At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with daily routines and create a warm, homely environment.
- Company: ACAD, a caring organisation dedicated to shaping futures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, full training, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with 24/7 helpline and hardship grants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your passion and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 25642 - 26032 £ per year.
Location: Dunscore. Shifts are 2 on & 4 off with overnight sleep-ins.
Pay: £25,642.50 to £26,032.50 per annum plus £67.50 per sleep-in, expect 10 sleeps per month giving an additional £8000+ over the year.
A full UK Manual driving licence is required and we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Are you ready for a role that truly makes a difference? If so, apply today and make this year the start of something amazing! We welcome applicants with and without experience and from backgrounds such as education, youth work, childcare, healthcare, social care, learning disabilities, SEN and community services.
At ACAD, you’re not just working - you’re shaping futures. As a support worker, every moment you spend with our young people helps them feel safe, valued and supported. A simple "How was your day?", a shared laugh over a board game or encouragement during a tough moment - these small interactions build trust and shape lives. Some days will be challenging but every breakthrough, every smile and every step forward will remind you why this work truly matters.
What You’ll Do:
- Support young people with their daily routines, such as getting them ready for school, prepping for meal times and planning activities.
- Create a warm, homely environment by helping with light housekeeping.
- Build strong, meaningful relationships and provide emotional support.
- Plan and join fun activities like trips to the park, popcorn & movie nights or creative projects.
- Keep essential records to ensure the best possible care.
- Must be comfortable using an electronic care recording system on a daily basis to document, monitor, and update children and young people’s records accurately.
Experience with Clearcare is an advantage, but not essential, as full training will be provided. However, all staff are expected to confidently use digital systems as part of their day-to-day role.
Where You’ll Do It: Wallace Hall is a beautiful home in Dunscore, that is registered to support 6 young people. Our home is made up of 'The Main house' and 'The Annexe' with beautiful grounds for the young people to enjoy.
Who You Are: Warm, patient, a great listener and encourager - focused on achieving outcomes for others. No prior experience? No problem. If you have the passion, we’ll provide the training.
Why Join Us?
- £500 Welcome Bonus
- £1000 Refer a Friend Bonus
- Full-time contract + Paid Induction
- Career development with specialist training
- 24/7 support: Helpline and hardship grants via the CareTech Foundation.
This isn’t just a job - it’s a chance to change lives, one extraordinary day at a time. Join us and be part of something meaningful. Apply today.
Safeguarding Statement: CareTech is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children. All applicants must pass an enhanced PVG check and provide references covering the past two years plus all roles involving vulnerable groups.
Residential childcare practitioner in Dumfries employer: ACAD
At ACAD, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people. Located in the picturesque Dunscore, our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering comprehensive training and career development opportunities. With competitive pay, generous bonuses, and a commitment to employee well-being, you’ll find that every day here is not just a job, but a chance to create extraordinary moments that shape futures.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential childcare practitioner in Dumfries
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at ACAD.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from ACAD!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like ACAD, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at ACAD or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential childcare practitioner in Dumfries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to ACAD:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to ACAD! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACAD
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
