At a Glance
- Tasks: Support disabled children through play, helping them develop essential skills.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving the lives of disabled children and their families.
- Benefits: Enjoy fantastic training opportunities and career development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a joyful and rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with disabilities is essential; strong communication skills are a must.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; training provided for specific skills like first aid.
As a Sessional Playworker you can make your own powerful contribution by helping disabled children and their families or carers achieve an even better quality of life. Joining us in either one of our Bi-Borough Short Breaks Provisions in Westminster or in a community setting in which you will be supporting disabled children, you will find that you are part of a close-knit ‘work family’ – a group of people who are fiercely child-centred, and who are passionate about making a difference to young people’s lives.
While every day will present you with new challenges, your overall mission will be to provide care and recreation to disabled children, and to help them develop social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional skills through play. As a team, we have one clear goal – to make our children happy, and to help them become as independent as possible. You will support this ambition by helping us plan and deliver a wide range of activities including sports, games and arts and crafts. Some of these activities will be on-site, while others will be in the community and possibly even in the child’s home, but regardless of where you are working, you will act as a key worker to that child or family.
This is an all-encompassing role in which you will provide assistance and care throughout every aspect of the child’s time with you. As such you will assist with transporting the child to their activities (either on the minibus or as part of a walking bus), and you will provide personal care as needed. We strive to nurture independence in our children, so you will listen to what they are telling you and incorporate their wishes where possible.
There is great scope for career development within this role, as we will provide you with fantastic training and development opportunities, and you will have scope to work alongside other professionals such as Physiotherapists and Social Workers in delivering programmes that have been shaped to enhance a young person’s wellbeing.
Our work is deeply joyful and rewarding – but it can also be challenging. You will therefore thrive with us if you have experience of working with children and young people who have learning disabilities, autism or complex health needs. This will include having a good understanding of any issues relating to learning, sensory and physical disabilities. It is essential that you are a team player as we work collaboratively with parents and carers, and you will be keen to support additional activities such as family days-out. While experience of working with families in their own homes would be an advantage, it is more important that you have some background in working in a play, leisure or education environment. With great communication skills, you will be comfortable working with young people from a wide variety of backgrounds and you will have an understanding of safeguarding procedures.
With the flexibility to work early morning, daytime, evening and weekend sessions as needed, you will be able to set boundaries when working with children. If you have previously had moving and handling training, or you have a paediatric first aid certificate that would be really helpful, though these are also skills that we can teach you.
Contact details for an informal discussion: Lewis Warren, Team Leader via email at EHUMPHREYS@WESTMINSTER.GOV.UK
Sessional Playworker WCC619401 employer: Thorn Baker Group
Contact Detail:
Thorn Baker Group Recruiting Team
EHUMPHREYS@WESTMINSTER.GOV.UK
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sessional Playworker WCC619401
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific needs of disabled children and their families. Understanding the challenges they face will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a difference during your interactions with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in play, leisure, or educational settings. Be prepared to discuss how this experience has equipped you with the skills necessary to support children with learning disabilities or complex health needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for teamwork and collaboration. Since the role involves working closely with parents, carers, and other professionals, expressing your willingness to work as part of a 'work family' can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your flexibility in working hours. The job requires availability for early mornings, evenings, and weekends, so demonstrating your adaptability will be crucial in landing the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Playworker WCC619401
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Sessional Playworker position. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, especially those related to working with disabled children and their families.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize any previous experience you have working with children, particularly those with learning disabilities or complex health needs. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to their development and well-being.
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for making a difference in children's lives. Use your cover letter to convey your passion for child-centered work and your commitment to supporting disabled children and their families.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and goals of the organization. Mention your understanding of safeguarding procedures and your ability to work collaboratively with parents and other professionals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thorn Baker Group
✨Show Your Passion for Child-Centered Care
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with disabled children and their families. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to improving their quality of life.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role emphasizes collaboration, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, parents, and other professionals.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss your background in play, leisure, or education environments, especially if you have experience with children who have learning disabilities or complex health needs. Be specific about the activities you’ve facilitated and the skills you’ve helped develop.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would handle specific situations involving children. Think about scenarios where you had to set boundaries or support a child's independence, and be ready to share your approach.