dorset and Hampshire
Hours: Permanent contracts of 16, 20, 25, 30 or 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent, part-time or full-time
Essential: Full UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle
Salary: £32,175 full-time equivalent, pro rata for part-time contracts
About Freedom Care Group
Freedom Care Group is a family-run, CQC-registered organisation providing specialist support to children and young people with autism, learning disabilities and additional needs. Our Support and Education service is growing, and we are recruiting permanent Children and Youth Support Workers across Dorset and Hampshire. We take a relationship-first approach. Our staff are carefully matched with a small number of children and families, allowing them to build trust, provide consistent support and become part of a stable team.
About the role
You will provide person-centred support, respite and short breaks to children and young people in their homes and local communities. Your responsibilities may include:
- Supporting children to access activities and opportunities in their community
- Encouraging independence, communication, confidence and emotional regulation
- Following individual support plans, risk assessments and agreed strategies
- Building positive relationships with children, families and professionals
- Completing clear and accurate records following each session
Working pattern
Our services generally operate between 8:00am and 8:00pm across seven days. You will not work these hours every day or work seven consecutive days. However, you must be able to offer reasonable flexibility across mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends. You will usually work with a small number of children or families, with your rota planned around your contracted hours, agreed availability and the needs of the people you support.
What we are looking for
- Experience supporting children or young people with autism, learning disabilities, SEN or additional needs
- A calm, dependable and relationship-focused approach
- Good communication, observation and record-writing skills
- The ability to work independently and as part of a small team
- A full UK driving licence, access to a vehicle and willingness to travel within at least a 15-mile radius of your home
- A relevant Level 3 qualification is desirable, although applicants with strong experience and a willingness to undertake further development will also be considered.
What we offer
- Permanent guaranteed contracted hours
- Paid annual leave and workplace pension
- Ongoing specialist training and professional development
- Regular supervision and management support
- Consistent work with a small number of children and families
- A clear career pathway from Support Worker to Supervisor, Case Manager and Coordinator
- Opportunities to progress within a rapidly growing organisation
The salary is £32,175 per annum for 37.5 hours per week, equivalent to £16.50 per hour, and is paid pro rata for part-time contracts. Appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and right-to-work checks.
Children And Youth Support Worker in Weymouth employer: Freedom Care Group
Freedom Care Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic youth and their families. With a strong focus on flexible working hours, ongoing training, and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to build trusting relationships while enjoying varied community-based activities. Join us in creating a positive difference in Portsmouth, Gosport, Havant, and Fareham, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children And Youth Support Worker in Weymouth
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Freedom Care Group, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Freedom Care Group. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Freedom Care Group's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Children And Youth Support Worker in Weymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Freedom Care Group. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Freedom Care Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom Care Group
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Freedom Care Group.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Children And Youth Support Worker at Freedom Care Group.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Freedom Care Group that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Children And Youth Support Worker role.
