Support Worker – Children’s Services

The short breaks service for children with disabilities within the City of York have an exciting opportunity for support workers to join our short breaks team in York.

Due to development of our services for children with disabilities in York, we have a number of posts for support work.

This service has been relocating to a new purpose built centre for children with disabilities, which will ensure services for children with disabilities are innovative, flexible and integrated.

Our new Short Breaks offer will provide services for children with disabilities and their families based from one building, this will include;

• Community short breaks support services.
• Residential short breaks provision for children and young people with Autism, Learning Disabilities and/or additional complex health needs.
• Therapeutic short breaks - a specialist clinical psychology led intensive assessment and intervention service for families with children and young people who have Autism and/or Learning Disabilities.

While experience of working with children with disabilities is preferred, it is not essential for these roles as training will be given. However, experience in social care, enthusiasm and a passion for working with children to support their development is essential.

The role of support worker is an invaluable one: it is rewarding, complex and challenging and you will play an essential role in providing support and direct care to children. You will work closely with children and young people and be working with their families to ensure we have a good knowledge and understanding of their children and provide excellent care and opportunities.

You may be asked to work across both community and residential services. Should you work in the residential short breaks, you will be required to study towards a level 3 qualification if you do not already have one.

You will be supported by a senior team, have a thorough induction into your role and also have opportunities for supervision, training and development to support the work that you do.

As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level C1: Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.

City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Council is highly committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Wendy Berkett, Deputy Manager Wendy.berkett@york.gov.uk or on 07748933237

Closing date: Sunday 18 June 2023 at midnight

Interview date: TBC