Early Years Worker

Early Years Worker
Salary: Circa GBP21,029 per annum, pro rata which equates to GBP17,050
Location: Ballymena
Contract/Hours: Permanent, Part-time (working 30 hours a week)
Benefits: 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, professional qualifications, excellent training and development opportunities, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, up to 7% employer contribution pension, discount portal with your favourite brands.
Vulnerable children in the UK need your help
Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.
Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.
Why Action for Children?
Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.
A bit about the role
Ballymena & Little Steps Sure Start provides a range of health, play & learning and parenting support services to children, from pre-birth up to four years, and their families. The project comprises a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary team and works in close partnership with a range of local Statutory, Voluntary and Community service providers to promote effective service delivery in response to the needs of the expectant parents, children and families across the designated SureStart areas.
We're looking for an Early Years Worker with a genuine interest in childcare and a true passion and love for children to join our fantastic team. You'll have the ability to understand and support transitions for children as well as an understanding of the physical, intellectual, linguistic, social and emotional growth as part of child development.
You'll be working flexibly within the Antrim and Ballymena localities as services are provided from 3 centre bases across the localities, within the home setting or through outreach activities to local pre-school, Church and Community settings.
Have a look at the video attached to get some insight into the day to day work life of an Early Years Worker.
This role is for 30 hours a week and the working pattern is
Monday 9am - 4.30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4.30pm
Wednesday 9am-5pm
Thursday 9am -2pm
Friday 9am - 1pm
How you'll help to create brighter futures
As an Early Years Worker, you'll be:
Working as part of a team within the creche and Developmental Programme for 2-3 year olds to support children's personal, social, emotional, cognitive and SLC skills.
Using a range of tools to monitor and assess the children's progress and development.
Providing support within group play sessions as well as undertaking a range of home visits to support with the development of play skills.
Developing successful relationships with children and their families.
Observing and tracking children's development and sharing this with parents/ carers and other professionals.
Being responsible for the planning, development and delivery of individual and group-based services, which support families in providing their children with the best start in life.
Let's talk about you
Our job description for the Early Years Worker outlines the requirements of the role but the 'must-haves' are:
A minimum Diploma Level 2 in Childcare or equivalent relevant qualification.
Experience of working with children aged under 4 years.
A genuine interest in childcare and a true passion and love for children.
A thorough understanding of Child Protection and Safeguarding.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.
An understanding of the physical, intellectual, linguistic, social and emotional growth as part of child development.
The ability to travel across Antrim and Ballymena on a regular basis. The job requires the ability to travel according to the needs of the job, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act.
Please note: Interviews are planned to be held the week commencing 25th March 2024.
Contact: Emma Goodwin on who will be happy to support with your application.