Location: Aldershot, Hampshire
Contract: Part- Time, Permanent
Starting Salary: Base salary of £13,163.88 pro rata (£26,327.76 FTE) per annum with the potential to earn up to £14,843.88 with sleep in shifts
Salary after probation: Base salary of £13,743.60 pro rata (£27,487.20 FTE) per annum with the potential to earn up to £15,423.60 with sleep in shifts
Specific Hours: 20 hours per week - shift pattern
Apple Orchard has five homes in Surrey and West Sussex, each set in a rural location, providing a comfortable homely environment for young males aged 13-18 years. We currently have openings for experienced Residential Childcare Support Workers and welcome applications from those passionate about making a positive difference to young people, who are willing to undertake the relevant training and qualifications.
We aim to help young people develop insight into their experiences, enabling them to move on from their often traumatic past. We support them as they make sense of their lives by providing clear boundaries and achievable goals, using positive reinforcement strategies such as reward charts and free time.
Central to our work is the need to provide a high level of nurturing, ensuring all the young person's basic needs are met to the highest standard. This includes creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that emphasizes building supportive relationships and positive attachments.
Duties and responsibilities:
1. Ensure a caring and motivating environment is provided for the young people, taking into account individual developmental needs.
2. Plan and prepare activities that meet the young people's needs and stimulate their learning and integration within the home.
3. Stay informed of legislation, guidelines, and policies to ensure compliance with the Children's Act, Children's Homes Regulations, and national minimum standards.
4. Observe and assess young people's progress, keeping accurate records of their achievements and important events in their lives.
5. Work with local authorities to ensure outstanding care for young people.
6. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with parents/carers to support young people's learning and development.
7. Be flexible in working practices, including undertaking domestic tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, and shopping.
8. Collaborate with the Manager and staff team to fulfill the philosophy behind the home.
9. Maintain clear and legible records regarding the young people, ensuring entries are clearly expressed and non-stigmatising.
Essential skills:
1. Previous experience working with teenage boys or challenging behaviour is preferred.
2. A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle are required due to the rural location of our services.
3. Hold a relevant qualification (e.g., Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care) or be willing to work towards it.
4. Willingness to engage young people in a range of activities and support them towards independence and adulthood.
5. Flexibility with working hours, including days, evenings, and weekends; shift work is required.
6. Ability to challenge unacceptable behaviour and provide care meeting individual needs.
7. Teamwork skills are essential.
8. Ability to follow delegated tasks and handovers.
9. Adherence to policies and procedures.
10. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
Benefits:
1. Company pension.
2. £35 per sleep in (one per week x 48 weeks).
3. Access to our Exchange Employee Discount Scheme.
4. Access to wellbeing programmes via our Exchange Provision.
5. Promotion opportunities and fully funded training for recognised qualifications.
If you feel you can use your skills to create a caring and stimulating environment for young people, we want to hear from you.
Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, expecting all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
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