Group Support Worker - Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Do you want the chance to learn new skills, work in a fun and dynamic team, all whilst making a real difference?
We need enthusiastic team members who want to provide excellent services to young people with Down's syndrome. 21 Together highly values staff professional development, so the role will come with full, expert training. We are looking for people with an excellent rapport with young people, who can adjust their communication style according to the needs of the young person. This role would suit an energetic individual with a can-do attitude, and a love for learning new skills.
Vacancy:
21 Together run direct intervention groups for children and young people, providing a syndrome-specific intervention service covering cognition, language and physical skills for children with Down’s syndrome. Part of this is S-Club, a social group for young people with Down’s syndrome aged 11-18years and SClub+ for those aged 18-25, which follow smiLE therapy, providing time to connect with others and skills sessions focussing on communication, relationships, community and identity.
We are looking for a member of support staff to help us deliver this programme under expert guidance. The role will require you to work closely with the young people with Down’s syndrome, teaching staff and speech therapists. The majority of the role will be working with children aged 11-25 years in SClub and SClub+.
This role is in-person in Maidstone on Saturdays during term time.
Please note that our recruitment policy does not allow for unsuccessful candidates to apply for the same role within a 12 month period.
Hours / Days approximate only:
- 09:00 – 16:00 : 6.5hrs x30 Saturdays (including a 30min unpaid lunch) supporting S-Club (11-18yrs)
- 16:00 – 18:00: 2hrs x1 per month supporting S-Club+ (18-25yrs)
Additional hours possible during Easter and Summer School Holidays, along with school half terms, to support at holiday clubs, as well as one-off events and activity sessions.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Group Support Worker
MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB
To help deliver 21 Together education and intervention programmes, including training and learning; that assists children, young people and young adults who have Down’s syndrome to develop their communication and life skills.
DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- To support their team in all aspects of delivering the intervention groups, speech groups, social communication groups, education groups and / or holiday camps.
- To assist and / or deliver intervention groups as directed by the Inclusion Practitioner or attending therapist / specialist.
- To enable all families to access and leave the building safely.
- To liaise with parents, answer basic questions and take messages for the group lead.
- To set up and tidy away the environment as directed by group lead.
- To assist at speech clubs for children and young people with Down’s syndrome. This includes assisting and / or delivering in whole group time, small intervention time, lunch times, free time and set up/clear up.
- Contribute to the provision of a safe and stimulating play environment.
- Maintenance of appropriate records, registers and reports as directed.
- Contribute to and be involved in liaising with parents/carers/other family members.
- Contribute to team meetings to facilitate the planning and preparation of activities.
- Assist in the planning, preparation and delivery of activities, which meet children’s individual developmental needs.
- Adhering to all safeguarding requirements and any procedures.
- Maintain service-user confidentiality at all times.
- Attend internal & external meetings as necessary, to ensure the successful delivery and development of the service.
It is the nature of the post that tasks and responsibilities are, in many circumstances, unpredictable and varied. The post holder will therefore be expected to work in a flexible way.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- The support worker will work closely with the group leaders. It is vital they can work as a team and create a consistent environment and approach within the groups. This approach will be led by the group leader.
- The support worker will be responsible for the following of the 21 Together Safeguarding Policy in respect to all sessions and Speech Clubs.
- The support worker will be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and data protection.
- The support worker will be aware of and support difference and ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
- The support worker will attend and participate in regular meetings with the 21 Together Management and such training and other learning activities as required by 21 Together from time to time.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The following are essential requirements for the role:
- Excellent rapport with children and young people
- Confident communication skills with a range of ages and learning abilities
- Effective communication skills both written and spoken
- Ability to deliver activities according to guidance from the Speech and Language therapist, specialist teacher and group lead
- Effective organisational skills
- Ability to effectively manage the learning and wider environment
- Innovative with strong interpersonal skills and good team player
- Effective time management skills and ability to deliver to deadlines
- Ability to demonstrate discretion and to handle confidential information sensitively
- High degree of self-motivation and commitment to the community you will be working with
- Commitment to the vision and aims of 21 Together
- Confidence in the use of IT
- Ability to assist in making appropriate resources for sessions
- Must have a full DBS check or willing to undertake one
- Must have completed Safeguarding Training and have a sound knowledge of safeguarding issues or be willing to undertake this
- Must have completed first aid and safety training or be willing to undertake this
- Experience of working in teams and independently
- Should be able to use Makaton signing or be willing to undergo this training
The following are desirable for the role:
- Experience of working with children or young people to improve their communication skills
- Experience of providing support for people with Down’s syndrome and their families or of working with people with learning disabilities in social or educational environment
- Experience of delivering set therapeutic or educational interventions under guidance is preferred
- Knowledge of augmentative communication systems, be willing to train on the job, or attend any relevant training as specified by the charity
- Knowledge of successful strategies for promoting positive behaviour
- Full driving licence (beneficial for occasional travel; not a requirement).
Role to start September 2026
Potential Interview Dates: 5th, 11th, 12th and 29th August.
Assessment Date: Between 17th - 19th August - Exact date to be confirmed.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent, Temporary, Temp to perm
Pay: £13.46 per hour
Experience:
- working with children and young people: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
