Residential Child Care Officer

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

28 days annual leave (32 after 5 years

Training & progression opportunities

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking dedicated residential childcare staff to support children and young people with disabilities in a 24-hour care setting. You will provide day-to-day care, participate in short break services, and work within safeguarding and regulatory frameworks.

The role requires NVQ Level 3 Caring for Children and Young People or Level 3/4 Diploma (or equivalent) with willingness to attain Level 4 within 18–24 months. A driving licence and mobility are desirable.

Qualifications

• Qualified in residential childcare with NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
• Knowledge of childcare legislation, safeguarding and regulatory framework.
• Experience with children with disabilities and challenging behaviour.
• Strong communication, literacy, numeracy and IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people with disabilities with day-to-day care.
• Deliver a high-quality short break service and assist with leisure activities.
• Follow risk assessments and safeguarding procedures; maintain safety and wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate records and complete administrative tasks.
• Prepare and review care plans, attend reviews and contribute to decision-making.

Skills

Childcare teamwork

Communication

IT literacy

Mobility/Driving

Education

NVQ Level 3 Caring for Children and Young People / Level 3/4 Diploma

Job description

Who We Are & What We Stand For

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Create safe spaces, build brighter futures.

Our Children’s Social Care team work to provide and further develop services to children and families across Gateshead to offer a focused and joined up approach to offer young people the best possible start in life. This is incredibly important work and includes an excellent early help and prevention service, assessment, intervention and safeguarding supporting children and their families, services for children in and having experienced our care, our fostering, residential and adoption services, support for vulnerable adolescents & those with disabilities and many more. It can be challenging but very rewarding work, as we passionately pursue our goal of helping Gateshead children to thrive.

Grove House is a short break residential service supporting children and young people with disabilities. Our dedicated team provides high-quality care in a safe, nurturing and fun environment, helping young people develop independence, build confidence and enjoy positive experiences. Working closely with families, social workers and partner agencies, we create opportunities for children and young people to access leisure activities, develop life skills and achieve their full potential. Every member of the team plays an important role in ensuring young people are safe, supported and able to thrive.

We’re proud to have all of our Children’s homes rated as ‘Good or Outstanding’ by Ofsted. If you’re passionate about making a real difference and want to be part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and innovative teamthis is your opportunity.

Care, support and inspire every step of the way.

What You Will Get To Do

• Support children and young people with disabilities with all aspects of their day-to-day care and individual needs.
• Help deliver a high-quality short break service, including supporting young people to participate in leisure activities, social opportunities and community outings.
• Work in line with risk assessments and risk management plans to promote safety and wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate records and complete administrative tasks in line with service requirements and regulatory standards.
• Work in accordance with safeguarding procedures, Children's Home policies, regulations, quality standards and OFSTED requirements.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with young people, their families, colleagues, community groups and partner agencies.
• Liaise effectively with families and professionals to ensure the best outcomes for young people.
• Support young people in a positive, respectful and empowering way that promotes achievement, independence and wellbeing.
• Administer medication following appropriate training and procedures.
• Work in a way that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion for all young people and families.
• Participate in training, team meetings and professional development opportunities, including First Aid, Food Safety and PRICE training
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
• Following completion of the Level 3 Diploma, take on additional responsibilities including leading shifts, contributing to risk assessments and acting as a Key Worker.
• Prepare and review care plans, contribute to assessments, attend reviews and meetings, and provide written and verbal reports to support decision-making.

Where compassion, commitment and teamwork change lives.

What You Will Bring (Essential Criteria)

• A recognised qualification in residential childcare, including NVQ Level 3 Caring for Children and Young People, Level 3/4 Diploma for Children and Young People's Workforce (or equivalent), or a commitment to work towards the required Level 4 qualification within 18-24 months of appointment.
• Knowledge of current childcare legislation, safeguarding, child protection and the regulatory framework for children's residential services.
• Understanding of the needs of children and young people with disabilities and a passion for helping them achieve positive outcomes.
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues, families, social workers and partner agencies, including supporting children and young people whose behaviour may challenge.
• Strong communication, literacy, numeracy and IT skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records, reports and care documentation.
• The ability to build positive relationships, work flexibly, take responsibility and contribute effectively to a supportive team environment.
• A current driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role, together with the ability to meet the age requirements for working in a children's home. Applicants must be at least 21 years old in line with Children's Homes National Minimum Standards and be at least four years older than the oldest child accommodated.

As this is a 24 hour service, 7 days per week, in addition to a very competitive salary of £33,119 - £40,444 you will also be entitled to additional payments for working evenings and early mornings and you will receive two increments for weekend working of which you will work a minimum of 10% of your hours.

If succcessful you will have to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure

What’s In It For You

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who's truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.