People in Action has been working with people with learning disabilities and autism in Leeds since 1983. We have an exciting opportunity that has arisen for two new members of staff to join our Play Fun Learn, Children’s Group which is located at The Vinery Centre, Leeds, LS9 9LU.

We have two vacancies available:

1 x Group Play Worker – Fixed Term Contract to 31st December 2020 (Subject to review in line with current funding)

1 x Group Play Worker – Maternity Contract up to 31st December 2020 (If successful with extension of funding this role could last approx. to 7th March 2021)

You will be a part of a team which includes 1 group lead along with 3 support workers.

To assist in the delivery of the Play, Fun, Learn sessions, providing inclusive youth-led activities to children with learning disabilities, including autism and Asperger’s, aged 8 – 12 years old. You will be responsible for contributing to the development of activities which meet the outcomes of the project whilst supporting and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children during the session.

We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic person who has experience of working with children who have a learning disability, Autism or complex needs.

The sessions run on Sundays between 10am and 2pm, working over 40 weeks per year. Please note this is not a term time position. The rate of pay for a Group Play Worker is £9 per hour.

We will receive the final decision to any extension of funding in August 2020.

If you are interested in applying for the role, please visit our website on: http://peopleinaction.org.uk/get-involved/job-vacancies/ to download the application form and job description. You can return the form via email to leigh-ann.hays@peopleinaction.org.uk or post/drop the form into our office at The Old Fire Station.

You can also request an application pack or request further information on the role by contacting Leigh-Ann Hays on 0113 2443729 or via email on leigh-ann.hays@peopleinaction.org.uk

Closing date for applications: Sunday 23rd February 2020 at 11:59pm

Interviews to be held on: Thursday 27th February 2020 / Friday 28th February 2020

Advert Wording – PFL, Childrens Group Play Worker

Application Form

Job Description and Person Specification

Skills and Experiences

 

People in Action (Yorkshire) 

Job description and person specification  

Play Fun Learn, Childrens Group Play Worker  

 

Duration: Fixed term contract until December 2020 (subject to review) 

Day: Sundays (10am – 2pm) 

Salary Rate:   £9 per hour        

Hours:4 hours per week (40 weeks per year) 

 ** PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A TERM TIME ONLY POSITION**  

Location: The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, LS9 9LU 

Holidays:5 sessions per year   

Responsible to:Danielle Martin, Project Manager 

 

 

About People in Action (Yorkshire)  

People in Action (Yorkshire) is a thriving Leeds based charity, established in 1983 to benefit people with learning disabilities, difficulties, autism and similar conditions. The charity makes a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable and socially isolated; inspiring and empowering people to recognise their potential, fulfil their aspirations and lead safer healthier, better connected lives. 

The charity provides a range of innovative, inclusive, person centred services which reflect the needs of the people it supports. The activities are wide ranging and include the provision of opportunities for leisure, learning, employment, health, wellbeing and the development of life skills. The range of activities runs from practical courses in employability to social groups that meet in the community to enjoy leisure time together.  Through individual care packages the charity also provides practical one to one support tailored to the needs to the individual.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purpose of the post.  

To assist in the delivery of the Play, Fun, Learn sessions, providing inclusive youth-led activities to children with learning disabilities, including autism and Asperger’s, aged 8 – 12 years old. You will be responsible for contributing to the development of activities which meet the outcomes of the project whilst supporting and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children during the session.  

You will be part of a small team, which includes, 1 group lead and 3 play workers.  

Key duties and Responsibilities 

  • To support and encourage children in the group to participate in the activities. 
  • Support the group lead in delivering activities and contribute towards ideas. 
  • To facilitate and carry out support in accordance with each child’s risk assessment and individual profiles. 
  • Encourage and engage our members to meet their needs and aspirations 
  • To be responsible for reporting any safeguarding concerns to the relevant parties.  
  • To ensure the social, emotional, communication and physical needs of each young person is met in a manner that is sensitive to the religious, cultural, linguistic and ethnic origins of the individual. 
  • To use skills to communicate effectively with all members, and ensure an inclusive approach to each young person’s individual communication skills.  
  • To ensure clear communication with members and positive relationships with parents and carers. This includes utilising the young person’s communication book. 
  • To assist with group activities, including external day trips and visits to shops/parks/etc. 
  • To work as a team to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children at all times.  
  • To attend all relevant training required for this role.  
  • To attend any meetings with the Project Manager throughout the 6 month probation process.  
  • To continuously monitor and collect feedback from the children using creative and inclusive methods.  
  • To contribute to the promotion and marketing of the project where required. 
  • Ensure all relevant procedures are fully adhered to including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Confidentiality and Data Protection. 
  • To listen and act on any compliments and complaints from stakeholders by taking responsibility for informing the group lead and/or the project coordinator.  
  • Any other reasonable duties as required 

 

 

 

Person Specification  

We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic person who has experience of working with children and children who have a learning disability, Autism or complex needs, 

 

All the below are ESSENTIAL criteria for the role; 

  • Minimum of 6 months experience of working with people with learning disabilities, Autism and complex needs. 
  • Experience of working with children and young people. 
  • Experience of managing challenging behaviour and adopting positive behavior strategies with children and young people. 
  • Confident in following personalised support plans and risk assessments. 
  • Experience of supporting or providing activities for children with additional needswhich are inclusive, safe, fun and age appropriate.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
  • Ability to use a variety of communication tools and inclusive methods when working with children. 
  • Ability to engage and build rapport with children. 
  • A proactive individual who works well within a team 
  • Knowledge and commitment to a person-centered approach 
  • A positive, creative approach towards working with children 
  • An understanding of safeguarding. 
  • An understanding of equal opportunities and commitment to inclusion. 
  • An understanding of health and safety and risk assessments. 
  • Ability to communicate professionally with parents/carers and colleagues 
  • An enthusiastic and flexible approach to the post, with a commitment to the group and good time-keeping skills. 

 

This Job Description is not exhaustive. It will be subject to periodic review and may be amended following discussion between the post-holder and employer. 

Contact: Leigh-Ann Hays leigh-ann.hays@peopleinaction.org.uk 0113 2443729