At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex disabilities to discover their potential and live fulfilling lives.
- Company: Join Sense, a leading organisation dedicated to empowering disabled individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days holiday, flexible working, and access to extensive training.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Childcare qualification and a passion for working with children.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
Could you help a child discover what they're truly capable of? Here at Sense, we support people with complex disabilities to live the life they choose and we have an exciting opportunity for a children services assistant to join our team at Sense Jordanstown School in Newtownabbey. This is a permanent, part time role working 10 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 3pm to 5pm, paid at £13.00 per hour.
A minimum Level 2 Childcare qualification (or equivalent) is essential for this role. We are looking for someone who is:
- Warm, patient, and genuinely passionate about working with children
- Positive and caring, with a can-do attitude
- Committed to empowering children to live full, fulfilling lives
- Experienced in a childcare setting (desirable)
- Able to use British Sign Language, or keen to learn, with training and support provided (desirable)
- Willing to attend training and develop in the role
This role might include supporting children with:
- Learning new skills and building confidence
- Personal care and hygiene
- Making sense of their environment and accessing their community
- Medication and wellbeing
- Communication in the way that works best for them
- Their social life and behaviour
Benefits:
- 24 days’ holiday + bank holidays; increasing with length of service
- Free Access NI Check
- Free access to over 100 online and face to face training
- On-going development opportunities
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Employee referral scheme
- Health and well-being support
- Pension Scheme
- Discount scheme
- Wisdom App- free access for all employees to mindfulness application
About Sense: Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That's why we're committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.
We know there's always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we're working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.
If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the talent acquisition team. We are a disability confident leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role.
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to an enhanced ACCESS NI check.
For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential.
We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.
Closing Date 21/08/2026
Children services assistant in Newtownabbey employer: Sense
At Sense, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values compassion and community engagement. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering training opportunities in British Sign Language and other essential skills. Located in the picturesque town of Whitland, Carmarthenshire, we provide a fulfilling environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with deafblindness while enjoying the beauty of the local area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children services assistant in Newtownabbey
✨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 Sense, 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 Sense. 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 Sense's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Children services assistant in Newtownabbey
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 Sense. 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 Sense.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sense
✨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 Sense.
✨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 services assistant at Sense.
✨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 Sense that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Children services assistant role.
