Child & Youth Support Worker

Paragon Social Care; Baldock; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible shifts

Ongoing specialist training and career

Company pension scheme

Employee referral bonus

Job summary

Paragon Social Care is seeking a Children's Support Worker to join our team across Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. You will provide practical and emotional support to children and young people in residential homes and community-based settings, helping them feel safe and supported.

Essential requirements include a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle, availability for 2–3 shifts per week, and the ability to pass an Enhanced DBS check.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.
• Willingness to operate across Cambridgeshire & Hertfordshire.
• Reliable, caring and resilient with good communication.
• Willing to complete an Enhanced DBS check.

Responsibilities

• Providing safe, consistent and trauma-informed care.
• Building positive, professional relationships based on trust and respect.
• Supporting daily routines, education and life skills.
• Encouraging hobbies, healthy routines and community participation.
• Transporting young people to school, appointments and activities.
• Working closely with social workers, families and other professionals.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to safeguarding processes.

Skills

Driving licence & vehicle access

Empathy & resilience

Teamwork & independence

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Residential Care

Job description

Children's Support Worker

Cambridgeshire & Hertfordshire

£17.50–£24.00 per hour PAYE (including holiday pay)
£20.00–£28.00 per hour Umbrella

Make a Real Difference Every Day

Looking for a role where your work genuinely changes lives?

At Paragon Social Care, we support children and young people in local authority care, helping them build confidence, develop independence and achieve brighter futures. Every day is different, and every shift gives you the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

We're looking for reliable, caring and resilient individuals to join our growing team across Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

Whether you already have experience working with young people or you're looking for a rewarding career where your values matter, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

As a Children's Support Worker, you'll provide practical and emotional support to children and young people with emotional and behavioural needs within residential homes and community-based support packages.

You'll become a positive role model, helping young people feel safe, supported and encouraged while promoting independence and positive life choices.

Your role could include:

• Providing safe, consistent and trauma-informed care.
• Building positive, professional relationships based on trust and respect.
• Supporting daily routines, education and life skills.
• Encouraging hobbies, healthy routines and community participation.
• Transporting young people to school, appointments and activities.
• Working closely with social workers, families and other professionals.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to safeguarding processes.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is

• Caring, patient and dependable.
• Calm under pressure and emotionally resilient.
• A confident communicator.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Passionate about helping young people reach their full potential.

Essential Requirements

• Full UK driving licence.
• Access to your own vehicle for work.
• Available to work a minimum of 2–3 shifts per week.
• Willing to complete an Enhanced DBS check.

Desirable

• Previous experience supporting children or young people (paid or voluntary).
• NVQ Level 3 in Children's Residential Care or an equivalent qualification.

What You'll Receive

• £17.50–£24.00 per hour PAYE (including holiday pay).
• £20.00–£28.00 per hour Umbrella.
• Flexible shifts to fit around your lifestyle.
• Ongoing specialist training and development.
• Genuine career progression opportunities.
• Company pension scheme.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Supportive and experienced management team.
• Meaningful work where you can make a genuine difference every shift.

Why Join Paragon Social Care?

At Paragon Social Care, we believe our staff are our greatest asset.

We invest in your training, support your development and recognise the important role you play in helping children and young people feel safe, valued and empowered.

If you're looking for a rewarding career with purpose, excellent rates of pay and opportunities to grow, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding Statement

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All shortlisted candidates will be required to disclose convictions or cautions that are not protected under current filtering legislation.

Paragon Social Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check.