At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties through care and empathy.
- Company: Values-driven organisation focused on growth and support for staff.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team led by experienced managers who prioritise wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Kind, patient individuals with a passion for helping others; childcare experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 15 £ per hour.
Location: Leeds, Yorkshire (LS13)
Salary: £12.50 - £15.00 per hour (£23,400 - £28,080), Experience and Qualifications dependent
Position Type: Full Time (36 hrs per week, 24-hour support required, 16.5-hour shifts + 8-hour sleep ins)
Provision: Residential Children’s Home
Specialism: Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) & Complex Mental Health
Capacity: Up to 2 children/young people (8‑17 yrs old)
About Us
We’re a growing, values‑driven organisation opening a new 3‑bedded children’s home for young people aged 8–17 with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) and complex needs. Our leadership team has over 40 years’ experience between the RI, RM and DM in senior and managerial roles and has built supportive, growth‑focused environments where staff are empowered to thrive. We invest in our team, helping every member grow in the direction that suits their goals and interests.
The Role
- Build strong, trusting relationships with young people through care, consistency, and empathy.
- Deliver day‑to‑day care in line with Ofsted’s Quality Standards and the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
- Support children in education, health, recreation, and independence.
- Use trauma‑informed and PACE‑based approaches to promote emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
- Maintain accurate records, follow safeguarding procedures, and contribute to care planning.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and professionals to ensure the best outcomes for each child.
What We’re Looking For
- Kind, patient, and motivated individuals with a genuine passion for helping young people.
- Previous experience in childcare, education, youth work, or residential settings (preferred).
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or willingness to work towards it.
- Understanding of trauma, attachment, and positive behaviour support.
- A team player who brings energy, commitment, and compassion to every shift.
Why Join Us
- A supportive, close-knit team led by experienced managers who prioritise wellbeing and growth.
- Access to ongoing training, supervision, and formal qualifications.
- Real opportunities to progress into Senior or Deputy Manager roles as the organisation expands.
- A workplace built on trust, respect, and a shared belief in the power of positive relationships.
If you’re ready to join a team building something special and to help children feel safe, valued, and capable of change, we’d love to meet you.
Children's Residential Support Worker in Leeds employer: Acorn Steps Ltd
Join a compassionate and dedicated team in Leeds, where we prioritise the wellbeing and growth of both our staff and the young people we support. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer ongoing training and clear pathways for career advancement, all within a nurturing environment that values trust and positive relationships. Be part of a meaningful mission to empower children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, making a real difference in their lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Residential Support Worker in Leeds
✨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 Acorn Steps Ltd.
✨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 Acorn Steps Ltd!
✨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 Acorn Steps Ltd, 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 Acorn Steps Ltd 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 Children's Residential Support Worker in Leeds
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 Acorn Steps Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Acorn Steps Ltd! 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 Acorn Steps Ltd
✨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.
