Darlington Association on Disability

DASH Play Worker 2025

Job Type: DAD

We are recruiting Play Workers for our holiday play schemes – DASH

DASH Playschemes, our play and leisure schemes, run during school holidays and offer a range of fun and exciting activities and trips for children and young people aged 3 - 25 years.

We also provide various evening groups of young people, held during term-time, i.e.:

Youth Group – Monday (14 – 18 year olds) a relaxed time where activities are planned by the young people that come.

Young Leaders – Tuesday (14 – 25 year olds) share their views and opinions on the issues that are important to young disabled people and influence the development services locally, regionally and nationally.

Mentoring for independence – Tuesday (13 – 25 year olds) gain and develop confidence, self-esteem, build friendships, practical and emotional support in a safe flexible friendly and fun environment.

Play Workers enable disabled and non-disabled children to access inclusive play opportunities in a fun and safe environment, whilst supporting individual requirements.

You must be over 18 years old and be available to work during the school holidays

Experienced and/or qualified or working towards a qualification in childcare / play work preferred

Based at premises in Darlington and outreach work to take children on outings.

Hours of work:    9.00am - 4.30pm (2 or 3 days per week) during school holidays and/or 5.00pm - 7.00pm (2 evenings per week) term-time                         

Rate of Pay:               £11.44 per hour plus £1.38 holiday allowance per hour

Apply online for DASH Play Worker 2025

---

Independent Advocate/Trainee Advocate

Job Type: DAD

DAD (Centre for Independent Living) is seeking to recruit an Independent Trainee Advocate who is passionate about advocacy and upholding and safeguarding the rights of people we support. 

All candidates must be committed to the values of equality, empowerment and supporting people to have their voice heard when decisions are being made about their lives.  If you think you have the right experience, values, drive and enthusiasm needed for this role, and in turn DAD will provide a team environment, with excellent support and conditions.

Experience and qualifications in advocacy is preferred, but a training post will also be considered for the right candidate.

Salary: £24,375 - £27,592.50 per annum (37.5hrs) depending on experience and qualifications

Please note: The  Higher pay scales will be awarded to successful applicants who are in possession of a Diploma in advocacy.*

Hours: 30 – 37.5 hours per week

Location: Based at the offices of Darlington Association on Disability (travel is expected across the Borough of Darlington, Tees Valley and regular travel to other areas in the North East.) Home working is also  expected during COVID restrictions and will be considered as part of your role outside of restrictions.

Holidays: 25 days per annum (pro rata if less than 37.5) Bank Holidays, entitlement increases with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days plus bank holidays.

Travel: A travel allowance is payable for travel in connection with the post

Other: A competitive sick scheme is available after the necessary qualifying period. Employee Assistance Scheme

To provide a range of types of advocacy support (subject to current training), including:

• Relevant Person’s Representative, for people who are subject to a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard under the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy, for people subject to the Mental Health Act 1983.
• Care Act Advocacy
• Independent Mental Capacity Act advocacy.
• General advocacy
• Specialist mental health advocacy
• Self advocacy facilitation

The role will involve supporting people to speak for themselves, to be fully involved in the decisions and processes that affect their lives, to obtain information and to understand their options and rights.  The role will also involve non instructed advocacy for people who are not able to give their views.

* All advocates will be expected to complete National Advocacy Qualifications which will be funded by DAD and completed within agreed timescales, some home study is expected. Where an advocate is not in possession of the Diploma in advocacy the lower rate will apply.

 

Apply online for Independent Advocate/Trainee Advocate

---