Vacancies

It's great working at Challengers, so if you need more information about any vacancies advertised, working or volunteering for us email work@disability-challengers.org or call 01483 230 938. If you know the job you want to apply for you can download application packs at the bottom of this page. All successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced CRB Disclosure. As well as a complete commitment to play and leisure for disabled children and young people.

Disability Challengers is an independent Childrens Charity (based in Guildford and Farnham but working across Surrey) which relies on voluntary donations and partnerships with other organisations to deliver 25,000 play and leisure spaces to 1,200 disabled children and young people.

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C U R R E N T  V A C A N C I E S

YOUTH SERVICES MANAGER
Guildford | £26,211 - £30,420 35 hours/week | Maternity Cover July 2012 – July 2013
We need an experienced service manager to direct and develop a service that delivered more than 54,000 hours to disabled young people and young adults across Hampshire and Surrey while our current manager is on Maternity Leave. The Service Manager will lead on every aspect of delivery of Challengers youth and young adults schemes, including the line management of Project Officers and scheme Leaders, developing new projects, reporting on delivery and attendance, liaising with families and local authorities, On Call duties as well working on schemes. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a strong commitment to increasing positive activities for disabled children and young people, experience managing services for children and young people, managing staff teams, budgets and be familiar with current safeguarding good practice.
For more detail email jonathandobson@disability-challengers.org. To apply email work@disability-challengers.org or call Kate 01483 230 938. Closing date 18 May. Interviews 25 May in Farnham.

OPERATIONS RESOURCES OFFICER
Guildford | £17,643 35 hours/week
As part of the Challengers Play and Leisure Team the Resources Officer will be essential to plan and co-ordinate the administration of our busy play and youth schemes – including staff rotas, ordering equipment and activities, database entry, direction of the administrative staff team and promotion to families. The ideal candidate will have an interest and understanding of the barriers facing disabled children and their families, experience using databases, windows and office based applications. The post will be based at the Challengers Guildford site reporting to the Operations Director. Although the post is ‘office’ based the successful candidate is expected to visit and engage with schemes to ensure the efficacy of systems and familiarity with service delivery.
For more detail email jonathandobson@disability-challengers.org. To apply email work@disability-challengers.org or call Kate 01483 230 938. Closing date 18 May. Interviews 25 May in Farnham.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Guildford | £5,722 12 hours/week (£16,004 pro rata)
As part of the Challengers Play and Leisure Team the Administrative Assistant will be essential to make sure that all our busy play and youth scheme’s administration is looked after – including volunteer staff induction, staff rotas, database entry, reception duties at our Guildford playcentre, scheme filing and updating of children’s Information sheets as well as day-to-day contact with families making bookings on the Booking Line. The ideal candidate will have an aptitude to use and learn databases, windows and office based applications. The post will be based at the Challengers Guildford site reporting to the Operations Resource Officer.
For more detail email jonathandobson@disability-challengers.org. To apply email work@disability-challengers.org or call Kate 01483 230 938. Closing date 18 May. Interviews 25 May in Farnham.

PLAY LEADER
Dorking Holiday Playscheme | £11.16/hour | Summer and Easter holidays
Challengers Dorking is a holiday playscheme for disabled and non-disabled children age 4-12. The playscheme not only provides essential play experiences for disabled children but also a place for all children to meet and play together. We think Challengers Dorking is unique – so we need a unique person to lead the scheme every Easter and Summer holiday. The Leader will manage the staff team, plan and co-ordinate activities, ensure scheme administration is completed and complies with Ofsted standards, liaise with families and report to the Play Service Manager. The Leader will need to work in school holidays 9am – 5pm and some administration time leading up to the holidays. The ideal candidate will have a play work and/or childcare qualification recognised by Ofsted, a complete commitment to the positive effects of play work and demonstrate their complete focus on the best experience for children at Challengers.
To apply download and complete the Leader application pack (Word document or PDF) at the bottom the Vacancies page and email to work@disability-challengers.org. If you would like to speak to a member of the team, call 01483 230 930 or PlayandLeisureTeam@disability-challengers.org.

PLAY LEADER
Oxted Holiday Playscheme | £11.16/hour | Summer and Easter holidays
Challengers Oxted is a holiday playscheme for disabled children age 4-12. The playscheme provides essential play experiences for disabled children. The Leader needs to be a fabulous person who will inspire and motivate the staff team, plan and co-ordinate activities, ensure scheme administration is completed and complies with Ofsted standards, liaise with families and report to the Play Service Manager. The Leader will need to work in school holidays 9am – 5pm and some administration time leading up to the holidays. The ideal candidate will have a play work and/or childcare qualification recognised by Ofsted, a complete commitment to the positive effects of play work and demonstrate their complete focus on the best experience for children at Challengers.
To apply download and complete the Leader application pack (Word document or PDF) at the bottom the Vacancies page and email to work@disability-challengers.org. If you would like to speak to a member of the team, call 01483 230 930 or PlayandLeisureTeam@disability-challengers.org.

YOUTH LEADER
Basingstoke | Saturdays, Monday nights, school holidays | £11.16/hour
We are looking for an amazing dynamic Leader to deliver the high quality leisure programme at Challengers Basingstoke Youthscheme for disabled young people aged 13 – 18. The successful candidate will need to be able to work Saturdays and school holidays and be keen to get stuck in to this new and growing youthscheme. Ideally you will have experience working with disabled people, be committed and confident to work with families and professionals, be able to drive a minibus, have a qualification in play or youth work. The Leader role will include regular administration time. To apply download and complete the Leader application pack (Word document or PDF) at the bottom the Vacancies page and email to work@disability-challengers.org. If you would like to speak to a member of the team, call 01483 230 930 or PlayandLeisureTeam@disability-challengers.org.

DEPUTY YOUTH LEADER
Challengers Activity Weekends | £9.78/hour
We are looking for a Deputy to support the Leader in the management and delivery of outdoor adventurous weekends away for disabled young people aged 13 – 18. The successful candidate will need to be able to work on up to 21 Activity Weekends through the year. Activity Weekends are overnight stays at outdoor education centres across the South East, and the Deputy will support the Leader in all aspects of the weekend. Ideally you will have experience working with disabled people, plus be committed and confident to work with families and professionals and be able to drive a minibus (or willing to learn). A qualification in play or youth work is ideal and the role will include regular administration time. Closing date – 18th May 2012. To apply download and complete the Deputy Leader application pack (Word document or PDF) at the bottom the Vacancies page and email to work@disability-challengers.org. If you would like to speak to a member of the team, call 01483 230 930 or PlayandLeisureTeam@disability-challengers.org

PLAY LEADER | £11.16/hour
DEPUTY PLAY LEADER | £9.78/hour
Alton | Summer and Easter holidays
Challengers Dorking is a holiday playscheme for disabled and non-disabled children age 4-12. The playscheme not only provides essential play experiences for disabled children but also a place for all children to meet and play together. We think Challengers Dorking is unique – so we need a unique person to lead the scheme every Easter and Summer holiday. The Leader will manage the staff team, plan and co-ordinate activities, ensure scheme administration is completed and complies with Ofsted standards, liaise with families and report to the Play Service Manager. The Leader will need to work in school holidays 9am – 5pm and some administration time leading up to the holidays. The ideal candidate will have a play work and/or childcare qualification recognised by Ofsted, a complete commitment to the positive effects of play work and demonstrate their complete focus on the best experience for children at Challengers.
To apply download and complete the Leader application pack (Word document or PDF) or Deputy application pack (Word document or PDF) at the bottom the Vacancies page and email to work@disability-challengers.org. If you would like to speak to a member of the team, call 01483 230 930 or PlayandLeisureTeam@disability-challengers.org

VOLUNTEER PLAY WORKERS
Alton, Farnham, Guildford and Epsom | Weekends and After School
We need wonderful fabulous people to get involved and help us provide essential playwork at our playschemes for disabled children on Saturdays, Sunday and after school. Volunteer staff will be trained to play and will get the chance to work with and meet a wonderful group of children. For more information download the Worker application pack (Word document or PDF) at the bottom the Vacancies page pack below or email volunteer@disability-challengers.org.
> Alton
We are starting a brand new Challengers Playscheme in Alton this Summer. We need lots of fabulous staff to come to play and get involved so that the playscheme has a great start. Challengers Alton Playscheme will be for disabled and non-disabled children to play together.
> Farnham
Challengers Farnham Playscheme is one of our largest playschemes and we need lots (and lots) of volunteer Playworkers to make sure this scheme (with a massive pink playfloor and huge softplay) is the best it can be.
> Guildford
The first playscheme and heart of the charity, Challengers Guildford, needs Playworkers who want to come to play and this very special place that so many families have come to rely on.
> Epsom
Challengers Epsom was our first playscheme run in away from Guildford. Epsom runs every Saturday – so come and play and join the team.

VOLUNTEER YOUTH WORKERS
Caterham | Weekends and Youth Nights
We need wonderful fabulous people to get involved and join the Challengers Caterham Youthscheme team. Our youthscheme runs every Saturday and Tuesday nights. Volunteer staff will be trained and will get the chance to work with and meet a wonderful group of young people while making sure that they have the best time possible at Challengers. Challengers youthschemes run from Youthcentres and go out-and-about on trips to London, seaside, cinema, climbing, meals out and more. Come along and join in. For more information download the Worker application pack (Word document or PDF) at the bottom the Vacancies page pack below or email volunteer@disability-challengers.org.

VOLUNTEER RECEPTION STAFF
Guildford and Farnham Playcentres
We need good people to make sure that our receptions are happy and welcoming for all children, families and visitors. Volunteer Reception staff will be a vital part of the Play and Leisure Team. For more information email volunteer@disability-challengers.org

SWIM CLUB VOLUNTEERS
Challengers Swim Club | Guildford
We are looking for fabulous swimming volunteers to work at Challengers Swim Club - our very own swimming lessons for disabled children and young people - every Saturday at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford. Successful candidates will support children in the water on Saturdays 4pm - 6pm, be able to swim and be confident in the water. For more information download the Worker application pack (Word document or PDF) at the bottom the Vacancies page pack below or email volunteer@disability-challengers.org.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Farnham and Guildford
We need drivers to help us transport disabled children and young people to and from After School Clubs, Monday – Friday 2.30pm and 6pm. The successful candidate will need to have a clean driving license, be over the age of 25 and have at least 5 years driving experience. For more information and to apply complete the Worker application pack at the bottom of the page. If you would like to speak to a member of the team contact Paul Wilson 01483 230 930 on paulwilson@disability-challengers.org or to apply download the Worker application pack (Word document or PDF) at the bottom the Vacancies page pack below or email volunteer@disability-challengers.org.

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Guide to our Schemes
We have working opportunities at lots of schemes across Surrey running all through the year. You can go to the Contact Us page and use the map to see all the Challengers projects or browse through the pages under Our Services.

Paid and voluntary work
You can work at Challengers and be paid (age 16 and over) or you can volunteer your time (from 15 years old), at play and youth schemes. We really appreciate the commitment made by all staff, especially the incredible contribution volunteers make to Disability Challengers. If you choose to become part of our team as a volunteer we hope the experience will be as rewarding for you as it will be for us.

Key Policies and Procedures

All staff must be familiar with and read the key Disability Challengers policies and procedures which include: The Challengers Approach, Incident Procedure; Child Protection Policy; Equal Opportunities Policy; Ex-Offenders Policy (Recruitment); Health and Safety Policy; Inclusion Policy; Restraint Policy and Procedure; Bullying at Work; Harassment Policy; Disciplinary and Dismissal Procedure; Staff Grievance Procedure; and Internet and Email. These are all available at Challengers schemes and we can email them to you as well. If you have any questions about our policies please contact the Play and Leisure Team 01483 230 930 or email playandleisureteam@disability-challengers.org.

How to Apply
You can download Application Packs below – for each job title there are two options (Word and Acrobat) select one of these and submit your application by either email or post. Before you apply read all of the application pack including: The Disability Challengers Approach (the ethos of our organisation); the Guidance Notes; and Job Description.

Application forms to download and complete:

Play and Youth Worker £4.68- £6.42/hour – enthusiasm and energy to play with children/young people all day. 
Download (Word doc) and email to work@disability-challengers.org
Download (PDF) to print off and send to our Guildford postal address for the attention of Kate Duke

Deputy Leader £9.78/hour – support the Leader in the day-to-day management and delivery of the scheme plus administration time.
Download (Word doc) and email to work@disability-challengers.org
Download (PDF) to print off and send to our Guildford postal address for the attention of Kate Duke

Leader £11.16/hour – manage staff and deliver the scheme day-to-day plus administration time.  
Download (Word doc) and email to work@disability-challengers.org
Download (PDF) to print off and send to our Guildford postal address for the attention of Kate Duke