Residential Support Worker - Children's Homes

The Methodist Church in Britain; England; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhancements up to £4,000 a year

Higher hourly rates for nights/weekend

Job summary

Devon County Council's Ofsted-registered Children’s Homes is seeking a full-time support worker to help children with complex needs reach personal goals, build life skills, and take part in activities that prepare them for adulthood.

The role runs a three-shift, 24-hour pattern including nights and sleep-ins. Candidates must have their own vehicle with business insurance and a valid UK driving licence; visa sponsorship is not offered.

Qualifications

• Numeracy and literacy skills to GCSE level.
• Experience with young people with complex needs.
• Familiarity with person-centred planning.
• Ability to engage and build positive relationships with children.

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people to achieve their personal wishes and goals.
• Assist with daily tasks and life skills.
• Organise and participate in activities to foster development.
• Create a fun and positive atmosphere and engage proactively.

Skills

Positive engagement

Boundary setting

Calm under pressure

Relationship building

Education

GCSE-level numeracy & literacy

Tools

First Aid

Job description

This full-time role supports children with complex needs in Devon County Council's Ofsted-registered Children's Homes. The work centres on helping young people reach personal goals, build daily life skills and take part in activities that prepare them for adulthood. Shifts run on a three-shift, 24-hour pattern including nights and sleep-ins, with the rota currently under consultation. Candidates need their own vehicle and a valid UK driving licence, and visa sponsorship is not offered.

What the job involves

• Supporting children and young people to achieve their personal wishes and goals
• Ensuring individual care plans and needs are met
• Assisting with daily tasks and life skills
• Striving for aspirational outcomes for the children
• Helping prepare children for the next stages of their life
• Creating a fun and positive atmosphere
• Organising and taking part in activities
• Being proactive and innovative in finding new ways to engage children

What’s required

Qualifications

• Numeracy and literacy skills to GCSE level

Experience

• Experience of working with young people with complex needs
• Familiarity with person-centred planning

Skills & knowledge

• Ability to engage and build positive relationships with children and young people
• Remaining calm in challenging situations
• Ability to implement boundaries
• Ability to adapt and respond quickly

Checks & eligibility

• Valid UK driving licence; automatic-only licences may not be accepted
• Own vehicle with business insurance
• Valid visa with at least two years remaining, as no sponsorship is offered

Nice to have

• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
• First Aid certificate
• Short courses relevant to the role, such as First Aid, food hygiene or trauma-led practice

What’s offered

• Enhancements of up to £4,000 a year
• Higher hourly rates for overnight, Saturday and Sunday or bank holiday shifts