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- Tasks: Support children aged 12-16 in a nurturing environment, helping them develop resilience and skills.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, comprehensive training, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience in social care.
- Qualifications: Open-minded individuals with strong communication skills; Level 3 Diploma required within 2 years.
- Other info: Must be at least 21 years old; part-time role with 18.5 hours per week.
The predicted salary is between 13417 - 17122 £ per year.
Permanent, Part Time £26,834.50 up to £34,244.10 Per Annum, includes allowance, Full-Time Equivalent
Location: Colchester
Working Style: Fixed-base worker
Closing Date: Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 11.59pm
Please note this is a part time opportunity working 18.5 hours per week. The pro rata salary is from £13,417.25 to £17,122.05 per annum.
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. New Farm Road will be a newly refurbished short-term home for five 12-16 year olds, and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team around the child you will support them to develop the skills and resilience to return to their families, or onto longer-term care.
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.
If you don't already have a Level 3 Diploma you will need to complete this within 2 years of starting employment. We will 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 a minimum of 18.5 hours per week over a mixture of early (7am – 2.30pm) and late shifts (2pm – 9.30pm) and have every other weekend off.
If shortlisted, you will have an initial interview to explore the detail you provide in your application and give you an opportunity to discuss the role and ask any questions. This can be virtual or in person. If you are successful at this initial interview, you will be invited to a 2nd interview at the home, where you will meet some of the team, answer a written question and some further set interview questions.
Due to the nature of this role, any applicants need to be at least 21 years old in order to undertake this post.
If you would like to know more about this role, please contact Helen Sadler at helen.sadler2@essex.gov.uk or Marcus Gill at Marcus.gill@essex.gov.uk to arrange an informal chat.
To read more about us please visit: Children & Families
Please take a look at our ‘No Magic’ Children & Families video.
What you should do next:
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC), should your role require a DBS check, you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Part Time Residential Worker employer: Essex County Counci
Contact Detail:
Essex County Counci Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Part Time Residential Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and young people who have experienced trauma. Understanding their backgrounds and challenges will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your approach to managing challenging behaviour. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully used de-escalation techniques or provided support in difficult situations, as this will be crucial in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for working in a multi-disciplinary team. Be ready to talk about how collaboration with other professionals can enhance the care provided to children, and share any relevant experiences you have in teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to current employees or those in similar roles to gain insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges. This knowledge can help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you're proactive and genuinely interested.
We think you need these skills to ace Part Time Residential Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Part Time Residential Worker. Familiarise yourself with the skills required, such as providing nurturing care and managing challenging behaviour.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work with children or in similar roles, and showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are passionate about working with children and young people. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your adaptability, patience, and understanding of trauma-informed care.
Prepare for Interviews: If shortlisted, prepare for both the initial and second interviews by reviewing common interview questions related to child care and behaviour management. Be ready to discuss your approach to challenges and how you would support the children in your care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨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, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care
Familiarise yourself with the principles of trauma-informed care and be prepared to discuss how you would apply these principles in your role. Highlight your ability to provide nurturing support and manage challenging behaviours effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving children who may exhibit challenging behaviour. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gain insight into the team dynamics and the support you can expect in your position.
