We have an exciting opportunity for enthusiastic and caring individuals to join our team at the Mencap Centre Belfast, supporting our Early Years and Summer programmes.
We are seeking enthusiastic and committed staff to support children and young people aged 2–18 with learning disabilities and/or complex medical needs across a range of Mencap Early years and Summer programmes throughout the academic year. This includes term-time activities, Saturday programmes, and extended summer provision.
About the Role
As a Relief Early Years Assistant, you will help create a stimulating, nurturing, and therapeutic play environment. Working alongside a multidisciplinary team, family support colleagues, and other professionals, you will support children through care, play-based learning, and therapeutic activities to help them reach their full potential.
You will play a key role in creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment, helping young people to learn, develop, and thrive. Flexibility, energy, and a genuine passion for working with children and young people are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Support a safe, caring, and stimulating environment for children and young people
- Deliver play-based learning and therapeutic activities
- Assist with summer programmes and inclusive leisure activities
- Work in line with all safeguarding and organisational standards
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
About You
- Passionate about supporting children and young people
- Caring, reliable, and enthusiastic
- Strong communication skills and ability to use initiative
- Flexible and willing to support across programmes, including summer schemes
- Committed to inclusion and Mencap’s values
Hours of work include full days (8:30am–4:00pm), Saturdays (9:00am–12:00pm), and summer provision (8:30am–4:30pm).
If you’re looking to be part of a supportive team and make a real difference in the lives of children and families, we would love to hear from you. In return, we offer valuable training, skills development, and experience to help you build a career in care.
*All roles are subject to an enhanced Access NI check and suitable references.
If you're interested, please fill out our application form, sharing your experience and a covering statement. We are using blind recruitment for this role so we will not be able to see your CV until interview stage.