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:               £12.21 per hour plus £1.48 holiday allowance per hour

Apply online for DASH Play Worker 2025

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Senior Play Worker (DASH) 2025

Job Type: DAD

We are recruiting Senior 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.

Senior 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

Relevant experience in working with children and young people (minimum of two years) essential

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

Hours of work:            9.00am to 4.30pm (2 or 3 days per week) during school holidays

Rate of Pay:               £12.50 per hour plus £1.51 per hour holiday allowance

Apply online for Senior Play Worker (DASH) 2025

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Strategic Development Manager - Access & Co-production

Job Type: DAD

Join Us as our new Strategic Development Managers!
Empower Change. Drive Growth. Make a Difference.

Are you passionate about equality, inclusion, and making real change? Do you thrive on developing organisations and creating opportunities that empower disabled people? If so, we want YOU to join our team!

We are a dynamic, disability-led voluntary organisation committed to breaking down barriers, challenging perceptions, and ensuring that disabled people have a powerful voice in society. We are seeking a forward-thinking, driven, and passionate Strategic Development Manager to help shape our future and expand our impact.

Grade / Salary:            £30,000 per annum pro rata

Hours:                          30 - 37.5 hours per week (to be agreed)

About the Role

As a Strategic Development Manager, you will:
✅ Drive Growth & Innovation – Develop new initiatives, strengthen existing projects, and explore opportunities to enhance our reach and effectiveness.
✅ Promote Inclusion & Influence Change – Work with disabled people to ensure our work remains relevant, impactful, and aligned with our values.
✅ Build Strong Partnerships – Develop relationships with stakeholders, community groups, and decision-makers to amplify our work.
✅ Strengthen Our Organisation – Improve internal processes, explore sustainable development strategies, and support our teams in achieving long-term goals.

DAD is currently developing or strengthening key areas of our work including;

• Access
• Co Production
• Access to travel and transport
• Volunteering

You will begin by taking key responsibility for these areas, with support from an experienced management team, with opportunities to learn and develop.

What We’re Looking For:

🔹 Passionate and strategic leaders with experience in organisational development, project management, or community engagement.
🔹 Someone who understands the challenges and barriers faced by disabled people and is committed to social justice.
🔹 Confident communicators who can build relationships, influence decision-makers, and advocate for our mission.
🔹 A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Why Join Us?

💙 Be part of an organisation that is led by and for disabled people.
🌍 Make a tangible impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
🚀 Work in a dynamic, flexible, and inclusive environment.

📢 Ready to drive change?
We’d love to hear from you! Apply now and be part of something extraordinary.

Apply online for Strategic Development Manager - Access & Co-production

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