At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 2:1 support for Katie, a lovely 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
- Company: Join a supportive family environment making a real difference in a child's life.
- Benefits: Earn up to £20.00 per hour with flexible hours and rewarding experiences.
- Other info: Ideal for calm, proactive individuals who love working with kids.
- Why this job: Make meaningful connections while enjoying fun outings and activities with Katie.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with mobility needs and epilepsy is essential.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 20 £ per hour.
Two SEN Support Workers/PAs in Maidstone, ME15. A rewarding opportunity providing 2:1 support for Katie, 10, a happy, engaging young girl with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, in her family home and out in the community, helping her enjoy everyday life and special days out. Up to £20.00 gross per hour.
- Nearest Station: Maidstone
- Salary/Wage: £18.00 (weekdays) and £20.00 (weekends) gross per hour
- Driving Requirements: At least one Support Worker must be a confident driver, able to drive an automatic Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) - training can be provided; minimum age 25 for insurance
- Essential: Experience supporting a child or young person with epilepsy and mobility needs; confident with personal care and basic manual handling; comfortable working in a family home alongside siblings
- Desirable: Interest in supporting physio, OT and SaLT therapy programmes
- Start Date: ASAP
- Days & Hours: There are 2 roles available as you support Katie 2:1. Thursday and Friday, 2:30 pm–7:00 pm, and Sundays, 10:00 am–6:00 pm. This is a year-round position with potential for additional hours during school holidays. (Sunday is the preferred weekend day, but Saturday can be considered)
- Pets in Home: 2 Guinea Pigs
About the Child: Katie, 10, is a warm, easy-going girl who lives with her parents and siblings, (14 and 7). She enjoys books, magazines, baking, TV programmes, arts and crafts, outings to places such as the zoo, garden centres, cinema and bowling – and eating! Katie communicates using a small number of spoken words (“Yes”, “No”, “More”), signs, gestures, and by leading adults, and is generally very effective at expressing her needs and preferences. Katie has cerebral palsy and complex epilepsy. She is a wheelchair user but can weight bear and enjoys walking short distances with support and a handling belt. She uses the toilet and wears pads as needed, with adapted facilities and specialist equipment at home.
The Role at a Glance: We are looking to recruit 2 support workers/PAs to provide 2:1 support for community outings with Katie. On weekdays, you will collect Katie from school (a 10-minute walk) and support her at home with snacks, dinner, and relaxed play, with evenings focused on simple, engaging activities such as books, toys, and sensory play. Weekend shifts provide opportunities for outings such as the zoo, trips to London, garden centres, cinema or bowling, as well as quieter time at home depending on Katie’s energy levels. You will support mobility (wheelchair use and short-distance walking with a handling belt), toileting routines, meals and personal care. Some manual handling is required, with guidance provided, and the family WAV is available for appropriate outings alongside full training.
This Job Would Suit: A calm, confident support worker who is proactive, organised, and comfortable working within a family home. Someone who can plan activities, bring ideas, and adapt to Katie’s needs and energy levels. An interest in communication methods (signs, gestures, visual cues) and enjoyment of simple, child-centred activities is important. You’ll be comfortable working in a family home. Someone with epilepsy awareness is essential: monitoring for seizure activity, following protocols (including rescue medication), and supporting rest and recovery.
Why You’ll Love This Role: Working with lovely Katie! This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in Katie’s daily life. You will work in a supportive, friendly environment where your initiative is valued. The role offers variety, from after-school routines to engaging weekend outings.
Recruitment Process: Snap Care is managing the full recruitment process, including shortlisting, recruiter interviews, and arranging employer interviews. Shortlisted candidates will be sent directly to the family’s primary contact to ensure a clear, streamlined process. Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for any of our vacancies. If a specific gender is required for this position, this is a genuine occupational requirement under paragraph 1, schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Support Workers ME15 in Maidstone employer: SNAP Care
Join a compassionate and dedicated team as a Support Worker in Maidstone, where you will have the rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the life of a wonderful young girl named Katie. Our supportive work culture values your initiative and creativity, offering flexible hours and competitive pay, with potential for additional hours during school holidays. We prioritise employee growth through training and development, ensuring you feel confident and equipped to provide the best care possible in a nurturing family environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Workers ME15 in Maidstone
✨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 SNAP Care, 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 SNAP Care. 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 SNAP Care's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Workers ME15 in Maidstone
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 SNAP Care. 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 SNAP Care.
How to prepare for a job interview at SNAP Care
✨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 SNAP Care.
✨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 Support Workers ME15 at SNAP Care.
✨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 SNAP Care that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Workers ME15 role.
