Children and Family Services strives to provide services which are user friendly and sensitive to the individual needs of our residents, Local authorities and all sections of the community. We want to be the 'difference that makes a difference' in Young People and staff's lives.
Purpose of Job
To join a team offering comprehensive residential services for Young People aged between 5 and 18 years. Our aim is to ensure the physical, social, emotional care and development of the Young People at the establishment.
Duties
- Join a team of residential care staff ensuring safe and appropriate care practices are maintained at all times
- Support the staff team in all aspects of the establishment's operation
- Maintain positive childcare practice, in keeping with the aims and objectives of the establishment
- Provide a safe, warm and supportive environment to our Young People
- Maintain a regular system of recording in connection with each young person
- Be involved in the implementation of care plans
- Assist in the provision of reports when required
- Attend Review and planning meetings when required
- Promote and maintain high standards of cleanliness
- Participate in the general activities of the establishment and use personal skills to maximise opportunity for each resident
- Make outside contacts both individually and through various activities developed within and outside of the establishment
- Undertake delegated household duties as required
- Undertake regular supervision sessions as required
- Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required
- Accept responsibility for such monies as may be required in the carrying out of duties
- Undertake sleeping-in duties as required
- Comply with the policies, procedures and practice of the establishment
- Respond to emergencies which may arise within the establishment
- Be available to cover staff shortfalls and/or operational deficiencies
- Provide a positive role model for colleagues and Young People
- Deal with telephone enquiries and undertake administrative duties as required
- Maintain case file records, including details of assessment plans, decisions, visits and the implementation and evaluation of action about the care plan
Responsibilities
- Foster and encourage, wherever appropriate, contact between Young People and their families
- Maintain good liaison and co-operate with external agencies (e.g. Field social workers, consultant staff)
- Develop a responsible attitude with Young People regarding the fabric, furnishings, equipment, supplies and services
- Support Young People in all domestic aspects regarding their personal space and communal areas
- Demonstrate both sensitivity and appropriate assertiveness whilst working in a pressured environment
- Act as a key worker for Young People, providing specific youngsters with regular key work sessions
- Participate in the construction and implementation of care plans
- Attend Reviews, case conferences and planning meetings when required
- Physically intervene if a Young Person's behaviour is dangerous to others or themselves, in accordance with procedural guidance and relevant legislation
Person Specification
Essential Requirements:
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to exhibit sensitivity and assertiveness
- Ability to maintain written records, write reports and keep cash records
- Practical care skills
- Self-motivation and ability to motivate and engage Young People in group activities
- Flexible approach to working hours, including shift work, weekends and bank holidays
- Ability to undertake sleeping-in duties
- Enthusiastic and well-motivated
- Willingness to undertake training
- Basic education - English, Maths and ICT
Desirable Requirements:
- Understanding of residential childcare
- Experience of social or community work
- Experience working in a children's residential care environment
- Knowledge of care plan production and monitoring
- Knowledge of the needs of adolescents
- Knowledge of key working systems
- Understanding of childcare theory (child-centred approach, routine, boundaries, consistency)
- Understanding of conflict resolution strategies
- Working knowledge of the Children Act 1989
- Understanding of health and safety in a childcare setting
- GNVQ / BTEC / NVQ in Health and Social Care
- Car driver
Equal Opportunities
Children and Family Services has a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in both services to Young People and in the employment of people. All employees are expected to understand and promote equality policies in their work.
Pay: £25,420.00-£36,112.97 per year
Work Location: In person
