icandance is a charity which offers dance and performance opportunities to children and young people, with varying disabilities, aged 4 to 25 years old.

A dance session volunteer will:

• Volunteer within a multi-disciplinary team
• Volunteer 1:1 with an individual child to enable them to access dance
• Support all forms of communication, both verbal and non-verbal, to allow children to fully participate
• Address behavioural needs, being sensitive to what is happening in the moment
• Build a relationship with your allocated child, allowing a sense of safety and an environment for growth and fun
• 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
• Attend team meetings, supervision sessions and trainings
• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of each allocated child and be up-to-date with all necessary information regarding each child.

As a regular volunteer at icandance, you will receive:

• The opportunity to learn from a multi-disciplinary team which includes dance movement psychotherapists, choreographers, education practitioners, disability specialists, and theatre practitioners.
• Learning and development opportunities through our volunteer learning and mentoring programme which includes accredited trainings.
• Supervision and reflection opportunities on a one-to-one basis and as part of the team.
• The chance to volunteer at special events, and one-off opportunities.

Person specification

Essential:

• Have qualifications, experience or an interest in working with children/young people with disabilities
• 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
• Have a good command of the English language/communication skills
• Ability to work within a team
• Be prepared to have an Enhanced DBS check

Desired:

• Working knowledge of BSL, Makaton, PECS or other communication aids
• Attendance of other specialist training
• A good level of self-awareness
• A first aid certificate and safeguarding training
• Experience of working in schools

How to apply

Please email penny@icandance.org.uk for more information on how to apply for the role.