Job Description
🌈 Short Break Worker (SEND) × 3
Wakefield District • Children & Young People’s Services • Immediate Start
Give families breathing-space and help children with complex needs enjoy fun, safe short breaks. We’re hiring three compassionate, hands-on staff to join our specialist SEND Short Break Service.
What you’ll be doing
1. Support children & young people (some 18+) with severe learning and/or physical disabilities during their short-break stays
2. Use creative play, basic signing and alternative communication to engage non-verbal guests
3. Deliver personal care with dignity, using safe manual-handling techniques
4. Keep detailed records, follow individual care plans and champion every child’s progress
5. Work rota’d shifts: 07:00-10:30 • 14:30-22:00 • 14:30-19:30 (weekdays & weekends)
What you’ll bring
6. SEND experience in residential, respite, school or community settings
7. Training in manual handling, first aid & behaviour management (top-up provided)
8. Confident written & spoken English plus experience communicating with non-verbal people
9. Level 3 Diploma/NVQ in Residential Childcare (or commitment to start the Level 4 apprenticeship)
10. Full UK driving licence (desirable)
Why join us?
11. Friendly, skilled team with excellent mentoring
12. Additional paid training in PECS, Makaton & therapeutic approaches
13. Sleep-in / on-call allowances and overtime opportunities
14. Mileage paid for community activities and home visits
15. Real career pathways into senior SEND and social-care roles
Ready to make a difference every shift?
Send your CV to rob@semester.co.uk or call 0161 419 9285 for a quick, confidential chat.
Apply today and start empowering extraordinary young people tomorrow!
You must have:
16. Post qualified experience.
17. Enhanced DBS/Update service.
18. References required for the last 5 years of employment.
Benefits of working with Semester.co.uk:
19. Free on-going training opportunities upon registering as part of our commitment to you.
20. Competitive Rates of pay
21. In house payroll, providing weekly payments and support
22. Enhanced DBS completed.
23. Support and expert advice from an approachable, dedicated and friendly team
24. An assigned dedicated & experienced consultant
25. Various employment opportunities in your preferred geographical area