Role Purpose
The Residential Care Worker is responsible for providing safe, nurturing and consistent care to children and young people living within the residential home.
The role involves supporting young people with their day-to-day needs, promoting their independence and wellbeing, and providing a stable and supportive environment where they can feel safe, valued and listened to.
You will work as part of a team to support young people who may have experienced trauma, emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and other complex needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, child-centred care and support to children and young people.
- Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with young people.
- Support young people with their daily routines, including education, appointments, activities, meals and bedtime routines.
- Encourage young people to develop independence, confidence and practical life skills.
- Plan and participate in recreational, educational and community-based activities.
- Support young people to maintain positive relationships with family members and other significant people where appropriate.
- Complete key-work sessions and support young people to achieve their individual goals and outcomes.
- Follow individual care plans, placement plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans.
- Support young people during periods of emotional distress or dysregulation using appropriate de-escalation strategies.
- Maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries.
- Safeguard children and young people from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm.
- Recognise, record and report any safeguarding concerns, disclosures or allegations in accordance with safeguarding procedures.
- Maintain accurate and timely records, including daily logs, incident reports, key-work records and other relevant documentation.
- Support with medication in accordance with the home's policies and procedures and following appropriate training.
- Attend and contribute to staff handovers, team meetings, supervision and training.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, social workers, education professionals, healthcare professionals and other agencies involved in the young person's care.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion and respect each young person's individual identity, culture, wishes and feelings.
- Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming home environment.
- Act as a positive role model and promote positive behaviour and healthy relationships.
- Follow all policies, procedures and regulatory requirements applicable to the children's home.
Person Specification
We are looking for someone who:
- Is passionate about supporting children and young people.
- Is caring, patient, resilient and approachable.
- Can remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
- Has strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Can build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Is reliable, responsible and able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Has good written communication and record-keeping skills.
- Understands the importance of safeguarding children and young people.
- Is willing to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-in or waking-night shifts where required.
Experience & Qualifications
Previous experience working with children and young people within residential care, education, youth work, supported accommodation or another relevant setting is desirable.
A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification is desirable. Where required for the role, successful applicants may be expected to work towards the relevant qualification.
A full UK driving licence is desirable and may be required depending on the needs of the home.
Safeguarding
The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check where applicable, satisfactory references, identity and right-to-work checks, employment history checks and verification of relevant qualifications.
Working Hours
Residential childcare operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Residential Care Workers may therefore be required to work a rota that includes day shifts, evenings, weekends, bank holidays, sleep-ins and/or waking nights.
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate flexibility to meet the needs of the children and young people living within the home.
Pay: £13.00-£30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
