Job Description
Join Our Team as a Residential Childcare Support Worker!
Contract Type: Permanent
Specific Hours: 08:00 - 20:00, 12-hour shifts
Location: Soham, Cambridgeshire
Competitive Salary
Unqualified: Base salary of £30,277.23, with potential earnings up to £34,381.23 including sleep-ins.
Qualified: Base salary of £31,867.18, with potential earnings up to £35,971.18 including sleep-ins.
Note: Qualified Support Worker salary is based on the completion of a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent.
What We Offer
* Comprehensive induction and mandatory training to support your development and progression.
* Fixed 12-hour shift rota, 08:00 - 20:00:
o Week 1: Mon, Tues, Sat, Sun (48 hours)
o Week 2: Weds, Thurs, Fri (36 hours)
* Guaranteed minimum average of 168 hours per month.
* Waking night contracts available.
* 236 hours annual leave per year, including bank holidays.
* Annual leave increases by 12 hours per year for 3 years, up to 272 hours.
* Pension scheme after qualifying period.
* Fully funded enrolment onto required qualifications.
About Area Camden
At Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, family-style residential care. Our values of respect, dignity, choice, and positive parenting guide us as we support young people aged 11-18, tailoring care to their individual needs.
As a Support Worker, you will play a vital role in keeping young people safe and helping them thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. You'll build positive relationships, support young people with emotional and behavioral needs, and help them feel included in their local community.
Main Responsibilities
* Create a safe, nurturing environment that fosters each young person's development.
* Provide emotional and social support, helping young people build positive relationships and engage in their community.
* Promote confidence, self-esteem, and independence, encouraging positive life choices.
* Maintain accurate records, including daily updates, safeguarding information, and health & safety checks.
* Assess individual needs and contribute to planning, reviewing, and implementing care plans.
* Collaborate with managers, colleagues, and external professionals; supervise family contact when required.
* Support daily living needs in line with each young person's care plan.
* Assist with household tasks, meal planning, shopping, and preparing balanced meals, involving young people where appropriate.
Required Attributes
* Ability to engage with young people in a positive and proactive way.
* Self-motivated with a positive nature.
* Sensitive and reflective.
* Strong listening and empathy skills.
* Able to work both individually and as part of a team.
* Experience in the care sector or residential care is preferred.
* Hold a relevant qualification or be committed to undertaking a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare—we are looking for passionate and caring individuals who we will support to gain a qualification.
* Willingness to work some bank holidays.
Area Camden is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.