Role Overview
Join Lagans Foundation as a Childrens Play and Health Care Worker and make a genuine difference in the lives of children with complex health and developmental needs. This is not traditional care work; it is a unique opportunity to support children through play, connection and meaningful engagement, helping them thrive at home, during school transport, and in their community.
Key Responsibilities
- Support children with health and developmental needs through engaging, play‑based interactions.
- Provide safe, high‑quality care in the home and community, supporting learning and emotional wellbeing through play.
- Help children build confidence and independence.
- Follow individualized care plans, record key observations, and communicate effectively with families and colleagues to ensure consistent support.
- Attend training, team meetings and regular supervision to develop skills.
- Work independently during sessions while being part of a supportive internal care team.
- Use play to connect, support learning, development and emotional wellbeing; actively contribute to meaningful, fun, and safe experiences.
- Provide high‑quality care alongside play, including personal care where needed.
- Build trusted relationships with families and colleagues.
- Think on your feet and adapt to each child’s unique world.
- Keep up‑to‑date records and contribute to excellent communication across the team.
Working Hours & Availability
- Shifts range from approximately 2 to 6 hours and may include early mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends.
- Core hours: Monday to Friday 6:00am – 10:00pm; Saturday and Sunday 7:00am – 10:00pm.
- Applicants should be available to work at least two weekends per month.
- Shift patterns and rosters may occasionally be adjusted; we work on a rolling rota basis.
- Staff will not be scheduled to work seven days a week.
Key Competencies & Qualifications
- Experience working with children and young people.
- A love for play‑based learning and interaction.
- Confidence to work independently and collaboratively.
- A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (with business insurance).
- A willingness to work towards, or already hold, Level 3 Health & Social Care.
- Ideally, a qualification in childcare, playwork or similar; Level 2 Health and Social Care.
- A clear Enhanced DBS – Child & Adult; be a UK national, or have settled/pre‑settled status, or hold ILR/ILE.
- Minimum 6–12 months experience working with children or young people.
- Genuine passion for supporting children with health and developmental needs.
- Good communication skills and ability to build positive relationships.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Access to own car for work purposes and willingness to add business insurance.
- Right to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship.
- Willingness to complete or work towards Level 3 Health and Social Care.
- Willingness to undertake personal care tasks where required.
- Ability to maintain accurate written records.
- Enhanced DBS check (Child and Adult Workforce) or willingness to obtain one.
- Experience supporting children with complex health needs, disabilities or developmental delays.
- Experience delivering play‑based learning or therapeutic play.
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child development.
- Training in areas such as first aid, moving and handling, epilepsy awareness, PEG feeding or other relevant clinical skills.
- Experience working within a homecare or community care environment.
- Ability to adapt care and play activities to meet individual needs.
- Experience working with families and multi‑disciplinary teams.
- Understanding of emotional well‑being and behaviour support strategies.
Salary & Benefits
- 28 days holiday (FTE).
- Pension scheme.
- Health Cash Plan (Hospital Saturday Fund) and Perkbox.
- Unlimited counselling and flexible benefits.
- Salary sacrifice options.
- On‑site parking where applicable.
- Ongoing professional development and emotional support.
Why Join Us
Lagans Foundation is a unique children’s charity that provides specialised in‑home and community support for children with complex health and developmental needs. Our team is small, supportive and deeply committed to making a difference. We value each other’s strengths, promote continuous support and encouragement, and offer a flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance.
We are a Disability Confident, Committed employer who welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, celebrate individuality, and support every team member to grow.
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