About the Role
We are looking for caring, compassionate and resilient Residential Child Support Workers to join our dedicated team within a children's home.
As a Residential Child Support Worker, you will play an important role in providing a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment for children and young people. You will build positive, trusting relationships and support each child to develop emotionally, socially and practically, helping them to achieve their individual goals and reach their full potential.
You will work as part of a committed team to provide consistent, child-centred care and support, ensuring that the individual needs, wishes and feelings of each child are understood and respected.
This is a rewarding role where no two days are the same. You will have the opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of children and young people.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, consistent and nurturing care to children and young people living in the home.
- Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with children and young people.
- Promote a safe, stable and welcoming home environment.
- Support children with their emotional, social and behavioural development.
- Encourage children and young people to express their wishes, feelings and views and ensure these are listened to and acted upon appropriately.
- Support children to develop independence and practical life skills appropriate to their age and individual needs.
- Encourage participation in education, activities, hobbies and community life.
- Support children to maintain positive relationships with family members and other important people in their lives, where appropriate.
- Follow individual care plans, risk assessments, placement plans and agreed strategies.
- Respond appropriately to challenging behaviour using agreed, positive and therapeutic approaches.
- Recognise and respond appropriately to signs of distress, abuse, neglect, exploitation or other safeguarding concerns.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion and ensure children are treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
- Administer and record medication in accordance with policies, procedures and training.
- Complete accurate records, including daily reports, incident records, key-work sessions and other relevant documentation.
- Attend and contribute to team meetings, supervision, training, reviews and other professional meetings.
- Work effectively with social workers, education professionals, health professionals, families and other agencies involved in the child's care.
- Support children during appointments, activities, holidays and community outings.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
- Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and organisational policies and procedures.
- Contribute to creating a positive, stable and child-focused culture within the home.
- Undertake sleep-in duties, evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required by the needs of the home.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding children and young people is at the heart of everything we do.
All staff are expected to understand their responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. You will be required to remain alert to safeguarding concerns, follow reporting procedures and contribute to creating an environment where children feel safe, listened to and respected.
You will also be expected to promote children's rights, dignity, privacy and individual identity and to support children to raise concerns or make complaints without fear of repercussions.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Caring, patient and compassionate.
- Reliable, responsible and emotionally resilient.
- Able to build positive and professional relationships with children and young people.
- A confident communicator who can listen effectively and respond appropriately.
- Able to remain calm and professional when faced with challenging situations.
- Understanding of the impact that trauma, adverse childhood experiences and disrupted attachments can have on children and young people.
- Able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Flexible and willing to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins.
- Able to maintain clear professional boundaries.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Respectful of children's individual identities, backgrounds, cultures, beliefs and experiences.
- Able to maintain accurate records and communicate information effectively.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
- Experience of working with children or young people in a professional, voluntary, educational, care or support setting.
- A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team and follow care plans, policies and procedures.
- Commitment to safeguarding and child protection.
Desirable:
- Experience working within a residential children's home or similar care setting.
- Experience supporting children and young people with emotional or behavioural needs.
- Experience of working with children who have experienced trauma, neglect or disrupted relationships.
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification.
- Willingness to undertake or work towards a relevant Level 3 qualification.
Full training and ongoing professional development will be provided.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £[salary].
- Comprehensive induction and training.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Regular supervision and support.
- Opportunities to gain or work towards relevant childcare qualifications.
- Supportive and experienced management team.
- Employee wellbeing support.
- [Annual leave entitlement].
- [Pension scheme].
- [Additional benefits].
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children's lives.
Working for Us
Working in residential childcare can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. We are looking for people who genuinely want to make a difference and who understand the importance of providing children with consistency, stability, care and positive relationships.
If you are compassionate, resilient and committed to helping children and young people thrive, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to become part of our team.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check, appropriate references and other pre-employment checks in accordance with our safer recruitment procedures.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: £14.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
