How to get into a different job?

[kitten_uk2]

at the moment im working 28hrs a week(part time) i have a 2 1/2 yr old son, my husband works nights.
i would love to work with downs syndrome people, but dont know where to start.
i cant stop working as we are on the bread line as it is, and i have to think about my son, and of course i have to let my hubby sleep.
i have no qualifications with caring, as im in customer service.

[walshyj]

Hi
I used to work ( and still have links to) the employment services
the best advice I could give is to gain some voluntary experience first . ( your son may be able to go with you if your have childcare issues)

Jobs with vunerable children are hard to get into with no experience ... you will need a CRB check too but any potential employer should provide that.

I would advise you look at local social services as they sometimes have have positions for social escorts - taking people to appointments hospital visits etc.

Alos you can get advice from websites such as www.lsc.gov.uk - this will detail the qualifications you need to work with less abled children.

[goldfinch]

Yes, I would definately go along with walshyj advice - voluntary work is great to gain experience and you can pick and choose your hours (to fit in with current commitments) If you register as a volunteer, the agency will pay and arrange for an advanced CRB check. Once you have done this, gained some experience under your belt, why not try targeting local colleges/schools. Learning mentors are becoming more and more part of established educational staff and this can be very rewarding. Also, local colleges may take you on as scribe, support workers, etc - I would be proactive and contact them - or your local LEA to see what vacancies there are. Good Luck!