Join to apply for the Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker role at Apple Orchard.
Location: Guilford, Surrey. Contract: Full Time, permanent. Specific hours: Approx 40 hours per week – shift pattern. Salary: Base salary of £30,223.16 with potential to earn up to £31,903.16 when including sleep‑in shifts. After probation: Base salary of £31,555.60 with potential up to £33,235.60 with sleep‑in shifts.
Apple Orchard has five homes in Surrey and West Sussex. Each home is set in a rural location and offers a comfortable homely environment for young males aged 12-18 years. We aim to help young people develop insight into their experiences so they can move on from their often damaged traumatic past. We support them as they take steps to make sense of their lives by providing clear and safe boundaries and achievable goals, including positive reinforcement strategies such as reward charts and free time.
Central to our work is the need to provide a high level of nurturing which ensures all the basic needs of the young person are met to the highest standard. This includes providing a home that has a warm and friendly atmosphere where great emphasis is placed on building supportive relationships and positive attachments.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Lead role in ensuring the care and welfare of each child in the home and meet their individual developmental needs.
* Plan and prepare activities that meet the young people's needs and stimulate their learning and integration within the home.
* Keep well‑informed of legislation, guidelines, policies to ensure the Children’s Act, Children’s Homes Regulations and national minimum standards are met at all times; stay aware of Ofsted guidance.
* Support and lead all Residential Support Workers, ensuring staff comply with policies, procedures and risk assessments.
* Observe and assess young people's progress and keep accurate records of achievements, behaviour and important events; produce and maintain up‑to‑date life books.
* Work with local authorities/placing authorities to ensure outstanding care for young people.
* Establish and maintain positive working relationships with parents/carers, supporting learning and development and valuing parental involvement where appropriate.
* Be flexible within the home’s working practices, including domestic tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning and shopping.
* Work alongside the Manager and staff team to fulfil the home’s philosophy and raise concerns to the Registered Manager.
* Keep clear and legible records, ensuring entries are non‑stigmatizing and distinguish fact, opinion and third‑party information.
Essential Skills
* Previous experience working with teenage boys or challenging behaviour and willingness to develop skills.
* Valid driving licence and access to a vehicle; public transport not viable due to rural location.
* Hold or be willing to work towards a Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma, Children and Young People’s Workforce NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent.
* Willingness to engage young people in a range of activities and support them through their time at Apple Orchard, guiding them toward independence and adulthood.
* Flexible with working hours, able to work days, evenings and weekends; shift work with every other weekend off.
* Ability to challenge unacceptable behaviour, provide firm boundaries and deliver care meeting individual needs.
* Teamwork, delegation, adherence to policies and procedures.
* Effective verbal and written communication.
* Ability to engage, listen and build relationships.
Benefits
* Company pension.
* £35 per sleep‑in (one per week × 48 weeks).
* Access to the Exchange Employee Discount Scheme.
* Access to wellbeing programmes via the Exchange Provision.
* Promotion opportunities.
Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.
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