Access Support Workers

Access Support Workers will support the engagement, wellbeing and behaviour of young people during music sessions, particularly those children who face barriers (e.g. children who are neurodivergent or have additional needs.) They will be responsible for the pastoral care of young people, including monitoring them during sessions and at break times and ensuring that the health and safety of children is prioritised at all times. Other responsibilities may include providing refreshments, registering, supporting children to take time out of the session if needed, documenting the sessions and taking action in the case of any behavioural or medical issues.

Programmes may include an Inclusive Ensemble, Inclusive Choir, and a Creative Band as well as work in music centres and community spaces. Most of the immediate work will be at weekends and during school holidays, so we will prioritise people with this availability.

Rates: £18 per hour, variable hours employed contracts. Freelance contracts may be available for some programmes.

Essential skills and qualities:

• Experience working with children and young people
• Excellent communication skills
• Thorough understanding of safeguarding processes for children and young people
• Excellent organisational skills
• A passion for music/the arts
• An understanding of barriers that may be faced by children in challenging circumstances/with additional needs
• Understanding and confidence in behaviour management
• Current DBS certificate on the update service (if you are not on the update service we can arrange a new check)

Desirable skills and qualities:

• Understanding/knowledge or experience of music
• First Aid training
• Mental Health First Aid training
• Experience using PECs and/or Makaton
• Experience working with young people with additional needs or in challenging circumstances