Residential Child Care Worker in Auchterarder

Location: Ochil Tower School, Perthshire

Contract Type: Full Time - Permanent

Hours: 45.5 hours per week on average

Salary: £31,822.70 - £35,087.78 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications

Sleepovers: £65 per sleepover shift

21 Health & Social Care are recruiting on behalf of Ochil Tower School for caring, compassionate and resilient Residential Child & Young Person Care Workers to join their residential team. Ochil Tower School offers a unique, person-centred approach to caring for and educating children and young people with complex additional support needs. Based on a picturesque seven-acre campus, Ochil Tower is a non-denominational residential school supporting children and young people aged 8 to 18. The school provides a 52-week residential provision, giving young people consistency, stability and opportunities to learn and develop throughout the year. As part of the Camphill Community, Ochil Tower is committed to creating a nurturing environment where young people are supported, respected and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We are looking for people who genuinely want to make a difference to the lives of young people and who can bring patience, resilience, warmth and a positive approach to this rewarding role.

The Role

As a Residential Child & Young Person Care Worker, you will work under the guidance of the House Coordinator, providing care and education within the residential house as part of Ochil Tower's 24-hour curriculum. You will be directly involved in supporting young people on a day-to-day basis, building positive and professional relationships and helping them develop their confidence, independence and life skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide safe, nurturing and person-centred care and support to young people.
• Support the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone living and working within the house.
• Provide personal care sensitively and respectfully, always maintaining the dignity and rights of young people.
• Support young people with additional needs, including learning disabilities and social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
• Encourage young people to participate in educational, recreational and cultural activities within Ochil Tower and the wider community.
• Support young people across both care and education settings as part of the 24-hour curriculum.
• Build effective and trusting relationships with young people and provide individualised care based on their needs.
• Act as a positive role model and promote positive social behaviours.
• Contribute to individual SHANARRI Care Plans and Education Plans, SMART aims and professional reviews where required.
• Liaise with families and external professionals to provide updates on young people's progress.
• Contribute to the effective day-to-day running of the residential house, including agreed household activities such as cooking and cleaning.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold the rights and wellbeing of young people at all times.
• Follow safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and professional standards.
• Work collaboratively as part of the wider residential and school team.
• Participate in supervision, training and continued professional development.

About You

• A genuine interest in the rights, welfare and wellbeing of young people.
• Experience working with children or young people, either professionally or voluntarily.
• An understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles.
• The ability to safely manage conflict, challenging situations and crisis situations, which may include verbal or physical behaviours.
• Confidence in setting appropriate boundaries while remaining caring and supportive.
• A patient yet firm approach.
• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to the needs of young people and the wider team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• The resilience to work under pressure and respond appropriately to challenging situations.
• A willingness to reflect on your own practice and adapt your approach where necessary.
• A commitment to continued professional development and working towards relevant qualifications.

Qualifications

A formal care qualification is desirable rather than essential, and Ochil Tower School is committed to supporting the right candidates with training and professional development. Desirable qualifications include:

• HNC Social Care/Social Services.
• SVQ 3 Children and Young People or Adults, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the SSSC.
• SVQ 2 or above in a relevant care qualification.

Working Pattern

The role operates on a two-week rolling rota, with every second weekend off. Working hours are dependent on the needs of the school and agreed in consultation with the House Coordinator. The role also includes sleepover shifts.

To Apply

If you're passionate about working with children and young people and want a role where you can genuinely make a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. To apply, please click Apply and submit an up-to-date CV in support of your application. For more information about the role, including the full job description and person specification, please contact Danielle Frame at 21 Health & Social Care. Suitable applicants will be contacted ASAP with a view to securing a formal interview with the team at Ochil Tower School. Short-listed applicants will be invited for an initial face-to-face/Teams interview with a member of the 21 HSC recruitment team.