Befriender
| Posting date: | 16 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 06 January 2026 |
| Location: | Thurrock, Essex, RM176SL |
| Company: | Thurrock Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 916_1765899659 |
Summary
Salary: £13.76 per hour
Grade: B
Casual Contract - Zero Hours
Successful candidates will need to be available to work as follows: Evenings, Saturdays and school holidays
As a service we are open to discuss hours and days.
The Disabled Children's Short Breaks and Outreach Service is a children's centre for disabled children. We provide Short Break sessions for children after school, during weekends and during school holidays. Our befriending groups are made up of small groups of children and young people that meet to access activities in the community. As a befriender you will be working with children aged 8-18 with a broad spectrum of needs.
Successful applicants will be required to:
- To undertake direct work with disabled children of all ages
- Support disabled children and young people to access community-based activities and sessions within our centres.
- To oversee medication administration
- To undertake training considered relevant to the role
- To support and advise service users and to advocate on their behalf if necessary.
- To report to the Team Manager of any changes in child behaviour, any noted injuries, accidental/non accidental.
- To help support and promote independence and life skills with young people
- Support children to develop their social interaction skills, friendships, life skills & independence skills.
- Assist the befriending group leader with planning, organising and facilitating safe, enjoying, fun activities for the children in the group.
- Work as part of a small team to provide a reliable and efficient befriending service to disabled children in Thurrock.
The successful applicant will be required to hold a relevant Level 3 childcare qualification or equivalent or have at least 2 years' experience of working with disabled children in a professional setting.
DBS: A Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced level with Children's Barred List will be required for this post.
Closing Date: 11th January 2026
Interview Date: TBC
For an informal discussion about these posts, please contact Lauren Riddick, Centre Manager or Jackie Harper, Deputy Manager on 01375 652200.
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
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Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application.
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Gaps in Employment Form
Gaps in Employment Example
Applicants who hold a Visa must provide valid evidence of their right to work in the UK for this role. If you are applying under the Skilled Worker Visa route for supplementary employment, please ensure the role is eligible by reviewing the criteria outlined on the official government website: Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme