Senior Support Staff - West Suffolk, United Kingdom - Project 21

Description

Project 21 is a registered charity running activities, clubs and events for people of all ages and abilities with Down's Syndrome.

We pride ourselves on offering a high quality service and invaluable support network to the families who join us. We currently have three branches across Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

We create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere at every activity we offer, and the emphasis is on having fun and making friends.

Contract & Pay

• Parttime, 14hrs per week

- £10,192 per annum (£14ph)


Usual hours of work (Thursdays and Saturdays)

Flexibility required

Term-time

Senior Support role:

• Thursday
• 10am4pm (Culture Club Bury)

Branch Lead role:

• Thursday

pm (21 Club Bury)

• Saturday
• 11am3.30pm (Cambridge DS Football & Musical Theatre sessions)
• Flexi
• 1.5hrs

Half-terms and school holidays

• Monday or Thursday
• 10am4pm (Cambridge Dance Workshop)
• Thursday

pm (21 Club Bury)

• Flexi
• 6hrs

Flexi hours explained;

• Term time flexi
• 2hrs: Includes payment towards travel time. Flexi hours to be used communicating with parents, staff and members outside of sessions and/or assist with venue set up
• Halfterm/school holiday flexi
• 12hrs: Will be used supporting additional holiday activities and trips. Planning time with management may also be allocated. You may be asked to travel to other branches for activities and trips

Main purposes of job

• To be a senior member of staff at activities, clubs and events
• Work alongside the management team to plan and deliver fun, safe sessions
• Provide cover for other Seniors/Branch Leads at sessions when required
• Ensure safety of all participants at Project 21 sessions (be involved in the risk assessment processes for relevant activities)

Key tasks

Branch Lead;

• Be prompt and have sessions set up before members arrive
• Ensure refreshments, registers, sound systems and equipment are available for use during each session
• Support parents, staff and members by dealing with any conflicts and/or issues that may arise
• Delegate branch support staff to take on suitable tasks throughout sessions
• Be aware of all charity policies and procedures (particularly First Aid, Safeguarding and Incident reporting). Branch Leads know where the equipment/documents are kept at every session and what to do should an incident occur
• Complete branch admin to a high standard, including; updating member profiles, keeping registers of member participation, communicating upcoming activity details with parents/carers/Staff, coordinating staff for each session
• Participate in the preparation and planning of organised sessions and activities for Project 21

Senior Support Staff;

• Support Project 21 members to grow in confidence and independence whilst attending sessions
• Communicating with parents and/or members regarding upcoming sessions via charity WhatsApp groups

Key objectives

• Promote a positive, upbeat, community atmosphere whereby people enjoy attending and feel valued
• Support members to attend wellorganised, planned sessions that feel relaxed, fun and calm
• Opportunity to take on more responsibility and progress within the charity

Responsible for staff/equipment

• Responsible for supporting management and assisting with any incidents when required
• Responsible for leading staff during activity
• Responsible for ensuring sessions run smoothly
• Dealing with any issues that may arise on the day in a calm, efficient manner
• Responsible for assessing safety of venue before session begins (e.g. visual risk assessment of area before allowing members in)
• Responsible for ensuring all venues are cleared and tidied before leaving premises
• Ensuring any equipment used within venue is used safely and returned in acceptable condition after session

Requirements:


Applicants must be aged 18 or older
Desired education

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (including Maths and English)

Licence required

• Full driving licence
• Access to own car during work hours

Desired experience

• Experience of supporting people with learning disabilities
• Experience working as part of a team
• Knowledge of the local Down's Syndrome Community and their key ambitions, goals and aims
• Experience in supporting people who have Down's Syndrome (in paid and/or voluntary capacity)

Necessary skills

• Good communication skills
• Confident taking the lead when required
• Resilient
• Creative
• Willingness to learn

Special demands

• Willingness to cover colleagues from other branches as and when required
• Willingness to work flexibly

Personality traits

• Ability to stay calm under pressure
• Patient, caring and understanding of others
• A team player
• Friendly, positive, and approachable attitude
• Commitment to empowering those with Down's Syndrome to live fulfilled lives

Job Type:
Part-time


Salary:
£14.00 per hour


Benefits:

• Onsite parking

Schedule:

• Weekend avail