Short Breaks Worker - Waltham Forest & Hackney

KIDS'; London Borough of Hackney; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Flexible work opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension scheme

Mileage/travel expenses (if applicable

Opportunities to progress within Kids

Job summary

Kids is seeking compassionate individuals to work as Sessional Short Breaks Workers, providing 1:1 support to disabled children and young people in home and community settings. Flexible evenings, weekends, and school holidays.

You’ll help children enjoy meaningful activities, build confidence and life skills, and work toward individual goals in a safe, person-centred way.

Desirable childcare qualifications and first aid are welcomed; DBS checks and safeguarding procedures are standard.

Qualifications

• Understanding the needs of disabled children and young people.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting wellbeing.
• Effective communication and adaptability for each child.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 short breaks for disabled children and young people.
• Support access to activities based on interests (parks, museums, shops, swimming, cycling).
• Promote independence, inclusion and positive outcomes.
• Provide practical and emotional support in a safe, person-centred way.
• Work towards goals in each child’s individual support plan.

Skills

Understanding of disabled children’s/Y

Safeguarding

Communication skills

Independence

Evenings/weekends/school holidays

Education

Childcare qualifications (NVQ or equivalent)

Paediatric first aid certificate

Moving and handling training

Job description

Are you looking for a flexible role where you can make a real difference to disabled children and young people?

Kids is looking for Sessional Short Breaks Workers to provide 1:1 support to disabled children and young people. This is a rewarding, flexible role where every session is shaped around the individual child’s interests — no two days are the same.

You’ll support children both in their homes and out in the community, helping them enjoy meaningful activities while building confidence, independence, and life skills.

You may support children and young people with autism, learning disabilities, physical disabilities and complex needs.

Sessional Short Breaks Worker

Location: Across Waltham Forest and Hackney, including E10, E11, E17, E4, N16, E8, E9 and E5
Hours: Flexible sessional hours are available during evenings, weekends, and school holidays
Pay: £14.80 per hour (£16.59 per hour including holiday pay)

What You’ll Do

• Provide 1:1 short breaks for disabled children and young people
• Support children to access activities based on their interests, such as:
  • Trips to parks, soft play, museums, and shops
  • Swimming, cycling, and other physical activities
• Promote independence, inclusion, and positive outcomes
• Provide practical and emotional support in a safe, person-centred way
• Work towards goals set out in each child’s individual support plan

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking caring, enthusiastic, and reliable individuals who:

• Have an understanding of the needs of disabled children and young people
• Are committed to safeguarding and promoting wellbeing
• Can communicate effectively and adapt their approach to each child
• Are confident working independently and using their initiative
• Are available to work evenings, weekends, and school holidays

Experience working with disabled children is desirable but not essential.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Childcare qualifications (NVQ or equivalent)
• Paediatric first aid certificate
• Moving and handling training

Why Join Kids?

• Flexible work – ideal for students, parents, or alongside other roles
• Make a real difference – your support directly impacts children and families
• Training and development – we’ll support you to grow your skills and confidence
• Supportive team – be part of a passionate organisation making positive change in the community

Benefits:

• Paid training
• Flexible working opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension scheme
• Mileage/travel expenses (if applicable)
• Opportunities to progress within Kids

Kids is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and safer recruitment procedures.