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Role Details

Title

Play Assistant for autistic children

Organisation

Focus Surrey

Distance from the search postcode

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Website

http://focus-surrey.com This link will open a new window.

What you will be doing

As a play assistant you will work 1:1 or 2:1 with two children (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) on specific targets and create learning opportunities through play and fun in a natural environment setting. Play assistants will be paired with a specific child based on experience and qualifications. The age range is 3 to 16 years.

You will receive two full days of training to help children practise social and early years’ skills, in line with the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), an evidence-based approach. The club is led by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). You will receive ongoing training and supervision.

All volunteers go through a reference check and an Enhanced DBS check, and receive a certificate of participation and attendance.

Activities

Advice, information & support,Befriending, buddying and mentoring,Caring,Youth work,Support work

Skills & Attributes

Art & Craft, Cleaning & Tidying, Evaluating & Reviewing, Teamwork

Skills Description

We are looking for volunteer play assistants to help support children with autism in a fun, friendly and child-centred environment. You need to be energetic, reliable and committed, as you will be active and on your feet regularly with your allocated child. Ideally you will have some experience of working with children and be interested in developing your understanding of children with disabilities.

What is in it for you

This is the ideal opportunity to help start your chosen career or give your career a boost by learning new practical skills and behaviour-based strategies which you can use with any child. We can provide volunteer placements for those requiring experience for your studies - please ask for details. So far we have trained more than 500 volunteers over 15 terms. Feedback taken each term indicated that 100% of volunteers surveyed would recommend the volunteering experience. The feedback each term from volunteers, parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive. One volunteer said: "My experience here has been incredible – I could not have imagined it to go any better! It was a perfect balance between challenging and fun. Staff were amazing and always there when needed and volunteers were all lovely. Very well-run centre. Everyone should volunteer.”

Time Commitment

12 Saturdays, 9am to 4pm each Saturday

Driving Licence & Vehicle Required

Travel Expenses

Available in multiple locations

Further location details may be provided below.

Contact Person

Louise SImon

Role Address

Morden

Postcode (See Google maps below)

Directions

The venue is in Morden, accessible by bus routes 80, 93 and 154. It is a 15-minute walk from Morden Station, or a 5-minute walk from Morden South station.

Number of volunteers required