Specialist Support Worker

icandance

Specialist Support Worker

Location: Hampstead

Salary: £15.40 per hour

Deadline: 24 January 2026

Interview Date: Saturday the 31st January

Support disabled children and young people to safely and meaningfully engage in creative therapeutic dance sessions led by a Dance Movement Psychotherapist.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work within a multi-disciplinary team
• Work 1:1 with an individual child/young person to enable them to access the content of the sessions within a group session
• Support all forms of communication, both verbal and non-verbal, to allow children to fully participate
• Address behavioural needs sensitively and follow the guidance of the Team Leads, contributing to a consistent therapeutic approach
• Build a relationship with the allocated child, creating a sense of safety and an environment for growth and fun
• Support children with transitions, boundaries, and regulation during sessions
• Be able to work with a wide range of disabilities including wheelchair users
• Communicate clearly and professionally with parents, team members and other agencies when needed, sharing relevant observations
• Assist with session set-up and pack-down, including preparation of props and resources
• Attend all team meetings, supervision sessions and trainings which take place on Saturdays on planned dates and times
• Complete all required monitoring and evaluation of each allocated child and be up-to-date with all necessary information regarding each child
• Adhere to safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality policies at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Experience and/or qualifications in working with children or young people with disabilities, including understanding of their physical, sensory, communication, and emotional needs. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to provide inclusive, supportive, and adaptive approaches within a creative or therapeutic setting
• Be sensitive to the needs and challenges of children with disabilities and their families
• Be fun, energetic and comfortable to work with dance, though no prior dance experience is required. Also being comfortable to take part in performances as required
• A good command of the English language/communication skills
• Strong observation and listening skills, including non-verbal communication
• An understanding of the emotional aspects of children’s development and their own as an experienced team member
• Understanding of boundaries and professional conduct
• Commitment to inclusive and therapeutically informed practice
• Ability to work within a team.

Desired:

• Working knowledge of BSL, Makaton, PECS and/or other communication aids.
• Experience of other specialist training
• A first aid certificate and safeguarding training
• Experience of working in schools
• Good administrative skills.

Safeguarding:

This role requires an enhanced DBS check. The post-holder must follow all safeguarding procedures and work under the supervision of a qualified Dance Movement Psychotherapist.

Associated Download(s):

How to Apply