Playworker – Children & Young People SENDCAS

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking enthusiastic, caring and reliable playworkers to join our SENDCAS short breaks team. We are looking for individuals who can commit to working both during term time and school holidays.

As a Playworker, you will help create a safe, fun and inclusive environment where children and young people with additional needs can relax, play, explore new activities and build independence. You will work as part of a supportive team to plan and deliver creative play and leisure activities during term-time sessions and school holidays. These run term time Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings. During the holidays, the activities run all week, for a full day.

This role is ideal if you are:

• Passionate about making a positive difference
• Looking for flexible work alongside study or other commitments
• Keen to gain hands-on experience working with children and young people with SEND

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the planning and delivery of safe, creative and enjoyable play and leisure activities
• Work directly with children and young people with additional needs, encouraging inclusion, confidence and choice
• Provide personal care, support with mobility, and administer medication or first aid where required (training provided)
• Act as a positive role model, promoting respect, teamwork and positive behaviour
• Build effective relationships with children, families, carers and colleagues
• Follow safeguarding, health & safety and equality policies at all times
• Contribute to records, feedback and continuous improvement of the service
• Attend training sessions and team meetings as required
• Commit to term time and holiday working

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• NVQ Level 2 (or working towards) or relevant qualifications
• Experience (paid or voluntary) working with children or young people with additional needs
• A caring, patient and inclusive approach
• Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Willingness to provide personal care and work in a physically active environment
• Understand and respect personal boundaries and responsibilities
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner
• Be a role model and promote professionalism in all aspects of the work
• Willingness to work flexibly, including both term time and school holidays
• Satisfactory enhanced DBS check

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact the SENDCAS Team by email SENDCAS@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: These will be carried out on a Tuesday, Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. Please state in your application any days/dates you are not available for interview.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.