Job Overview
Open Arms Children's Homes is seeking dedicated, compassionate, and reliable Bank Children's Residential Support Workers to join our growing team. This role offers flexible, ad-hoc shifts supporting children and young people, including those with learning disabilities, within a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic residential environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain experience within children's residential care while making a meaningful difference to young people's lives.
For candidates who demonstrate exceptional performance, reliability, and commitment during their first three months, there may be opportunities to progress into a permanent position within the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people at all times.
- Support children and young people with daily living activities, routines, and personal development.
- Build positive, professional, and trusting relationships that promote emotional wellbeing and resilience.
- Support the implementation of care plans, behaviour support strategies, and risk assessments.
- Encourage participation in educational, social, recreational, and community-based activities.
- Accompany children and young people to appointments, education placements, and other activities where required.
- Provide practical and emotional support that promotes independence, confidence, and life skills.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and professional records in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, families, social workers, education providers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
- Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, welcoming, and homely environment.
- Respond appropriately to incidents, safeguarding concerns, and challenging behaviours in line with policy and training.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Minimum 1 year's experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable individuals.
- A genuine passion for supporting children and helping them achieve positive outcomes.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, waking nights, sleep-ins, and short-notice shifts where required.
- Good organisational, written, and record-keeping skills.
- Basic IT literacy.
- Resilient, patient, compassionate, and professional approach.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, Children and Young People's Workforce, Health & Social Care, or equivalent.
- Experience working with children who have learning disabilities, autism, emotional and behavioural needs, or complex needs.
- Full UK driving licence.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly rate.
- Flexible bank work to fit around your availability.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
- Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- Supportive management team and positive working environment.
- Opportunity to be considered for a permanent role following a successful initial three-month period.
Safer Recruitment & Safeguarding
Open Arms Children's Homes is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment.
This role is subject to:
- Enhanced DBS check, including Children's Barred List.
- Verification of identity.
- Right to work in the UK.
- Verification of qualifications where applicable.
- Full employment history, including explanation of any gaps in employment.
- A minimum of two satisfactory references.
- Completion of all pre-employment checks in line with safer recruitment requirements.
Employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all required checks.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Open Arms Children's Homes is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees, children, and stakeholders are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Pay: £14.00-£15.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexible schedule
- Paid training
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
