We are a Residential Family Assessment Centre that assesses and supports parents to develop the skills required to provide safe care to their children. Families are placed with us over a 12-14 week period whilst their parenting capacity is assessed following which we provide an evidence based parenting assessment to the placing Local Authority and court.
We are currently looking to expand our waking night team. Night shifts are 07.45pm to 08.00am and work on a rota system with weekend work included. Your role will involve monitoring cctv throughout the night ensuring parents are responding to their children in a safe and timely manner and offering support and assistance where required.
We are looking for candidates who are passionate about improving the lives and outcomes for children and their families. We expect successful candidates to be able to promote the well being of our families at all times and comply with all first steps company policies and procedures.
Successful candidates will work directly with families and will be contributing to the family assessment by way of their observations, monitoring and recording.
A diploma (level 3) or equivalent in Health & Social Care (Children and Young People) is a distinct advantage however this is something we are happy to support with upon successful completion of probation.
First Steps is committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children & young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of right to work in the UK. First Steps is an equal opportunities employer.
Person Specification:
Essential
* Resilient and motivated person
* Experience of residential family assessment/ Residential work/Care work
* Ability to use a computer and complete typing as most information is recorded in electronic form
* Good communication skills, both verbal and written, ability to engage parents and children
* Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental
* Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team
* Ability to contribute to the successful delivery of the service
* Experience of working with children and families
* Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and confidence to follow them
* Hold a full driving licence and have business insurance
Desirable
* GCSE in Maths and English at C Grade or above
* NVQ or Diploma Level 3 in Children and Young People's Workforce or equivalent
* Previous experience in working in a residential family assessment centre
* Any relevant or transferrable skills, such as Pediatric First Aid trained
Duties and Responsibilities:
* Understand and adhere to First Steps Policies and Procedures.
* Demonstrate a working knowledge on The Residential Family Centres National Minimum Standards 2013 and The Residential Family Centre Regulations 202 as amended.
* To work alongside and in partnership with team members and other professionals (Social Workers, Police, Education, and Health) to help families reach targets and expectations as outlined in their care plans and other plans for permanence.
* Keep up to date and accurate monitoring and records of the family's progress plus any incidents.
* Attend regular supervision seminars and staff meetings, actively pursue relevant qualifications and undertake training as required developing the post holders own skills.
* Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families in line with appropriate legislation and company policies.
* Contribute to and maintain a high level of recording and report writing, and contribute in meetings as required to assist in planning to meet the needs of children and their families.
* Support parents to respond to their children safely and timely
* Maintain a professional attitude and appropriate appearance at all times whilst on shift.
* Undertake any other duties or responsibilities as required by the manager to assist the functioning of the care home or care towards children at that time.
* Such other duties as may be deemed appropriate from time to time.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Education:
* GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
* Residential Family Assessment: 1 year (preferred)
* Support work: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 25/10/2025