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- Tasks: Support and engage with children aged 4-18 with diverse needs in a fun, safe environment.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, ongoing training, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing essential skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and 3 years' experience with disabled children required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for a Specialist Playworker to work with children aged 4-18 with a broad spectrum of needs. The role involves direct support, specialist health care tasks and coordination with multi-disciplinary teams.
Responsibilities
- Undertake direct work with disabled children of all ages, particularly those with complex needs.
- Write and oversee care planning for children with specialist health care needs.
- Complete specialist health care tasks such as enteral feeding, suction, oxygen administration, diabetes management, epilepsy awareness, manual handling and administration of emergency medication.
- Train and support staff in specialist health care tasks.
- Manage and oversee the complex needs group.
- Work closely with the specialist health care team to ensure staff training is up to date.
- Respond appropriately to emergency situations.
- Liaise with other agencies involved with the child (Social Care, Education, Health, Children’s Community Nursing Team, training provider).
- Assess needs and provide specialist health care support to ensure individual health care needs are met.
- Work with families in their homes and build good relationships with parents/carers.
- Assist in setting up and putting away activity equipment during sessions.
- Carry out detailed observations.
- Plan, lead and facilitate short break sessions for disabled children, taking overall responsibility for children and staff.
- Maintain the play area, ensuring safety, cleanliness and an enriching learning environment.
- Develop positive relationships with children and young people who attend our services.
- Engage and support children and young people in social, recreational decision-making opportunities.
- Support developmental needs of children and young people accessing our service.
- Work effectively with colleagues to provide a safe and stimulating environment.
- Attend multi-professional meetings and maintain case recordings/prepare reports for meetings.
- Report to the Team Manager any changes in child behaviour, injuries or other incidents.
- Provide outreach support to children and families in their homes.
- Help support independence and life-skills development for young people.
- Undertake specific identified work with individual young people.
Essential Qualifications
The successful applicant will hold a Level 3 childcare qualification (or equivalent) and have at least 3 years of experience working with disabled children with complex needs in a professional setting. DBS Check Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced level with Children’s Barred list required.
Benefits of Working with Us
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Flexibility and hybrid working (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
Closing Dates
Redeployment only: 6th November 2025 Internal & External: 16th November 2025
Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process Gap Management is required for all safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid and upload under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Upload copies of any relevant qualifications if listed as essential in the Job Profile or Person Specification.
Specialist Playworker in Tilbury employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Playworker in Tilbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of playwork or related areas. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals and share your passion for working with children with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience and qualifications, especially those related to specialist health care tasks. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Specialist Playworker. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are key traits we look for in a Specialist Playworker.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Playworker in Tilbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with complex needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in your application. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've supported disabled children and managed complex needs, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific health care tasks mentioned in the job description, like enteral feeding and diabetes management. Brush up on these topics so you can confidently discuss your experience and how you would handle these responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work where you’ve successfully supported children with complex needs. Think about specific situations where you made a difference, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves working closely with children and families, practice how you’ll build relationships. Be prepared to discuss how you engage with children and their parents, and how you create a supportive environment for them.
✨Team Player Mindset
Highlight your ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams. Think of examples where you collaborated with other professionals, and be ready to explain how you ensure effective communication and coordination in your work.
