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.
Location: Durrington, Worthing, West Sussex
- Hours: 7 hours per week - Weekend and School Holiday availability required
Contract: Fixed Term for 12 months
Salary: Mon-Fri: £12.80 per hour | Saturday: £13.44 per hour | Sunday: £14.08 per hour
Closing Date: Tuesday 9th September 2025 at 5pm
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, in one of our buildings, the local community and/or via telephone, Skype, Zoom
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.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.
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 schemes like Cycle 2 Work, free eye tests for eligible roles, and mental health support through the Care Workers Charity, we aim to promote a healthier, happier workforce.
Work-life Balance
We understand the importance of flexibility, offering favourable holiday terms, flexible working options, homeworking opportunities, and carers’ leave to help you balance work with life’s demands.
Professional Development
At Guild Care, your career growth is important to us. We provide progressive career pathways, mandatory training programmes, in-house learning opportunities, and access to professional qualifications, including accredited programmes and the Care Certificate.
A Supportive Work Environment
Join a local charity with over 90 years of history and a strong community focus. Employees enjoy supportive colleagues, job satisfaction, and opportunities to engage in events and fundraising activities. Our inclusive culture features initiatives such as length of service recognition, annual staff awards, and employee networking groups.
At Guild Care, we reinvest all our surpluses into our services, staff, and community, ensuring your work makes a meaningful difference every day.
Join us and be part of something extraordinary!
Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee development programs, Employee discounts, Gym membership or wellness programs, Cycle to work, Referral bonus, Competitive salary, Long service recognition, Employee Assistance Scheme, Wellbeing Scheme, Blue Light Card, Work With Charities, Social Opportunities, Progression opportunities, Staff celebration events
Salary
£12.80 - £14.08 per hour