Short Breaks Support Worker (Weekend Cover) – Children’s Service

Location: Merton, South West London

Service: Short Breaks Service – Children with Disabilities & Additional Needs

Role Type: Support Worker (Weekend / Part-Time)

Hours: 1 day per week (4-6 hours), weekends

Contract: Flexible / Bank / Part-time

Rate: £13.00 – £14.50 per hour

About the Role

We are recruiting dedicated and caring Short Breaks Support Workers to join a specialist children’s short breaks service supporting children and young people with a wide range of needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, learning disabilities, behavioural challenges, and complex additional needs.

This is a rewarding weekend role where you will help deliver safe, structured, and engaging short break sessions. These sessions provide children with positive social experiences outside the home while giving families and carers essential respite and support.

You will be part of a supportive team focused on inclusion, independence, and ensuring every child has access to meaningful and enjoyable activities in a safe environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

Providing 1:1 support to children and young people during short break sessions
Supporting children with ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioural needs in a calm and consistent way
Delivering fun, structured, and age-appropriate activities tailored to individual needs
Supporting personal care where required, including toileting, feeding, and mobility support
Using positive behaviour support approaches in line with care and support plans
Promoting independence, communication, and social interaction
Ensuring children are safe, engaged, and included at all times
Working closely with the Short Breaks team and families to ensure consistent, high-quality support

About You

We are looking for someone who is caring, patient, and reliable, with a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs. You should be confident working with children with ASD, ADHD, behavioural challenges, and learning disabilities, and able to remain calm and supportive in different situations.

You must be available for weekend shifts (1 day per week, 4-6 hours) and be a strong communicator and team player. Experience in care, youth work, education, SEN support, or support work is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided.

What We Offer

Full induction and training, including safeguarding and behaviour support
Ongoing support from an experienced and friendly Short Breaks team
Consistent weekend hours (4-6 hours per week)
Valuable experience within a specialist children’s disability and SEN-focused service
A rewarding role where you make a real impact on children’s lives and family wellbeing every weekend

GENNORTH