Thurrock Council
Specialist Support Worker
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Job Description
Salary: £15.16 per hour Grade: C Contract: Permanent Hours: Part Time: Various Hours available (Saturdays, after school and half terms)
The Disabled Children’s Short Breaks and Outreach Service provide short break sessions for children after school, during weekends and during school holidays.
Are you enthusiastic and would like to work with our wonderful children? We are looking for staff that will support qualified centre staff and also lead and facilitate short break sessions to provide children with safe fun and challenging activities. You will be working with children aged 4-18 with a broad spectrum of needs.
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Directly support children attending the Disabled Children’s Short Breaks and Outreach Service.
- Assist in the setting up and putting away of activities/equipment during sessions.
- Where necessary to plan and lead sessions (dependant on qualification) taking responsibility for children and staff.
- Assist in maintaining the play area; ensuring safety, cleanliness and providing an enriching learning environment for our children.
- Develop positive relationships with the children and young people who attend our services.
- Engage and support children and young people in social, recreational decision making opportunities.
- Support the developmental needs of the children and young people accessing our service.
- Work effectively with colleagues to provide a safe and stimulating environment for the children and young people accessing our service.
It is desirable for successful candidates to hold a Level 3 childcare qualification.
Successful applicants will have previous experience of direct work with disabled children.
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For an informal discussion about these posts, please contact Lauren Riddick, Centre Manager or Jackie Harper, Deputy Manager on 01375 652200.
A Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced level with Children's Barred List will be required for this post.
Closing Date: 22nd February 2026 Interviews Date: TBC
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
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Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application.
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Applicants who hold a Visa must provide valid evidence of their right to work in the UK for this role. If you are applying under the Skilled Worker Visa route for supplementary employment, please ensure the role is eligible by reviewing the criteria outlined on the official government website: Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
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Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our Location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff Benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here: Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
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