Job Description:
As a Bank Support Worker at Caring Hearts Homes, you will be responsible for providing and emotional support to children and young people in a residential care environment. You will be responsible for fostering a nurturing and safe atmosphere, assisting children with day-to-day activities, promoting positive behaviours, and helping to achieve their individual development goals. The role also involves working a combination of day shifts, waking night shifts, and weekends.
Key Responsibilities:
Child-Centered Care:
* Provide day-to-day care and support to children and young people in the home, ensuring their physical, emotional, and social needs are met.
* Assist children with daily routines including personal hygiene, dressing, meals, and schoolwork.
* Encourage and support children in engaging in recreational activities, hobbies, and social events.
* Foster a positive, supportive, and safe environment by creating and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with children.
Promote Positive Behaviour:
* Use positive behaviour support strategies to manage challenging behaviours and encourage positive interactions.
* Implement individual care plans and behaviour management strategies as directed by senior staff and care plans.
* Ensure that children and young people adhere to house rules and boundaries while supporting them in making positive choices.
Support Emotional Well-being:
* Provide emotional support to children, helping them to manage their emotions, behaviour, and any trauma-related issues they may have.
* Use effective communication techniques to support children in expressing their feelings and resolving conflicts.
* Provide reassurance and stability to children, especially during difficult moments.
Safety and Safeguarding:
* Adhere to all safeguarding policies and child protection procedures, ensuring children's safety and well-being at all times.
* Monitor children's behaviour and take appropriate action to address any safeguarding concerns or incidents.
* Identify any concerns or signs of abuse or neglect and report these concerns according to the organisation's procedures.
* Complete accurate and timely reports of incidents, accidents, and observations related to the children's health, well-being, or behaviour.
* Report any concerns regarding a child's welfare to the home manager or authorities.
Record Keeping and Reporting:
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of children's progress, incidents, behaviours, and other relevant observations.
* Complete daily logs, incident reports, and progress reports for children under your care, in line with organisational policies.
* Ensure that confidential information is handled in accordance with data protection guidelines.
* Participate in reviews of care plans, progress evaluations, and other assessments as required.
* Maintain open and effective communication with colleagues, managers, and external professionals, such as social workers, healthcare providers, and educational staff.
* Attend team meetings and contribute to the development of care plans for each child.
Team Collaboration:
* Work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues, social workers, and other professionals to ensure that children's needs are met.
* Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions about care plans, progress, and behaviour management strategies.
* Share relevant information with colleagues to ensure a coordinated approach to care.
* Participate in staff training, workshops, and professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge in child development, safeguarding, and other relevant areas.
Health and Safety:
* Ensure that the physical environment of the children's home is clean, safe, and conducive to learning and development.
* Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including maintaining appropriate records of accidents, health concerns, and other safety-related incidents.
Shift Flexibility:
* Be flexible and available to work both day shifts (8am – 8pm) and waking night shifts (8pm – 8am), including weekends and public holidays as needed.
Key Requirements:
Essential Qualifications:
* Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care (Children and Young People) or equivalent qualification is mandatory for this position and working towards Level 3.
* Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or Health & Social Care (Children and Young People) (or willingness to complete upon employment).
* Completion of mandatory training in areas such as safeguarding, first aid, and behaviour management (or willingness to complete upon employment).
Experience (1year):
* Prior experience working with children or young people in a residential or care setting (foster care, supported living, children's homes, etc.).
* Experience in using behaviour management techniques to support children with challenging behaviours.
* Experience working with vulnerable children or those with specific needs, such as emotional or developmental challenges.
Skills and Attributes:
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with children, colleagues, and external professionals.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and initiative in a challenging environment.
* Empathy, patience, and emotional resilience, with the ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to complete records and reports accurately and promptly.
Personal Qualities:
* A genuine passion for working with children and young people, especially those with complex needs or in vulnerable situations.
* Emotional resilience and the ability to stay calm and professional under pressure.
* Commitment to promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people.
* Ability to work flexibly, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Salary and Benefits:
* Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications.
* Benefits: Comprehensive training and development opportunities, Paid annual leave and Opportunity for career progression within the organisation.
Work Location: In person.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £11.50-£13.00 per hour
Benefits:
* Flexitime
* Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Harrow: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person