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- Tasks: Support and care for children with disabilities, providing nurturing therapeutic care.
- Company: Join Essex County Council as they expand their residential services for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training opportunities, and regular supervision.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Open-mindedness, adaptability, and effective communication skills are essential; Level 3 Diploma required within 2 years.
- Other info: Work 37 hours with a mix of early and late shifts, plus every other weekend off.
The predicted salary is between 26834 - 34244 £ per year.
Residential Worker
Permanent, Full Time
£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per Hour
Location: Harlow
Closing Date: Sunday 11th May 2025 at 11.59pm
Interview Dates: 23rd and 27th May
Are you interested in working with children and young people to make a difference in their lives? If so, then this could be the right opportunity for you.
It is an exciting time to join Essex County Council as we invest in and expand our residential provision and not only have we been named Outstanding by Ofsted, we are delighted to have been crowned Social Work Employer of the Year for the second time in the last three years!
Why work with us?
- 26 days annual leave (Full Time Equivalent)
- 37 hour working week – Monday to Sunday, over a mixture of early (06:45am – 14.30pm) and late (13:45pm – 21.30pm) shifts with every other weekend off.
- Opportunity for overtime.
- Local Authority Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
- Use your skills to make a difference to the lives of local children and families who experience difficulties and inequalities
- Work for a team with great team morale and friendly, helpful, and supportive colleagues.
- Access high quality training and development to help develop your career within the child and family sector.
This role will be based on-site at The Maples Short Break Service, Hodings Road, Harlow, Essex. CM20 1PU, an overnight short breaks home for respite for children and young people aged 5-17 years-old and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team around the child you will support them to develop the skills and resilience to keep living within their family home.
Being a Residential Worker requires a special kind of person. Day to day your main focus will be on providing nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, supporting and caring for them as a parent would, and each day brings unique experiences, filled with both highs and lows.
Previous experience of working in a children\\\\\\\’s home, would be beneficial however there are many skills that you might have that would make you suitable for the role. It is important to be open minded and have a flexible and adaptable attitude and be able to manage challenges with a calm and patient demeanour. You will have an ability/willingness to understand and manage challenging behaviour including aggression and violence using a range of de-escalation techniques. You will also need to have effective written and verbal communication skills.
If you don\\\\\\\’t already have a Level 3 Diploma you will need to complete this within 2 years of starting employment and you will be supported with this. We will also provide you with all the training you need for the role along with good quality, regular supervision. This, together with the right attitude and access to a full in-house induction, will enable you to start your career with Essex County Council with confidence.
You will work 37 hours per week over a mixture of early (06.45am – 14.30pm) and late (13.45pm – 21.30pm) shifts across 7 days a week / 365 days a year working pattern and have every other weekend off.
If shortlisted the interview process will be a one stage process where you will attend the home for a face-to-face interview.
Due to nature of this role any applicants need to be at least 21 years old in order to undertake this post.
The salary offered is made up of a basic salary £25,395 to £32,131 per annum and a guaranteed allowance of 10% – £2,539.50 to £3,213.10 per annum, pro rata if part time, paid monthly, alongside the basic salary.
Residential Worker, Harlow employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Worker, Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific needs of children and young people with disabilities. Understanding their unique challenges and experiences will help you connect better during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience with de-escalation techniques. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed challenging behavior in the past, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability and open-mindedness. Think of situations where you've had to adjust your approach or mindset to meet the needs of others, as this aligns with the qualities they are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Essex County Council's values and mission. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart from other candidates during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Worker, Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description and understand what being a Residential Worker entails. Highlight your passion for working with children and young people, and how you can make a positive impact in their lives.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect relevant experience and skills that align with the requirements of the role. Emphasize any previous work with children, especially in challenging environments, and showcase your ability to manage difficult behaviors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your personal motivation for applying. Share specific examples of how you've demonstrated patience, adaptability, and effective communication in past roles.
Prepare for the Interview: If shortlisted, prepare for the interview by practicing answers to common questions related to child care and trauma-informed practices. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing challenging behavior and your understanding of therapeutic care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Young People
Make sure to express your genuine interest in making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of trauma-informed care and how it applies to working with children who have experienced trauma. Highlight any techniques or approaches you are familiar with that can help in managing challenging behaviors.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since the role requires a flexible attitude, be ready to provide examples of how you've adapted to changing situations in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the unique challenges that come with being a Residential Worker.
✨Prepare for Written Questions
Since there will be written questions during the interview, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. This will demonstrate your effective communication skills, which are crucial for the role.
