WSCC operate a range of children’s homes which provide a diverse range of services to some of the most vulnerable and ‘at risk’ children in the County, ranging in age from 7 to 18 years. These services include full time care (Looked After Children), short breaks, shared care, outreach services, day care and access to clubs and activities in the homes. The children looked after within our homes present varying levels of risk to themselves and others. The services we provide to those not looked after on a full-time basis have a significant and direct impact in reducing the risk of familial breakdown.
Our aim at WSCC is to put the children first and secure the best outcomes for them by listening to their needs and ensuring they have a voice and are heard. All children in residential care should be loved, happy, healthy, safe from harm and able to develop, thrive and fulfil their potential. It is our responsibility to ensure that this happens.
Joining our children’s residential service will mean being able to make a genuine difference to the lives of children, young people and families. You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who are passionate about their work.
Salary: £26,421 - £27,803 per annum including weekend working allowance (salary £26,421-£27,803 plus weekend working allowance of £1,302 - £1,382)
Working Pattern: Full time (37 hours) + rota for evening and weekend work
Contract: Permanent
Location: This position will be based in a Residential Home in the Worthing area, with the expectation to provide cover in another Residential Home, Blue Cove within Worthing, as and when required.
Children’s Residential Recruitment and Retention Payment scheme - £1500 during your first 18 months
To support recruitment into this vital area West Sussex County Council offer £1,500 during the employee’s first 18 months where they are recruited to a new permanent role which is identified as hard to recruit and remain in the County Council’s employment during this time.
The scheme consists of two payments: £500 after successful completion of 6 months employment (including successful completion of probation where relevant) and £1,000 after 18 months.
The role of Childcare Worker
To succeed at this role, you will help to provide a nurturing, positive and safe environment for our children and young people, ensuring that we meet our statutory obligations to the highest standards possible. With direct responsibility for designated children or young people, you will ensure that each person is given the appropriate care and support to achieve their full potential.
Shifts and rotas - for day work, you will be required to work on a shift rota between 07:00 – 22:00, which will include every other weekend and sleep in duties when needed. This will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate.
Essential
* Good standard of literacy e.g. ability to write reports around individuals and significant incidents and to be able to write application for level 3 diploma if required. Could be gained through formal education or vocational experience.
* Grade D or above (3+) in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English (Grade C or above (4-9) preferred).
* Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent. If you do not have this, the service will support you to complete this qualification; you must achieve this within two years of appointment as it is a statutory requirement of this post.
Desirable
* Awareness of the development needs of children in residential care.
* Knowledge of Children’s home regulations 2015 (England).
* Knowledge of how to support children who have experienced trauma, harm or abuse.
* Previous childcare experience, preferably in a residential setting.
* Experience of working with children with disabilities, complex high-risk adolescents or related experience e.g. adults with disabilities.
If you do not hold a Maths and English GCSE at grade D/3 or equivalent, you will need to apply for Maths and English Functional Skills before being considered for this role. You can find out more about gaining a Maths and English Functional Skills on the Government website.
Please be advised you are required to bring certificates for your Maths and English and any Childcare qualifications you hold.
As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance, and are rewarded for the work they do.
In addition to working within a great team and a competitive salary you will have access to:
For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.
The reference number for this role is CAFHE05350.
For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, please contact one of the following people;
To apply, upload your CV and cover letter, explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role, ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and an occupational health check. A fully employment history will be requested and covered for this role.
Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.
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