Job description
Job description – Residential Childcare Worker
Job Overview
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and protecting children from harm and promoting their welfare. We employ a robust selection process using the principles of safer recruitment in order to prevent unsuitable persons gaining access to children.
We are committed to providing high-quality care to children who are looked after. We believe each child should be given the same opportunities in life to thrive safely and securely, in a comfortable, homely environment with adults that they can trust. At Stepforward Care, our staff team will provide care, advice, and support to children ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met and staff work in line with the children's home regulations and quality standards. Our staff are positive role models for the children, and work closely with them, building trusting relationships and supporting them to achieve their full potential. Our ethos is care, honesty and the children are at the forefront of our minds.
Our children’s home is a modern, spacious and cosy property on a residential street in Jarrow. We look after a single (solo) child in this home, providing a warm and loving environment where they can feel safe and encouraged to thrive. Our ethos and values build on a compassionate and nurturing parenting style, with a strong emphasis on high aspirations for our child.
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Senior Residential Childcare Worker to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in assisting and supporting our children, ensuring their well-being and progress. Your own personality and character traits will form the tools of the trade in this role. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate effective communication skills, an affinity with our values and dedication and commitment to fostering a positive environment. You will, in return, be part of a friendly and caring team of adults who are committed to assisting you in succeeding in this most rewarding role.
At Stepforward Care, we promote equal opportunities, throughout the staff team and the children in the home.
All children are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. All staff are responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and challenging behaviour or practice which discriminates against any young child or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any perceived difference.
Duties
* Lead a team of residential childcare workers and play an active role in their development.
* Assist in the production of key documents and plans.
* Be part of an on-call rota.
* Provide direct support to children in various settings, ensuring their safety and well-being.
* Assist with daily activities, including personal care, meal preparation, and recreational activities.
* Develop and implement care plans tailored to the individual needs of each child.
* Communicate effectively with children, families, and other professionals to ensure a cohesive support network.
* Maintain accurate daily records of progress and key events in our ClearCare system; family time, daily summaries, medication, activities, achievements and rewards, key worker sessions and independence skills (List not exhaustive).
* Accompany our child/children on holidays.
* Sleep-in overnight (single occupancy staff bedrooms provided).
* Maintain a high level of care and support that meets the physical, emotional, social, and cultural needs of children cared for by Stepforward Care.
* Working in line with statutory legislation and guidance.
* Provide a safe and nurturing environment.
* Ensure plans and core reports are up to date and precise.
* Health and safety checks in the home daily.
* Ensure the safeguarding of children is a priority in all aspects of work.
* Provide support for children to access and complete education.
* Ensure children's rights are a priority in the home.
* Robust and clear communication with team members and external professionals.
* Be fully aware of policies and procedures relating to the home.
* To maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and be open and honest.
* Work collaboratively with and support the deputy and registered manager.
* Drive to various locations as required for home visits or community activities.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance the quality of care provided.
Experience
* Previous experience working with children or vulnerable young adults; experience in childcare settings essential.
* Level 3 diploma in residential childcare.
* Familiarity with IT systems for record-keeping and communication purposes. Full training will be given in our care recording system, ClearCare but a working knowledge of Microsoft is essential.
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and empathetically at all levels.
* A valid driving licence is preferred for transportation purposes related to the role (House car provided for use by staff transporting our children).
* Understanding care plans and the ability to implement them effectively is crucial.
* Candidates who have personal knowledge and experience are welcomed.
* Caring, nurturing approach and the ability to respond appropriately to challenging behaviours, considering adolescent childhood experiences and reasons behind the behaviour.
If you are passionate about making a difference in the everyday lives of children who have experienced early life trauma and adversity, and possess the necessary skills, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.
Additional Information
Job Type: Full-time
Expected hours: 40 per week
Pay: £14.00-£14.50 per hour
The average annual salary is £36380, based on the initial rate of £14.00 per hour and includes an average of 11 sleep-ins per month. Progression through the salary band comes after 6 months of continuous service, and successful completion of the probationary period. The pay will increase to £14.50 per hour at this point.
£55 paid per sleep-in carried out.
Bank Holidays are paid at time and half.
Bonuses:
* Attendance bonus: £500 for 12 months of no sickness.
* Ofsted bonus: £100 for a good rating. £200 for an outstanding rating following each inspection.
* Refer a friend scheme: Earn up to £300, £150 when they stay with us for 3 months and a further £150 when the friend passes their probation period.
* 28 days annual leave (this will increase after 3 & 5 years of completed employment anniversaries.)
* Company pension scheme
* Opportunities for career–development programmes.
* Bright discounts
Shifts: 9:30 am to 10:30 pm, sleep 10.30 pm to 7 am, 7 am to 10 am. All of our shifts are 16-hour shifts (subject to the needs of the child). The rota is operated over a three-week rolling pattern and we intend to have at least 6 months advance notice for staff. The rota is designed to ensure 2 Saturdays off per month and one long weekend off per month. Many staff enjoy this rota as there are opportunities for time off without using annual leave.
Example of a shift pattern available on request.
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Company events
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discounts
Education:
* GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
* Residential Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
* Support Environment: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence
* NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Residential or Level 3 or 4 in Children and Young People’s Workforce.
Work Location: In person
Legislation requires every staff member who works in a children's home to be over the age of 21, and is at least 5 years older than our child.
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