Residential Childcare Support Worker - 20 Hours

Apple Orchard; Aldershot; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 15,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player in youth care is seeking passionate Residential Childcare Support Workers to create a nurturing environment for young males aged 13-18. This part-time role involves providing support, planning activities, and ensuring compliance with care regulations. You will play a crucial role in helping young people develop and overcome their past challenges while fostering positive relationships. If you are dedicated to making a difference and have the skills to engage and empower youth, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a supportive team committed to professional development and making a lasting impact.

Benefits

Company pension

£35 per sleep in

Employee Discount Scheme

Wellbeing programmes

Promotion opportunities

Fully funded training

Qualifications

• Experience with teenage boys or challenging behavior is essential.
• Must hold a relevant childcare qualification or be willing to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide a caring environment that meets individual developmental needs.
• Plan activities that stimulate learning and integration.
• Maintain accurate records of young people's progress.

Skills

Experience with teenage boys

Driving license

Residential Childcare Diploma

Flexibility with working hours

Effective communication skills

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care

Willingness to work towards required qualification

Job description

Location: Aldershot, Hampshire

Contract: Part-Time, Permanent

Starting Salary: Base salary of £13,163.88 pro rata (£26,327.76 FTE) per annum with the potential to earn up to £14,843.88 with sleep in shifts

Salary after probation: Base salary of £13,743.60 pro rata (£27,487.20 FTE) per annum with the potential to earn up to £15,423.60 with sleep in shifts

Specific Hours: 20 hours per week - shift pattern

Apple Orchard has five homes in Surrey and West Sussex, each offering a comfortable environment for young males aged 13-18 years. We are looking for experienced Residential Childcare Support Workers and those who are passionate about making a positive difference in young people's lives, willing to undertake the necessary training and qualifications.

We aim to help young people develop insight into their experiences to move on from their often traumatic past. We support them by providing clear boundaries and achievable goals, including positive reinforcement strategies such as reward charts and free time.

Central to our work is providing a high level of nurturing to ensure all the young person's basic needs are met. This includes maintaining a warm and friendly atmosphere where supportive relationships and positive attachments are emphasized.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure a caring and motivating environment is provided for the young people that considers individual developmental needs and enables them to reach their full potential.
• Plan and prepare activities that meet the young people's needs and stimulate their learning and integration within the home.
• Stay informed of legislation, guidelines, and policies to ensure compliance with the Children's Act, Children's Homes Regulations, and national minimum standards.
• Observe and assess young people's progress, keeping accurate records of their achievements, behavior, and important events in their lives.
• Work with local authorities to ensure outstanding care for the young people.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with parents/carers to support young people's learning and development.
• Be flexible within the working practices of the home, including undertaking domestic tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, and shopping.
• Collaborate with the Manager and staff team to fulfill the home's philosophy.
• Maintain clear and legible records regarding the young people, ensuring that entries are legible, clearly expressed, and distinguishable between fact, opinion, and third-party information.

Essential Skills:

• Previous experience working with teenage boys or challenging behavior; willingness to further develop skills.
• Hold a driving license and have access to a vehicle due to the rural location of our services.
• Hold a Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma/Children and Young People's Workforce/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent, or be willing to work towards a required qualification.
• Willingness to engage young people in a range of activities and support them towards independence and adulthood.
• Flexibility with working hours, including a mixture of days, evenings, and weekends; shift work required with every other weekend off.
• Able to challenge unacceptable behavior, provide firm boundaries, and meet individual needs.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow delegated tasks and handovers.
• Maintain policies and procedures.
• Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing.

Benefits:

• Company pension
• £35 per sleep in (one per week x 48 weeks)
• Access to our Exchange Employee Discount Scheme
• Access to wellbeing programmes via our Exchange Provision
• Promotion opportunities & fully funded training for recognized qualifications

If you feel that you could use your skills to create a caring and stimulating environment for young people, we want to hear from you.

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer, encouraging applications from suitably qualified candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, expecting all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at the enhanced level.