Join Our Team

We are hiring!

Full Time Early Years Practitioner.

The Ark Centre in Chelmsford, Essex is looking to employ a new member to join our team. We are an OFSTED outstanding pre-school setting for children with autism & or developmental delays. Our setting has a max of 7 children in each session and all of our children are 1:1 (please note this is an entry level job and we will provide you with all the training you need). We follow the EYFS as well as providing individualised support for every child.

If you are energetic, fun and an enthusiastic individual looking to focus your career to work with children with additional needs this is an excellent opportunity. We have an in house Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), Occupational Therapist (OT), Behaviour Analyst (BT) and Play Therapist ready to provide you with a wealth of experience to further your career.

Applicants should ideally have an NVQ level 3, an Early Years degree, Psychology degree or experience working in an Early Years setting. The Ark Centre will provide you with the skills to be able to update children’s individual therapy programmes, provide parent support and train other agencies involved with your key child.

Our centre is a very fast paced, lively environment full of play, laughter and excitement.

What are the hours? 5 days per week, 35 hours per week

Mon 8:50AM – 4.30PM, Tues 8.00AM – 4.30PM, Weds 8.00AM – 4.30PM, Thurs 8.50AM – 4.30PM, Fri 8.50AM – 4.30PM The centre is NOT term time and we are open all year!

What is the salary? 18 - 20 year old - £18,500 21+ year old - £22,230 Please note this is a starting salary & your salary will increase in line with the completion of qualifications such as Registered Behaviour Technician, which we will support you to do.

How do I apply? Complete the attached application form and email it to admin@thearkcentre.org by Weds 4th June 2025. All applications will be reviewed and successful applicants will be invited to a face to face interview at The Ark Centre week beginning 9th June 2025.

Safer Recruiting: All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Download person specification here.

Download the job specification here.

Download application form here.

Please send CV and application form to admin@thearkcentre.org

Self Employed Behaviour Therapist.

Bank Staff: Holiday and sick cover

Hours will be between; AM Shift - 09:00 – 12:00/ PM Shift- 13:00 – 16:00 / All Day Shift - 09:00 – 16:00

We are looking for a self-employed Behaviour Therapist to join our team and cover staff holiday and sickness.

This will be on a flexible self-employed basis. We will contact you with our available hours and you can let us know which sessions you would like to work.There will be around 80 days a year that need covering for staff holiday, as well as sick days.

You will be trained to provide 1:1 therapy sessions for pre-school age children with autism in our specifically designed therapy centre. Your training will be provided by our in-house Board Certified Behaviour Analysts, Occupational Therapist and Speech and Language Therapist.

Our centre is a very fast paced, lively environment full of play, laughter and excitement. If you are energetic, fun and an enthusiastic individual looking to use your career to help others you have found the right place!

Pay: £12.30 per hour

Expected hours: 3 – 35 per week

Please email CV to admin@thearkcentre.org to book in a trial shift.