At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support young people in a nurturing residential environment.
- Company: Join Apple Orchard, a caring organisation dedicated to youth development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, employee discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, supportive team, and a chance to grow your career.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with teens, Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31432 - 33497 £ per year.
Company: Apple Orchard
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract: Full time, permanent
Starting Salary: Base salary of £31,432.09, with the potential to earn up to £33,112.09 with sleep in shifts. Salary after probation: Base salary of £32,817.82, with the potential to earn up to £34,497.82 with sleep in shifts.
Specific Hours: Approx 40 hours per week - shift pattern
Benefits:
- Company pension
- £35 per sleep in (one per week, approx. 48 weeks per year)
- Access to our Exchange Employee Discount Scheme
- Access to wellbeing support through our Exchange Provision
- Opportunities for promotion and career progression
About Apple Orchard: Apple Orchard operates five residential homes across Surrey and West Sussex, each set in peaceful rural locations and providing a warm, homely environment for boys aged 12-18. Our aim is to help young people make sense of their past experiences and move forward positively. We provide safe boundaries, achievable goals and supportive strategies such as reward systems and structured free time. Central to our work is a high level of nurturing care. We ensure every young person's basic needs are met and create a friendly, supportive atmosphere where strong, positive relationships and healthy attachments can grow.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead on meeting each young person's care, welfare and development needs.
- Plan engaging activities that support learning, independence and positive behaviour.
- Ensure practice complies with legislation, policies and Children's Homes Regulations.
- Support and guide residential support workers, ensuring policies and risk assessments are followed.
- Record and report young people's progress accurately, including key events and life book updates.
- Work collaboratively with placing authorities, parents/carers and other professionals.
- Support daily routines in the home, including helping with domestic tasks when required.
- Work with the Manager and team to uphold the home's ethos and raise concerns appropriately.
- Maintain clear, accurate and non-judgemental written records.
Essential Skills:
- Experience working with teenage boys or young people with challenging behaviours, with a willingness to continue developing your skills.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (rural location - no public transport).
- Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare/Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards it).
- Ability to engage young people in activities and support them toward independence and adulthood.
- Flexibility to work days, evenings and weekends on a shift rota (every other weekend off).
- Ability to set firm, consistent boundaries and respond calmly to challenging behaviour.
- Strong teamwork skills and willingness to follow handovers and delegated tasks.
- Ability to follow policies and procedures confidently.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to listen, engage and build positive relationships.
Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker in Crawley employer: Apple Orchard
Apple Orchard is an exceptional employer located in the tranquil setting of Horsham, West Sussex, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including a company pension and wellbeing support, as well as ample opportunities for career progression, Apple Orchard fosters a culture of growth and collaboration among its staff. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises the welfare and development of children while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a peaceful rural location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Apple Orchard's website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of a Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker, especially your ability to engage young people and support their development.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your A-game to the interview! Dress smartly and arrive on time. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in working with young people and handling challenging behaviours.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker role. Highlight your experience with young people, especially those with challenging behaviours, and show us how you can contribute to our nurturing environment.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your effective communication skills in action! Use clear and concise language in your written application, and don’t forget to mention your Level 3 qualification or your willingness to work towards it. This is key for us!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value strong relationships and a friendly atmosphere, so share your passion for working with young people and how you can help them grow and thrive.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apple Orchard
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Apple Orchard's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting young people and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and can contribute positively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past work with young people, especially those with challenging behaviours. Highlight how you've successfully engaged them in activities or supported their independence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. It shows you're proactive and serious about your potential future with them.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've worked collaboratively in the past. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment. This will help illustrate that you can fit into their supportive culture.
