555 Support Worker

Are you passionate about delivering a high quality alternative provision for children and young
people aged from 8 to 19 years old and eager to be part of an exciting new chapter? We’re excited
to announce the expansion of our 555 service, and we’re looking for dedicated staff to join our
new team in Guildford!

BENEFITS – What is in it for you?
• To work for an organisation who truly consider work life balance and have high expectations
for our outcomes not only for those who use our services but for our teams as well.
• Free Training – We regularly invite all our staff to free training courses including Disability
and Inclusion Awareness, Medication Administration, Safeguarding, First Aid, Makaton and
more!
• Free DBS – As we require all staff to have a DBS before they start with us, we have decided
to offer this free of charge.
• Pension & Health Care Cash Plan – All our staff have access to a NEST pension and Simply
Health care plan.

ABOUT US – Challengers is a voluntary sector organisation providing play and leisure services to disabled children and young people across Surrey, Hampshire and in Richmond, Kingston, and Chichester. Our 555 Service offers urgent support to families of disabled young people aged 8 – 19 who are currently out of education. This may be due to awaiting a suitable school placement, because the young person has been excluded, or because their current school place cannot provide the appropriate support. We offer a fun, safe space at Challengers during the day where our highly trained staff help young people build their confidence, and prepare them for a successful return to school.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES –
• Being a part of the 555 Project Team to provide a high quality, fun and friendly service for
young people aged 8-18 years, some of which may be extremely vulnerable and may have
been excluded from school setting. This may mean that they may show behaviour that
challenges.
• Assisting the scheme Manager and Deputy in all aspects of caring and supervision of children
and young people who attend Challengers– encouraging and supporting children to fully
realise their abilities and providing a safe and happy play environment.
• To conduct yourself and represent the Charity in a manner which reflects all the values and
principles of The Challengers Approach and always being an advocate for disabled children
and young people at all times, including on social media.
• To provide all aspects of one-to-one, two-to-one or three-to-one care, personal, medical and
intimate care, manual handling tasks and positive behaviour support for the young people
who attend. This includes toileting, feeding and ensuring all care needs are met.
• To support in delivering fun and inspiring ‘play’, by setting up structured activities and
encouraging ‘free play’ amongst the groups. This includes doing out in the community with a
young person to support in developing life skills.
• You are expected to prepare yourself for the day by reading the children’s information
sheets and care plans as well as completing some administrative tasks when required to
support the Manager and Deputy. This can include supporting in sharing of information prior
to a meeting.
• To ensure that the children and young people at 555 are supported physically and
emotionally as required. The children and young people we work with are often in difficult
and stressful situations and you will need to support them, showing appropriate physical
and emotional affection at all times.
• To communicate with confidence and willingness to build relationships with different
stakeholders – your team and children and young people are essential, but you will also
need to build rapport with and share information with Parents at handover times when
required.
• To work as part of a team – this includes communication, sharing information and passing on
your skills to the team; As well as physical team work such as setting up the site, cleaning at
the end of the day, running activities and supporting colleagues with physical tasks.
• To support the team to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act (information and
training available from Challengers). Assisting the team at all Challengers venues and sites to
maintain a clean, tidy, secure site – treating and using buildings, structures, toys and
equipment with respect and care. Reporting any damaged equipment to the Manager and
Deputy.
• To attend staff training to learn new skills which will help to develop an understanding of
good practice in play and leisure for disabled young people. Where possible training will be
provided in Farnham but you may be expected to travel to training that is not in Farnham.
You may be expected to attend training at weekends.
• To report any concern about a child’s welfare or safety in accordance with Challengers
Safeguarding Policy and Procedure.
You’ll be great if you have:
• An understanding and commitment to the development of high quality, interesting, fun and
creative play opportunities for disabled children, even those with behaviour which requires
extra support. Being passionate about providing activities that include all children on
scheme.
• Experience of working with children and young people and want to develop your skills in
supporting those with special educational needs

Challengers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be
subject to an enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job- There is no such thing as the perfect
candidate. Challengers is a place where everyone can grow. We follow equal opportunities so
however, you identify and whatever your background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role
that would make you excited to come into work every day.

Closing Date – 27/9/2024
Interview Date – 3/10/2024 and 4/10/2024
Role expected to start 25th November with induction and training. Guildford 555 Service opening 6th January

Apply