Children's Engagement & Support Practitioner

Job Title: Children's Engagement & Support PractitionerLocation: Lewisham, South East London (SE6)Job Type: 23 hours a week 2:1 Support PackagePay rate: £18.50-£20.50 PAYELooking for more than a care role? Help a young girl experience life to the fullest. Priority Recruitment is delighted to be recruiting for a truly rewarding role supporting a vibrant and engaging 12-year-old girl in her family home in Lewisham. We're not simply looking for someone to provide care; we're looking for someone who can make a genuine difference. This role would suit someone creative, energetic, compassionate and naturally engaging. Someone who enjoys building relationships, creating meaningful experiences and helping a young person explore the world around them. Our client has a fantastic sense of humour and loves music, singing, interaction, technology, sensory activities and spending time with people who bring positivity and enthusiasm into her day. She enjoys being out in the community, trying new experiences and connecting with people who take the time to understand her unique personality. Her family are looking for someone who sees the person first, not the diagnosis.About the Young Person Our client is a bright, fun-loving and engaging 13-year-old girl who lives at home with her supportive family. She is a full-time wheelchair user, non-verbal, PEG fed and has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Whilst she requires physical support throughout the day, her family are passionate about ensuring she continues to enjoy new experiences, develop her communication, engage with others and live life to the fullest. The successful candidate will play an important role in helping her access activities, build confidence, enjoy social opportunities and experience meaningful interaction both at home and in the community.What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting morning and evening routines
• Providing personal care and bathing support
• Supporting PEG feeding following training
• Supporting epilepsy management in line with care plans
• Creating engaging and meaningful activities
• Exploring music, sensory play, technology and communication-based activities
• Encouraging participation, interaction and social engagement
• Supporting community access, outings and activities during school holidays
• Working closely with a supportive family and wider professional team
• Helping to create positive experiences and memorable moments every day

Who We're Looking For More than anything, we're looking for someone who can build a genuine connection with a young person and bring warmth, creativity and enthusiasm into her life. You don't necessarily need previous experience in complex care. What's most important is your attitude, personality and willingness to learn. This role could suit someone with experience supporting children or young people through childcare, youth work, disability support, community activities, specialist nannying, healthcare, family support or care services.You'll be someone who:

• Loves interacting with children and young people
• Has a positive, energetic and engaging personality
• Can think creatively and come up with fun activity ideas
• Is kind, patient and compassionate
• Enjoys music, sensory activities and interactive play
• Builds trusting relationships naturally
• Has excellent spoken English
• Is reliable, committed and dependable
• Is keen to learn new skills and undertake specialist training
• Can work confidently as part of a wider team

Experience supporting children with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, PEG feeding, manual handling or complex physical disabilities would be beneficial, but personality, attitude and the ability to engage and connect are equally important.Working HoursTerm Time (If you are interested but can only offer mornings or afternoons , please still get in touch as this is something we can accomodate!)

• Monday: 06:45 - 09:15 and 15:30 - 20:00
• Tuesday: 06:45 - 09:15 and 15:30 - 20:00
• Thursday: 06:45 - 09:15 and 15:30 - 20:00
• Friday: 15:30 - 20:00
• Saturday: 15:00 - 20:00

School Holidays

• Tuesday: 08:00 - 20:00
• Thursday: 08:00 - 20:00
• Saturday: 15:00 - 20:00

Why Join This Package?

• Work with an amazing young person who loves laughter, music and interaction
• Become part of a welcoming and supportive family environment
• Make a genuine and lasting impact on a child's life
• Receive specialist training and ongoing support
• Develop valuable skills within children's complex care
• Enjoy a role where creativity, relationship-building and enthusiasm are genuinely valued

Female Applicants Only This post is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the personal care requirements of the role.Apply now for more details, we'd love to hear from you! Some of our roles require drivers and male or female employees only, where this is indicated this is a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.