Children's support worker- Holiday Cover

Paragon Social Care; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A children's support service in Gateshead is seeking compassionate Children's Support Workers to provide essential support to vulnerable children during holiday periods. You will promote safety, engage with the community, and help transform young lives. Ideal candidates have experience with children and a flexible schedule. Competitive pay of £17.50 - £28 per hour is offered. Join us in making a real difference!

Benefits

Competitive rate of pay

Free extensive training

Company pension contributions

Referral bonuses

Wellness initiatives

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children or young people.
• Full UK driver’s license and access to own car.
• Willingness to undergo enhanced DBS check.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day trauma informed support.
• Promote healthy lifestyle choices.
• Prepare meals and support nutritional needs.
• Facilitate engagement with broader support services.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Patience

Emotional resilience

Flexibility

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Residential Care or equivalent

Job description

Are you looking to make a difference to a Young person’s life? That’s exactly what you’ll do with us at Paragon Social Care as one of our brilliant Children’s Support Workers as holiday cover during some of busiest times that are harder for us to fill! Whether you’re bringing experience or looking for a brand-new challenge, this is your chance to make a real impact on the lives of the children who need it most.

Here’s some more about us:

At Paragon Social Care, our vision“Excellence Through Understanding”, a guiding principle that reflects our unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of the children and young people in our care.

we provide critical support to vulnerable and challenging children and young people in local authoritative care, we step in during these critical times of transition and supply wrap around 24/7 packages of support until a more suitable longer term placement is found. Our comprehensive support packages cater to individual needs, with staffing ratios ranging from 1:1 to 5:1.Safeguardingthem is our number one priority.

What would an average day look like?

• Providing the day-to-day trauma informed support to meet the young person’s day to day needs, promoting their safety and well-being and protecting them from harm.
• Promoting healthy lifestyle choices through structure and routine that would be expected within a family home.
• Preparing meals and supporting nutritional needs.
• Promoting good relationships with staff, professionals and the wider community.
• Facilitating engagement with broader support services and health appointments.
• Transporting our children and young people as and when necessary in your own vehicle.
• Ensuring that the young person’s views about their care, support, and accommodation are listened to and acted upon where appropriate. Validate their voice.
• Supporting move-on plans and assisting with the young person’s smooth transition.
• Effective communication within the team and all multi-agency partners.

What you need to succeed:

• Previous experience working with children or young people (in a paid or voluntary capacity)
• Full UK driver’s licenseand full access to your own car.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Allowing full flexibly in your working schedule during the holiday periods including the summer holidays!
• A relevant qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Residential Care or equivalent) is desirable but not essential.
• Afully enhancedDBS check that’s clear (or willingness to undergo one).

At Paragon Social Care, safeguarding children is at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and protected. Our care practices are rooted inTrauma-Informed Careand guided by the principles ofPositive Behaviour Support (PBS).

We’re looking for individuals who bring genuine compassion and commitment to the role. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Empathy and a deep understanding of children's needs
• Patience and emotional resilience
• Strong communication skills and an engaging, approachable manner
• A high level of professionalism and dedication to best practice
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to dynamic situations

If these qualities reflect who you are, we’d love to hear from you!

Competitive rate of pay- £17.50 - £28 per hour, depending on the type of shift!

Why choose Paragon?

• Gaining a highly rewarding role where you will make a genuine difference to the lives of the vulnerable children and young people we support!

Free extensive training

• New candidates complete 21 online training modules, followed by hands-on, in-person training on physical intervention, safeguarding, Trauma‑Informed Practice, polyvagal theory, and our service approach. Ongoing growth is encouraged through clear career progression paths, including Senior Support Worker roles.

Benefits That Matter

• Casual dress code.
• Company pension contributions.
• Referral bonuses!Earn money by simply referring excellent friends or colleagues.
• Wellness initiatives, career recognition, and flexible scheduling.

We’re looking forward to hearing from YOU!