Overview
The role of a Support Worker is vital in providing assistance and care to individuals, particularly children, who require additional support in their daily lives. As a Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for those you assist by promoting independence and well-being. This position requires a compassionate individual who is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Duties
- Provide direct support to children, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
- Assist with the development and implementation of personalised care plans tailored to individual needs.
- Engage with children through various activities that promote learning and development.
- Communicate effectively with children, families, and other professionals to ensure cohesive support.
- Drive to various locations as required for outings or appointments, ensuring safe transportation.
- Maintain accurate records of care provided, including progress notes and incident reports.
- Utilise IT skills to manage documentation and communicate with team members efficiently.
Skills
- Experience in childcare or working with children is essential for understanding their unique needs.
- Strong communication skills are necessary for interacting effectively with children and their families.
- Ability to drive is an advantage for transporting children or attending off-site activities.
- Familiarity with creating and following care plans is beneficial for providing structured support.
- Proficiency in IT is useful for maintaining records and facilitating communication within the team.
Here’s the job specification revised to reflect UK English:
Job Specification: Residential Support Worker
Position: Residential Support Worker
Location: Harrow
Salary: £13 per hour
Contract Type: Permanent role (following successful probation)
Hours: Flexible hours; both daytime and night shift positions for the WEEKENDS. (Thursday - Sunday)
About the Role
We are seeking compassionate and dedicated Residential Support Workers to join our team in Harrow, providing high-quality care and support to young people in a residential setting. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children and young people, helping them build essential life skills, resilience, and emotional well-being.
As a Residential Support Worker, you will play a key role in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment, focusing on each child’s individual needs. This position offers flexible hours, with both daytime and night shift opportunities available.
Key Responsibilities
- Care and Support: Provide day-to-day support to children and young people, promoting their physical and emotional well-being. Assist with daily routines, personal care, and encourage engagement in activities.
- Behaviour Management: Use positive reinforcement and de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviours and promote a respectful, supportive environment. Assist in maintaining clear boundaries and encourage socially aware behaviour.
- Safeguarding and Safety: Follow safeguarding procedures, ensuring the safety and security of all residents. Conduct regular checks, monitor for potential risks, and respond appropriately to incidents.
- Individualised Care Planning: Work with each young person to develop individual care plans, set goals, and support their personal development. Provide input on each child’s needs, progress, and any changes in behaviour or well-being.
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of daily activities, behaviour incidents, and progress. Complete reports as required, including incident and handover reports, in a timely and professional manner.
- Health and Well-being: Support residents in understanding and maintaining their health, including assisting with medication administration if required, following health protocols, and ensuring any health concerns are addressed.
- Building Positive Relationships: Develop trusting, supportive relationships with young people, encouraging open communication and respecting their individual needs and backgrounds.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Previous experience in a caregiving or residential support role, ideally with children or young people.
- Understanding of safeguarding practices and the ability to manage challenging behaviours.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact positively with young people and team members.
- Ability to maintain professionalism, empathy, and patience, even in challenging situations.
Desirable:
- NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare, Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification (or willingness to work towards it).
This role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children while developing your own skills in a supportive environment.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Zero hours contract
Pay: From £13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Residential Childcare: 1 year (required)
- Support Environment: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
- NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care (required)
Location:
- Harrow, Greater London (preferred)
Work Location: In person
