Ben McKavanagh

Children's Support Worker

Talent

Poole / Bournemouth AreaMember since 1 June 2026

Building positive relationships with children and young peopleMental Health First AidCounselling Level 2Emotional support and active listeningBehaviour support and de-escalationSafeguarding awareness and professional boundariesCommunication with families, colleagues and professionalsTeamwork and multi-agency collaborationRecord keeping and attention to detailProblem solving and decision makingWorking calmly under pressureHealth and safety awareness

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Building positive relationships with children and young peopleMental Health First AidCounselling Level 2Emotional support and active listeningBehaviour support and de-escalation

About

Compassionate, reliable and approachable professional with experience supporting people in fast-paced environments, leading teams, resolving problems and promoting wellbeing.

Holds Mental Health First

Aid and Counselling Level 2 qualifications, with a strong interest in helping children and young people achieve positive outcomes. Skilled at building trusting relationships, communicating with people from diverse backgrounds, remaining calm under pressure, and maintaining safe, supportive environments. Seeking to bring strong interpersonal, safeguarding-minded and practical support skills to a Children's Support Worker role.

Experience

Boat Builder - Sunseeker International - Poole

(2024-01)

While working in a highly regulated and safety-focused environment, developed strong teamwork, responsibility and communication skills transferable to support work.

Worked closely with colleagues across multiple departments to achieve shared goals.
Demonstrated reliability, patience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Followed strict health and safety procedures and maintained high professional standards.
Identified and resolved problems effectively while remaining calm under pressure.

Hospitality Leadership Roles (Senior Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Bar Manager, Key Holder) - Various hospitality venues - Wimborne & Bournemouth

Progressed into positions including Senior Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Bar Manager and Key Holder.

Supported and supervised team members, helping them develop confidence and perform effectively.
Handled challenging situations professionally and resolved concerns with empathy and patience.
Created welcoming and inclusive environments for customers from a wide range of backgrounds.
Managed responsibilities involving trust, safeguarding of premises and staff wellbeing.

Construction & Renovation - Various employers

Worked collaboratively within teams, demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic.
Adapted to changing situations and maintained a positive attitude in demanding environments.
Followed safety procedures and completed tasks responsibly and efficiently.