Residential Child Care Officer (permanent)
Breakaway, Slough Children First’s respite unit, is seeking Residential Child Care Officers. Breakaway provides short breaks ranging from day care to overnight stays for children and young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. You will work to ensure a safe, secure environment to help young people develop their skills, participate in activities, and, where possible, encourage independence. Personal care is part of the role.
Overview
Are you passionate about providing support and development to young people with learning difficulties and disabilities within a safe environment? If so, we have an opportunity to join Breakaway as a Residential Child Care Officer.
Main Accountabilities
* Contribute to the provision of a safe, appropriate and stimulating environment for the care of children and young people with learning difficulties and disabilities
* Plan shifts that ensure tasks are completed, maintain a record of shift commitments, and work co-operatively with colleagues to provide an efficient service
* Support children and young people by recognizing their individual interests and preferences, introducing a range of experiences, and enabling informed choices
* Attend and actively participate in meetings; raise relevant issues with colleagues/supervisor
* Understand and operate the employer’s policies and procedures for administration of medication including storage, disposal and recording
* Account for children’s and department monies in line with policies and procedures, including accurate recording of transactions
* Prepare care plans, risk assessments and reports using the IT system, file maintenance and other administrative tasks in a timely manner
* Ensure information is stored securely
* Actively participate in supervision and appraisal processes
* Attend mandatory training and any other training to facilitate best outcomes for children and young people
* Ensure safeguarding of children/young people in line with role and responsibilities
* Undertake any other duties as requested in line with the level of responsibility of the role
* Adhere to all company policies and procedures and to relevant legislation for practice, policies and procedures
Person Specification
Education, Training & Experience
* Educated to GCSE level or the equivalent (Essential)
* Hold a Certificate in Children and Young People’s Workforce Diploma Level 3 with Social Care Pathway or equivalent (Desirable)
* Access to a car and full clean driving licence (Desirable)
* Enhanced DBS (Essential)
* Experience of working and supporting young people with learning difficulties/disabilities (Essential)
* Experience of preparing care plans, completing risk assessments and writing reports (Desirable)
* Experience of handling petty cash transactions (Desirable)
General & Specific Knowledge
* Knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. Children’s Homes regulations including the Quality Standard April 2015 (Essential)
* Knowledge of children's safeguarding and child protection; ability to work with staff at all levels, other professionals and outside agencies (Essential)
* Flexibility to work on a shift basis including Bank Holidays, weekends, waking nights and sleep-ins (Essential)
* Ability to work within a challenging and changing environment (Essential)
* Ability to assess and evaluate the individual needs of young people and their families (Essential)
* Excellent IT, written and verbal skills (Essential)
Details
Location: Breakaway, 2 Priors Close, Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom, SL1 2BQ
Salary: £30,160 - £35,530 per year (including L/W £1,096)
Contract type: Permanent - Full-time
Posted: yesterday • Closing date: 28/09/2025
Job reference: DR1395294BreRCCO
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