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- Tasks: Support disabled children in community activities and promote their independence.
- Company: A caring children's centre dedicated to providing short breaks for disabled children.
- Benefits: Earn £13.76 per hour with flexible hours during evenings and weekends.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification or 2 years' experience with disabled children required.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
Salary: £13.76 per hour
Grade: B Casual Contract - Zero Hours
Successful candidates will need to be available to work as follows: Evenings, Saturdays and school holidays. As a service, we are open to discussing hours and days.
The Disabled Children’s Short Breaks and Outreach Service is a children’s centre for disabled children. We provide Short Break sessions for children after school, during weekends and during school holidays. Our befriending groups are made up of small groups of children and young people that meet to access activities in the community. As a befriender, you will be working with children aged 8-18 with a broad spectrum of needs.
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Undertake direct work with disabled children of all ages.
- Support disabled children and young people to access community-based activities and sessions within our centres.
- Oversee medication administration.
- Undertake training considered relevant to the role.
- Support and advise service users and advocate on their behalf if necessary.
- Report to the Team Manager any changes in child behaviour, noted injuries, accidental/non-accidental.
- Help support and promote independence and life skills with young people.
- Support children to develop their social interaction skills, friendships, life skills & independence skills.
- Assist the befriending group leader with planning, organising and facilitating safe, enjoyable, fun activities for the children in the group.
- Work as part of a small team to provide a reliable and efficient befriending service to disabled children in Thurrock.
The successful applicant will be required to hold a relevant Level 3 childcare qualification or equivalent or have at least 2 years’ experience of working with disabled children in a professional setting.
DBS: A Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced level with Children's Barred List will be required for this post.
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
Interview Date: TBC
For an informal discussion about these posts, please contact Lauren Riddick, Centre Manager or Jackie Harper, Deputy Manager on 01375 652200.
Application Requirements: As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management from when leaving full-time education is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV. If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Applicants who hold a Visa must provide valid evidence of their right to work in the UK for this role.
Befriender in Tilbury employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Befriender in Tilbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the Disabled Children’s Short Breaks and Outreach Service, their values, and the community they serve. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team, which can give you an edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about scenarios you might face as a befriender and how you'd handle them. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Befriender in Tilbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what being a Befriender involves and how your skills match up with the role.
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, highlight any relevant experience you have working with disabled children or in similar roles. We love to see real-life examples of how you've made a difference!
Be Honest About Gaps in Employment: If you've had any gaps in your employment history, don't sweat it! Just be upfront about them in the Gaps in Employment grid. We appreciate honesty and want to understand your journey.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a befriender and the specific needs of disabled children. Familiarise yourself with the activities you might be involved in and think about how you can support their social interaction and independence skills.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to supporting disabled children and making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face as a befriender, such as managing challenging behaviour or facilitating group activities. Be ready to discuss how you would handle these situations, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or specific activities you might be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.