Many parents of children with special needs struggle to find carers who they trust and feel understand their son or daughter. If you’re looking for a job as a special needs carer, it is very important that you have experience and understanding behind you. Why not volunteer to gain invaluable experience that can often help you start in a caring profession?
When you consider volunteering to improve your Care.com profile and CV, follow these tips:
1. Consider the area of special needs care you want to work in
There’s a huge range of opportunities out there – would you like to care for toddlers or young adults? Do you see yourself caring for someone with physical and/or educational special needs?
2. Look for charities and support groups that are relevant to your ambitions and in your area
For instance, if you see yourself working with autistic or learning-disabled children then have a look at Kith & Kids! It’s also worth asking about opportunities at your local voluntary advice service.
3. It’s a two way thing
Your volunteering could be for any amount of time but the more you do, the more you get out of it and the more experience you gain.
4. Take advantage of the training and all it can offer you<
With most volunteer placements, before you start you will be provided with training, for instance at Kith & Kids you would be trained for three days in supporting learning-disabled children and adults to make the most of their potential. This training is fantastic and worth mentioning on your Care.com profile, but it is still the volunteer placement itself that will get you concrete experience in special needs care.
5. Make the most of the experience
When you volunteer put all your energy into it and engage. When you head into work, showing confidence in your knowledge of caring for those with special needs is essential.
So, why not spend some time volunteering with learning-disabled members of your community and enhance your skills and experience at the same time? Much of local community-based work is aimed at developing social and emotional sides by getting involved together in lots of creative and leisure activities. Volunteering isn’t only great for your future care career but it’s also a wonderful experience!
