Job Description
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children with special educational needs? Join our team at the Ashdown Children's Centre in Durrington as a Children's Support Worker!
We are looking for inspiring and motivated individuals who are dedicated to providing care for young people with complex needs. If you are currently working as a Teaching Assistant or a personal assistant supporting young people with special educational needs, we would love to hear from you.
Please note: Applicants must be aged 18 years or older.
* Location: Durrington, Worthing, West Sussex
* Hours: Bank - Weekend and School Holiday availability required
* Salary: Mon-Fri: £12.00 per hour | Saturday: £12.60 per hour | Sunday: £13.20 per hour
The service runs on weekends and during school holidays. This role would especially be ideal for applicants currently working in SEN environments looking to gain additional experience on weekends and outside of term time.
If you are passionate about making a difference and meet our key requirements, we encourage you to apply!
About The Role
As a Children's Support Worker at the Ashdown Centre, you will be the welcoming face that greets our service users and provides direct care and support. Our sessions offer much-needed respite and support for families and carers of young people with learning disabilities and complex needs.
We adopt a child-centred approach to our support services, with activities led by our Support Worker that include arts and crafts, cooking, sensory play, and outdoor sessions. If you are a keen cook or a budding gardener, we want to hear from you!
Your role involves supervising and facilitating inclusive experiences for our families and young people. A cheerful disposition and the ability to approach each day with a smile are essential.
Some personal care may be required in this role, so familiarity or willingness to learn these skills is highly desirable. Additionally, knowledge of key safeguarding principles and professional standards is advantageous.
Skills Needed
People, Nursing / Caring
About The Company
Our story
Guild Care was founded in Worthing in 1933 by visionary volunteers dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals in the local community. Originally known as Worthing Council of Social Service, the organisation focused on alleviating poverty, isolation, and health challenges during difficult times. Over the following decades, Guild Care consistently expanded its services, proactively responding to the community's evolving needs.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Guild Care established innovative day centres and residential care homes, significantly enhancing life quality for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Adapting continually, the charity later introduced specialised dementia care facilities and tailored services for those with learning disabilities.
Today, Guild Care supports over 3,000 people annually across West Sussex through a range of community-focused services. Remaining true to its founding values, the organisation is one of Worthing's largest employers, powered by almost 700 dedicated staff members and the essential contributions of more than 300 volunteers, all united in making a meaningful difference.
Company Culture
Our vision
Our vision is for all people in need of care to live fulfilling, safe and secure lives .
Our mission
We will achieve our vision by ensuring our support and services are accessible, effective and lovingly delivered .
Our BELIEF values
Brave | Engaging | Loving | Integrity | Everyone Matters | Free to Be Me
Our equality statement
At Guild Care, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and equality. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and enables us to better serve our community.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.
Join us in our mission to make a positive difference in people's lives.
Desired Criteria
* Knowledge and understanding of the needs of adults and children with learning and physical disabilities, complex health needs, autism, and their carers
* Understanding of safeguarding
* Experience of working with parents/carers
* Experience of working in the care sector
* Experience of enabling people to engage in a wide range of activities within a day service setting and the local community
* Knowledge of Makaton sign language
* Ability to drive a minibus
* Relevant professional qualification (e.g., NVQ, QCF)
Required Criteria
* Proven experience and a passion for supporting adults and children with learning disabilities and other complex needs to live life to the full
* Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with a range of different people, including people who access services, relatives, carers, staff, and other professionals
* Ability to maintain confidentiality
* Ability to administer medication (training will be provided) and provide personal care
* Ability to provide practical assistance to enable the people we support to engage in a wide range of activities, in one of our buildings, the local community and/or via telephone, Skype, Zoom
* Ability to follow guidance to support individuals with their behaviour if required
* Excellent IT and literacy skills
* Ability to work across all Guild Care Services for children and adults with learning disabilities
* Works well as part of a team and also able to work alone
* Follows correct policies and procedures in all aspects of work
* Ability to work flexibly including occasional evenings and/or weekends
* Ability to travel (mainly in the Worthing area)
* Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Check
Closing DateThursday 26th June, 2025