Children's Support Worker

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules (agency role)

Casual dress code

Company pension

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Paragon Social Care is seeking passionate Support Workers to help vulnerable children in local authority care. You’ll provide trauma‑informed, compassionate care, build trust, support education and life skills, and accompany young people to appointments.

A full UK driving licence and your own car are required, as is resilience and flexibility, including waking nights and weekends. We offer extensive free training, clear career progression, and competitive pay: £17.50–£24.00ph PAYE or £20–£28ph

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people, paid or voluntary.
• Full UK driving licence and your own car.
• Patience, empathy, and emotional resilience.
• Flexible approach, including waking nights, weekends, and sleep-ins.
• Clear enhanced DBS or willingness to complete one.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, compassionate care to keep young people safe and supported.
• Build positive relationships and promote healthy routines.
• Support education, meals, and life skills activities.
• Transport with your own vehicle when needed to accompany young people.
• Advocate for the voice of the children and ensure they feel heard.

Skills

Experience with children/young people

Driver's license & own car

Empathy & resilience

Flexible schedule including nights & W

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Residential Care

Job description

Do You Want to Make a Real Difference? Become a Support Worker with Paragon Social Care!

Are you ready to change a young person’s life for the better?

At Paragon Social Care, that’s exactly what you’ll do! We’re looking for passionate, caring, and resilient individuals to join our incredible team of Children’s Support Workers.

Whether you have previous experience in care or you’re looking for a rewarding new challenge, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children who need you most.

Who Are We?

At Paragon Social Care, our vision is simple:

“Excellence Through Understanding.”

We provide essential 24/7 wraparound support for children and young people in local authority care during times of uncertainty and transition.

Our goal is to create safe, nurturing, and stable environments while supporting and planning for their future.

Every child deserves care, compassion, and opportunity — and that starts with YOU.

What Does a Day Look Like?

No two days are the same, but your role will include:

• Providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to keep young people safe and supported
• Building positive relationships and promoting healthy routines
• Preparing meals, supporting education, and encouraging life skills
• Advocating for their voice, making sure they feel heard and valued
• Supporting medical appointments and community activities
• Using your own vehicle to transport young people when needed
• Helping them move forward with confidence into their next chapter

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for individuals who have:

• Experience working with children or young people, whether paid or voluntary
• A full UK driver’s licence and your own car
• Patience, empathy, and emotional resilience
• A flexible approach, including waking nights, weekends, and sleep-ins when required
• A clear enhanced DBS or willingness to complete one

A relevant qualification, such as an NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Residential Care or equivalent, is desirable but not essential.

What You’ll Get in Return

Competitive Pay

£17.50ph – £24.00ph PAYE Rate (including holiday pay)

£20.00ph – £28.00ph Umbrella Rate

Extensive Free Training

You’ll receive comprehensive training and development, including:

• Online modules and in-person training in safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, positive behaviour support, and more
• Clear career progression opportunities, including Senior Support Worker and beyond!

Fantastic Perks

• Flexible schedules (agency role)
• Casual dress code
• Company pension
• Referral bonuses

Why Join Us?

Because this isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to be the difference in a child’s story.

Every day, you’ll have the opportunity to inspire hope, create stability, and empower young people to believe in their future.

If you’ve got the passion, we’ll give you the training, support, and opportunity to thrive.

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all shortlisted candidates must disclose any convictions or cautions that are not protected under current filtering legislation.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks which includes an Enhanced DBS Check.