Senior Residential Childcare Officer in Northampton

About Our Client’s Home

Our client is pleased to be opening a brand-new home for young people aged between 11 and 18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and Mild Learning Difficulties (MLD). They are committed to safeguarding and providing a safe and nurturing environment where young people can feel part of a caring home that will help them develop, grow and meet their potential. They focus on delivering high quality care, life skills and education which is tailored to meet their individual needs and help them to build a brighter future.

The Role

As a Senior Residential Childcare Officer, you will support the Responsible Individual, Registered Manager and Deputy Manager in leading and managing the Home. You’ll supervise and guide Support Workers, ensuring consistent, high-quality care, and a nurturing environment. You will build trusting and meaningful relationships with the young people in your care and guiding them through their time with our client. You will help them through challenges, develop internal strategies to manage difficult situations, promote self-worth and empower them to develop confidence in themselves and the world around them to create a sense of belonging and independence. The role is rewarding where you can make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children and be part of their growth from their starting point until they move on to their next chapter in their lives. You will undertake a 6-month probationary period and if successful your contract will become permanent. Additional paid hours are available and potential paid sleep in duties.

What our client is looking for in a successful candidate:

• Confident in guiding a team and stepping up when needed.
• Committed to safeguarding and supporting emotional and developmental needs.
• Calm, compassionate and confident in managing challenging behaviours.
• Able to work collaboratively with colleagues, professionals and families.
• A high level of emotional awareness (in self and others).
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with children, colleagues, managers, families and external professionals.
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain appropriate routines, boundaries and role model positive and acceptable behaviours.
• Capacity to handle crisis situations and challenging behaviours calmly, confidently, professionally and demonstrate critical thinking skills.
• Adaptability and willingness to change.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Holds a level 3 Diploma in Child Care and potentially work towards a level 5 management qualification as the company expands. Please note the company will pay for the qualification, but you will be tied into a 2-year obligation for the company. If you leave or are dismissed during this 2-year period, you will be expected to pay the necessary funds back.
• The ability to work within and understand the current legislative framework and organisations policies and procedures relevant to residential childcare.
• You will be required to engage in ongoing training, supervision, and personal development, including mandatory physical intervention, first aid, fire and safeguarding training.
• This role involves physical tasks such as supporting children on activities, long walks, participating in safe holding / restraint (with qualified training and when required) and manual holding.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Perks and Benefits:

• Competitive salary with sleeping in duties and overtime which will increase pay.
• Wellbeing support with mentorship and open-door policy.
• Free meals on duty.
• Career progression and professional development in the company.
• Company Pension.
• Ownership of specific duties aligned with your interests.
• Rewards for milestones in work.
• Casual dress and team building exercises.
• A genuine supportive work environment.

All successful applicants will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process, including enhanced DBS checks and reference checks. They expect staff to uphold their values and share their commitment to safeguarding and promoting positive outcomes for children and young people.

*The role involves regulated activity. It is an offence for any person who is barred from working with children and/or vulnerable young people to apply for this position.