Are you interested in a job that is all about helping people have fun, develop and grow?

Are you looking for a job that is full of activity, is sometimes challenging, and always satisfying? Then being a KIDS Direct Short Break Worker may be just what you are looking for!

This is an exciting opportunity to help provide a Short Break service for Disabled children and young people aged from 0-25 and their families.

The job may involve a visit to the child’s home, taking the child or young person out on short trips, or perhaps even going to the pub with an 18+ Disabled young person. Some families may ask you to accompany them on family trips and outings to act as an extra pair of hands.

Watch the video of Lydia to find out what it is like to be a Short Break Worker...

 

No experience?

If you do have experience of working with Disabled children or young people – great! However, it is more important that you are friendly, caring, willing to learn and enjoying being with children and young people.

KIDS will provide you with full training free of charge, giving you the opportunity to work towards a National Vocational Qualification, and you will be fully supported throughout your employment.

Listen to Kevin Williams - KIDS Chief Executive, talk about the organisation and what you can expect from our training programme...  

 

How it works

You can apply online and if you have the skills and experience we are looking for you will be invited to an interview. If successful, you will create a profile about yourself on our website detailing your skills, interests and experience. You will also undertake 9 hours of e-learning before working with families.

Our service users request a Short Break and select a Short Break Worker via our website. If they select you, the details of their request will be sent to you via SMS text message and email. You can then respond saying whether or not you are available to provide their Short Break.

Generally, you will be offered approximately 12-15 hours of work per week, although this can vary and you can accept or decline work according to your availability.

What is the hourly rate of pay?

Short Break Workers operating outside of London will be paid an hourly rate of £7.39. London weighting is paid to those working inside London making the hourly rate £9.17. Both hourly rates include holiday pay at 12.07%

The small print

You need to be aged 18 or over and be willing to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and some online training before starting work. We also expect all our Short Break Workers to promote Disability Equality; it’s essential you view the children and young people you work with as children and young people first – with likes and dislikes, interests and hobbies - before seeing any impairment they may have.

More questions?

Take a look through this section’s FAQ to get all the information you need!

If you still have questions, or would just like to talk about what it's like to be a KIDS Direct Short Break Worker, then please contact us. We'd be delighted to hear from you!