Residential Support Worker

Child Action North West; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate Residential Support Workers to provide essential care for young people facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges. This role involves creating a safe and nurturing environment, promoting positive behavior, and collaborating with families and professionals to support each child's unique needs. With a focus on safeguarding and empowerment, you will play a vital role in changing lives and inspiring futures. Join a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

Benefits

Company Sick Pay

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave

Volunteering Days

Discounted BUPA Medical Insurance

Annual Leave Starting at 25 Days

Holiday Purchase Scheme

Electric Vehicle Lease Scheme

Learning and Development Opportunities

Medicash Scheme for Health Expenses

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in caring for children and young people is required.
• Experience in safeguarding and child protection is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care for young people aged 8 to 17 with emotional difficulties.
• Promote health and well-being by fostering open relationships with children.

Skills

Empathy

Communication Skills

Child Protection

Care Planning

Boundary Setting

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People

Nursing

Job description

Child Action Northwest (CANW) is an award-winning charity providing a range of innovative and creative services across the North of England that support children, families, and vulnerable adults. CANW has been supporting children and young people for 130 years since its founding in 1886. Our mission is to inspire lives and change futures. Our values of caring, empowerment, and perseverance are present in all we do and underpin our work. We believe in the power of individuals and communities to grow, develop, and change.

We have an exciting opportunity within CANW for both full-time and part-time Residential Support Workers for our upcoming Residential Children’s Home. At this growth stage, you will be responsible for providing day-to-day care for young people aged 8 to 17 with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties.

Job Purpose

To foster a safe, secure, and accepting environment encouraging positive behaviour in all aspects of the young person's life. You will be expected to:

1. Promote open and effective relationships with children/young people where they can share concerns about their health, well-being, and relationships. Promote health and well-being by raising awareness of factors that can impact it.
2. Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse and harm, ensuring respectful observations are made to safeguard children/young people.
3. Respond calmly and sensitively to disclosures of danger, harm, or abuse, ensuring they are accurately recorded and reported. Inform children/young people who will be contacted if disclosures occur.
4. Listen to and consider the wishes, feelings, and preferences of children/young people while maintaining safeguarding practices. Support them in challenging decisions where their best interests are not fully considered.
5. Support children/young people in establishing their identity and ensuring their wishes are respected.
6. Work in partnership with other agencies and professionals, understanding their roles and responsibilities. Collaborate with parents, carers, and professionals to benefit the young person.
7. Devise, monitor, and review care plans with other agencies to promote health, well-being, and protection, sharing relevant information while respecting confidentiality.
8. Encourage children/young people to engage with support programs and liaise with professionals as appropriate.
9. Support children/young people in pursuing interests safely.
10. Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and CANW's Information Governance procedures.
11. Complete relevant documentation and share information appropriately, respecting age and understanding.
12. Provide boundaries regarding social media and internet safety, responding to concerns and listening actively to children/young people's experiences.
13. Present yourself professionally, providing leadership and support across the Residential Service and CANW.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

1. Contribute to assessment and care planning processes relevant to young people.
2. Assist in providing high standards of childcare in a stable, relaxed environment prioritising safeguarding.
3. Demonstrate empathetic and dedicated care for individuals with complex needs, fostering compassion and personalized support.
4. Be passionate about empowering young people and supporting their emotional well-being, with a strong focus on safeguarding and child protection.
5. Ability to set meaningful boundaries for children and young people.
6. Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

Working for CANW offers rewarding opportunities and benefits, including:

• Salary £28,486 - £30,091 (Full-Time - 37hrs/week, 148hrs/4 weeks) or pro-rata for part-time
• Company Sick Pay after probation
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity leave
• Volunteering days to support community involvement
• Discounted BUPA medical insurance
• Annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Holiday purchase scheme for extra days
• Electric vehicle lease scheme
• Learning and development opportunities
• Medicash scheme for health expenses
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exclusive discounts and recognition awards

All roles involve safeguarding responsibilities. A professional or vocational qualification such as NVQ Level 3 in caring for Children and Young People/Residential Care and Family Support, Nursing, or RNLD is required.