Residential Support Worker - Children's Homes

Devon County Council; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Barnstaple is seeking dedicated support workers to assist children with complex needs. The role requires building positive relationships, driving with a valid license, and being adaptable in various situations. Opportunities for flexible working arrangements are available, and ongoing training will be provided. The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting young people's independence and well-being.

Qualifications

• Ability to engage and build positive relationships with children and young people.
• Adaptability and quick response in various situations.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Support children to achieve personal wishes and goals.
• Assist with daily tasks and life skills.
• Create a fun and positive atmosphere.
• Engage in activities and drive with own vehicle.

Skills

Support for children and young people

Driving with valid UK driving license

Building positive relationships

Ability to remain calm in challenging situations

Proactivity and innovation

Job description

Overview

Our Children's Homes are registered with Ofsted and provide support for children and young people with complex needs, ensuring their individual care plans and needs are met. The ethos of the service is to provide a home-from-home experience, enhance and promote their experiences and independence, and help prepare them for the next stages of their life. The role includes:

Responsibilities

• Supporting children and young people to achieve their personal wishes and goals.
• Assisting with daily tasks and life skills.
• Striving for aspirational outcomes for the children.
• Creating a fun and positive atmosphere.
• Organising and taking part in activities.
• Being proactive and innovative in seeking new methods to engage.
• Ability to engage and build positive relationships with children and young people.
• Remaining calm in challenging situations.
• Able to implement boundaries.
• Able to adapt and respond quickly.
• The ability to drive with access to your own vehicle, a valid UK driving licence and business insurance is essential to the role.
• We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
• Happy to talk flexible working – the Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work (e.g., hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours).
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Location: Barnstaple (multiple locations and terms).

Salary and Benefits

• £26,824 - £28,598 per annum, pro rata (plus enhancements up to £4,000 per annum).
• Start rate: £13.90 per hour, rising to £14.82 per hour.
• Overnight rate: £18.53 per hour, rising to £19.76 per hour.
• Saturday rate: £20.85 per hour, rising to £22.23 per hour.
• Sunday and bank holiday rate: £27.80 per hour, rising to £29.64 per hour.
• 37 hours per week, plus enhancements (up to £4,000 per year).
• Early shifts, late shifts, and some night sleeps as part of the 3-shift system (AM/PM/Nights or Sleep-Ins).

Working Arrangements

We work on a 3-shift per 24 hours basis and our homes are open up to 365 days a year (7:00–14:45; 14:30–22:00; 22:00–07:00 for sleeps).

Important Considerations

We are more than just a job. Roles involve supporting children with complex needs, with associated celebrations and challenges. Staff should be resilient, reflective, and able to handle the responsibilities of the role. During school holidays, staffing levels and leave are managed to meet service needs. Staff should expect to work shift patterns including late nights and overnight support. Ongoing training is encouraged, including courses at different levels and additional training as required. All staff must hold a full driving licence.

Equality and Diversity

DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an inclusive and safe environment. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.