About us
At Elstree Home Care, we are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for children and young people. We believe in fostering resilience, promoting well-being, and supporting each individual to reach their full potential. Join our passionate team and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
The Role:
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people? Do you possess empathy, resilience, and a commitment to safeguarding? We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Support Workers to join our team, working directly with children and young people who may be experiencing a range of challenges, including social, emotional, behavioural, and educational difficulties.
As a Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in providing practical, emotional, and social support, helping to create a stable and supportive environment where young people can thrive. You will work closely with individuals, their families, and other professionals to implement care plans and promote positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Direct Support:
Provide direct emotional, social, and practical support to young people and children in line with their individual care plans. This may include supporting daily routines, personal care (where appropriate), and promoting independent living skills.
Building Relationships:
Develop positive, trusting, and professional relationships with young people and children, acting as a role model and advocate.
Safeguarding:
Ensure the safety and well-being of all young people and children in your care, adhering strictly to safeguarding policies and procedures. Report any concerns promptly and appropriately.
Emotional Support:
Offer empathetic listening and emotional support, helping young people to express themselves and manage their feelings.
Activity Planning & Engagement:
Plan, organize, and participate in engaging activities that promote development, social interaction, and well-being (e.g., educational support, recreational outings, creative activities).
Behavioural Support:
Implement strategies to manage challenging behaviours effectively and safely, in line with training and individual care plans.
Record Keeping:
Maintain accurate, concise, and up-to-date records of observations, incidents, and progress, adhering to confidentiality guidelines.
Collaboration:
Work collaboratively with colleagues, families, social workers, educators, and other professionals to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to care.
Advocacy:
Advocate for the rights and needs of young people and children, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
Risk Assessment:
Contribute to and implement risk assessments, identifying and mitigating potential risks to young people's safety and well-being.
Personal Development:
Engage in ongoing training and professional development to enhance skills and knowledge, keeping up-to-date with best practices in youth and child support.
Teamwork:
Act as a supportive and contributing member of the team, participating in team meetings, handovers, and supervision.
About You:
Essential:
Experience of working with children or young people, ideally in a support, care, or educational setting.
A genuine passion for supporting the development and well-being of young people and children.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust.
Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
Resilience and the ability to remain calm and effective in challenging situations.
A strong understanding of safeguarding principles and child protection procedures.
The ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
Basic IT literacy for record-keeping and communication.
Flexibility to work a varied shift pattern, which may include nights, days, weekends, and occasional sleep-ins.
A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle is desirable, but not always essential.
Desirable:
Relevant qualification in Health & Social Care, Youth Work, Childcare, or a related field (NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People Workforce), a Relevant qualification or a degree.
Knowledge of specific challenges faced by young people (e.g., trauma, mental health, challenging behaviour).
Experience with therapeutic approaches or positive behaviour support strategies.
What We Offer:
A rewarding role where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of young people.
Competitive salary starting from £12.82 per hour.
Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Regular supervision and support from experienced colleagues and management.
A supportive and collaborative team environment.
Opportunities for career progression within the organisation.
Please note:
This position is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
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