Children's Support Worker

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.

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 carer, 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.

**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

**Desired Criteria**
- Knowledge of Makaton sign language
- Ability to drive a minibus
- Relevant professional qualification (e.g., NVQ, QCF)

**Skills Needed**

Listening/ Active Listening, Teamwork, Ability to support clients with learning disabilities and/or complex needs, Providing personal care

**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.

Join us in our mission to make a positive difference in people's lives.

**Company Benefits**

At Guild Care, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees in every aspect of their lives—financially, professionally, and personally.

**Health and Wellbeing**

Your wellbeing is our priority. Staff benefit from an annual Wellbeing Day, free flu vaccinations, and confidential support through the BHSF Employee Assistance Programme. With scheme