Residential Support Worker - Children's Homes

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

Benefits offered by this job

Enhancements up to £4,000 a year (pro

Enhanced hourly rates for overnight, 0

Job summary

Devon County Council is seeking a residential support worker to care for children in Ofsted-registered homes, helping residents reach personal goals, build daily living and life skills, and take part in activities in a home-from-home setting.

The role involves shift work, including early, late and overnight sleep-ins; hours may be full-time or part-time. A driving licence and own vehicle are required; visa sponsorship is not offered.

Qualifications

• GCSE-level numeracy and literacy.
• Experience with young people who have complex needs.
• Familiarity with person-centred planning.

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people to achieve personal wishes and goals.
• Assist with daily tasks and life skills.
• Work towards aspirational outcomes for each child.
• Ensure individual care plans and needs are met.
• Create a fun and positive atmosphere in the home.
• Organise and take part in activities.
• Seek new and innovative ways to engage children.
• Help prepare children for the next stages of their lives.

Skills

Building relationships

Calm under pressure

Set boundaries

Adaptability

Education

GCSE-level numeracy and literacy

Job description

Residential support worker post in Devon County Council's Ofsted-registered children's homes, caring for children and young people with complex needs. The work centres on helping young residents reach personal goals, build daily living and life skills, and take part in activities in a home-from-home setting. Posts run on a round-the-clock three-shift rota, including early, late and overnight sleep-ins, and are offered full time or part time. Candidates need their own vehicle and a full 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
• Assisting with daily tasks and life skills
• Working towards aspirational outcomes for each child
• Ensuring individual care plans and needs are met
• Creating a fun and positive atmosphere in the home
• Organising and taking part in activities
• Seeking new and innovative ways to engage children
• Helping prepare children for the next stages of their lives

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

• Building positive relationships with children and young people
• Remaining calm in challenging situations
• Implementing boundaries
• Adapting and responding quickly

Checks & eligibility

• Valid UK driving licence; automatic-only licences may not be accepted
• Right to work in the UK with at least two years left on any visa; no visa sponsorship

Other

• Ability to drive, with access to own vehicle and business insurance

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, pro rata
• Enhanced hourly rates for overnight, Saturday and Sunday or bank holiday work