Job Purpose:
To provide high-quality, consistent care and support to children and young people living in a residential setting, including those with learning disabilities and autism. You will help create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports each child's emotional, behavioural, educational, and social development. This role requires strong leadership, resilience, and a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
Key Responsibilities:
* Support and care for children and young people in line with their individual care plans and the home's policies.
* Build positive, trusting relationships with young people based on respect, consistency, and empathy.
* Create a safe, structured, and engaging environment that promotes the emotional and psychological well-being of each child.
* Lead by example and act as a positive role model in all interactions with children and team members.
* Encourage and support children with daily routines, life skills, personal care, education, and social activities.
* De-escalate and manage challenging behaviour using therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches.
* Maintain a strong safeguarding focus at all times, identifying and responding to concerns appropriately.
* Keep accurate records, contribute to care planning and attend team meetings and reviews.
* Support children with learning disabilities and autism in a way that promotes inclusion and independence.
* Liaise professionally with families, schools, social workers, health professionals, and other agencies.
* Take on additional responsibilities during shifts, including leadership duties if in a senior or key worker role.
* Support the home in meeting Ofsted standards and organisational goals.
Essential Criteria:
* Minimum of 2 years' experience working in a residential children's care setting or supported living for children.
* Hold a Level 2 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent recognised qualification.
* Proven ability to lead by example, providing a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for young people.
* Strong resilience, effective problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure in challenging situations.
* Sound understanding of safeguarding policies, procedures, and best practice in residential childcare.
* Experience supporting children with learning disabilities and autism.
* Full UK driving licence (essential due to potential travel with young people).
* Previous experience in a Team Leader or supervisory role within a children's care setting.
Desirable:
* Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it).
* First Aid and Safeguarding Training (recent).
* Knowledge of legislation and standards relating to children's residential care (e.g. Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, Ofsted).
Working Conditions:
* Shifts include evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and potential sleep-ins or waking nights.
* Working in a residential home with children who may display emotional or behavioural challenges.
* Emotional resilience and physical stamina are required due to the demands of the role.
Safeguarding Statement:
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff to share this commitment.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: From £24,420.00 per year
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Company events
* Company pension
* Referral programme
Work Location: In person