Respite Worker

Have you ever thought of a career caring for children and young people?

The Ark respite centre is a short break provision that offer short term care for up to 4 young people with disabilities.

The centre supports children between the ages of 4 – 18 years old, who have been assessed as ‘in need’ of extra support, to support families to remain at home.

The children who access The Ark may display challenging behaviour and the young people are supported to learn to develop new coping skills.

The Ark is unique as it has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the children and we have our own soft play, sensory room, communal areas to engage in fun activities.

The Role:

You will work as part of a dedicated staff team to provide the best possible care.

This will involve close personal care (including bathing and changing), building relationships, alternative methods of communication, engaging in activities within the centre and within the community, behavioural support and administering medication.

The centre will provide you with all the mandatory training you require and will be looking to advance your professional opportunity in the care sector.

You will be expected to work within The Ark’s vision of providing high quality care and support to children, young people and their families as detailed in the Centre’s Statement of Purpose.

The role will involve working a range of shifts including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and waking night shifts.

The successful applicant for this post will be required to apply for a Children’s Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Skills and experience:

• Previous experience of working with children and young people with disabilities
• Have sound communication skills, verbal, written and be an active listener
• Take on role as keyworker and attend meetings as required.
• Administer medication
• Resilient
• Able to use different methods of communication, such as BSL, Makaton, Pec Symbols, Voca’s.
• Reliable and flexible in your approach to work.
• Be caring, nurturing and able to meet all the needs of the children in our care.
• At least one year’s experience working in residential services.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent as stated in the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 or willingness to work towards this.
• Be physically fit, to be able to undertake mandatory training in line to the role.
• Driving Licence (desirable)

Benefits and what we offer.

• Competitive Salary
• 28 days holiday allowance, this entitlement includes every Bank Holiday off work
• Free parking
• Free meals whilst at work
• Free Training and Qualifications
• Enhanced DBS
• Company pension
• Career and progression opportunities
• Positive and rewarding job role
• Sick pay entitlement
• Pension

In accordance with The Arks requirements, candidates must be a minimum of 22 years of age or above to apply.

Please look at the attached job description and if you would like a discussion further about the role and The Ark Respite, then please email [email protected] or call on:01642 292920

To apply, please complete attached application form fully, explaining how you meet the above criteria. [email protected]

It is anticipated that interviews will be held week commencing 20 Oct 2025