Residential Childcare Support Worker

Polaris Community; Haverhill; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive induction and mandatory/

Fixed 12-hour shift rota (08:00-20:00)

Minimum 168 hours/month guarantee

236 hours annual leave per year

Annual leave increase up to 272 hours

Pension scheme

Fully funded enrolment onto required Q

Job summary

Polaris Community in Haverhill, Suffolk, is seeking Support Workers for Area Camden to provide safe, nurturing care for young people aged 11-18. You will support emotional, social and educational development and help learners feel included in their local community.

The role requires a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent, with a fixed 12-hour shift rota (08:00–20:00) and a commitment to safeguarding. Beneficial to have DBS clearance and a passion for care.

Qualifications

• Hold a relevant qualification or be committed to undertaking a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of young people.
• Willingness to work some bank holidays.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, nurturing environment to support each young person’s development.
• Provide emotional and social support to help young people build positive relationships.
• Promote confidence, self-esteem and independence while encouraging positive life choices.
• Maintain accurate records, including daily updates, safeguarding information and health and safety checks.
• Assess individual needs and contribute to planning, reviewing and implementing care plans.
• Work with managers, colleagues and external professionals; supervise family contact when required.
• Support daily living needs in line with each young person’s care plan.

Skills

Empathy with young people

Communication skills

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent

Job description

Salary:
Unqualified: Base salary of £30,277.23 with a potential to earn up to £34,381.23 with sleep ins
Qualified: Base salary of £31,867.18 with a potential to earn up to £35,971.18 with sleep ins
(Qualified Support Worker salary is based on the proven existing completion of a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent)
Contract Type: Permanent
Specific Hours: 08:00 - 20:00 (12-hour shifts)
Location: Haverhill, Suffolk

What we offer:

• Comprehensive induction and mandatory training to support your development and progression.
• Fixed 12-hour shift rota (08:00-20:00):
• Week 1: Mon,Tues,Sat,Sun (48 hours)Week 2: Weds,Thurs,Fri (36 hours)
• Guaranteed minimum average of 168 hours per month.
• 236 hours annual leave per year
• Annual leave increases by 12 hours per year for 3 years (up to 272 hours).
• Pension scheme (after qualifying period).
• Fully funded enrolment onto required qualifications.

About Area Camden

Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, provides high-quality, family-style residential care built on values of respect, dignity, choice and positive parenting. We support young people aged 11-18, with all care tailored to their individual needs.

Support Workers play a key role in keeping young people safe and helping them develop emotionally, socially and academically. In this role, you'll build positive relationships, support young people with emotional and behavioural needs, and help them feel included in their local community.

Main Responsibilities

• Create a safe, nurturing environment that supports each young person's development.
• Provide emotional and social support, helping young people build positive relationships and engage in their local community.
• Promote confidence, self-esteem and independence, encouraging positive life choices.
• Maintain accurate records, including daily updates, safeguarding information and health and safety checks.
• Assess individual needs and contribute to planning, reviewing and implementing care plans.
• Work collaboratively with managers, colleagues and external professionals; supervise family contact when required.
• Support daily living needs in line with each young person's care plan.
• Assist with household tasks, meal planning, shopping and preparing balanced meals, involving young people where appropriate.

Required Attributes

• Ability to engage with young people in a positive and proactive way.
• Self-motivated with a positive nature.
• Sensitive and reflective.
• Ability to listen and empathise.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Experience working in the care sector or residential care.
• Hold a relevant qualification or be committed to undertaking a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare - we are looking for passionate and caring individuals who we will support to gain a qualification.
• Willingness to work some bank holidays.

Area Camden is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.