Charity seeks support workers to join days out and cinema trips

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, is seeking new members of its Short Breaks Crew due to the need to increase capacity for the service following reopening after the pandemic.

The role involves supporting children with special education needs and their siblings on days out across the county, including trips to the cinema, Chessington World of Adventures, and Lemur Landings, hosting arts and crafts activities, baking, overseeing sensory sessions and helping those supported to improve their confidence and social skills.

Roles are currently available in the Weymouth area, and the East Dorset area including Bournemouth, Poole, West Moors and Ferndown.

Clare Rochford, Children’s Team manager, commented: “If there’s one thing we can guarantee with these roles, it’s that you will definitely have a laugh while supporting those in the community who need it most. No day is ever the same, and we’re looking for dynamic people who want to help out and aren’t afraid to get stuck in.”

The roles are primarily zero-hour contracts in the school holidays and weekends to allow those appointed in the roles to plan around other commitments such as academic studies, childcare, existing part times roles, or other commitments. Applicants must be aged 16 or older, and there are opportunities to progress into other areas of care within the charity.

Clare added: “It’s the perfect role to accompany your studies or to work flexibly around other commitments, and it’s also a valuable opportunity to develop leadership skills and confidence.”

No experience is necessary, and training is received on the job with experienced members of the management team. Rates of pay vary depending on age from £5.68 to £9.36 per hour. Car share pick ups are also available for those who do not drive.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/careers for further details of the roles available; Short Breaks Crew – Weymouth and Short Breaks Crew – BCP.