Support Worker for a young girl - 5 to (8hrs sch hols) @ £17.23/hr in Alnwick - Alnwick - NE66

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic Support Worker for a fun-loving 8-year-old girl who has Autism, AHDH and other complex needs.  Ideally you will be energetic, creative, full of ideas and passionate about working with children.  We need someone who isn’t afraid to get involved and join her in her favourite activities and be able to think outside the box.  This little girl loves to play, engage in outdoor activities and create sensory experiences. While she may struggle with verbal communication and self-regulation at times, she’s eager to connect, learn and have fun with someone who can truly understand her needs. We’re looking for someone who can offer her the support and care she deserves, while making the experience enjoyable and fulfilling for her.    
 
Overview of Role:
·       Play & Engage: Help her enjoy her favourite activities both at home and in the garden. Whether it’s running around, playing football, jumping on the trampoline, or creating messy sensory activities. ·       Routine Support: Help with developing and following routines, which can provide her with a sense of security. You'll work with her to reinforce positive communication and behaviour.
·       Supervision & Safety: Close supervision will be always needed as she has no danger awareness. You'll also assist in managing medical equipment (e.g. chest harness, wheelchair, ankle splints), and in administering autoinjectors (anaphylaxis pens) in case of a reaction.
·       Community Activities: As trust builds, you’ll be able to help her access fun activities in the community, going out and about for new experiences.

Experience is not essential:
If you’ve worked with children before and have experience with medical equipment like wheelchairs or restraint harnesses, that’s an advantage, but if not, we will provide the necessary training. ·       Flexibility & Availability:
This role requires someone who’s available for mornings and late afternoons/early evenings and is happy to follow the household rules to ensure her safety and well-being.
·       Creative Problem Solver: We’re looking for someone who can think on their feet, bring fresh ideas, and isn’t afraid to pitch in when needed. If you have a creative mindset and an understanding of how to adapt activities to needs, this is the perfect role for you.
·       Empathy & Patience: You’ll need to understand how she communicates, and have patience and empathy, so you can build a strong bond and help her express herself in positive ways. 

Hours: 5 hours per week in term time weeks, either mornings or late afternoons (would fit around school run commitments for applicants) and 8 hours per week in school holiday weeks.  Some Saturday’s could be required, this will be discussed at interview.  
Rate of pay: £17.23 per hour. Holiday entitlement is 5.6 weeks per year pro-rata. Any out-of-pocket expenses will be met by the employer, this will be further explained at interview. Benefit access, ILGPA, which will also be explained at interview.  

Person Specification
The successful applicant must:

·       Have a positive understanding about children who have disabilities
·       Have a genuine interest in working with children with complex needs
·       Have a high degree of initiative and be able to respond positively and sensitively to any changes in behaviour
·       Be punctual and reliable as the child cannot be left unsupervised
·       Be flexible
·       Have a happy, positive and caring nature
·       Respect confidentiality 

Car driver essential and must be insured for business use.
 
 The successful candidate will require an Enhanced Certificate of Disclosure (DBS), cost to be met by employer.