At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in their daily lives and help them build confidence and skills.
- Company: Apple Orchard, a caring organisation with a mission to support vulnerable youth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sleep-in allowances, fully funded qualifications, and career progression.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a supportive team environment await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping youth, experience with teenagers preferred, and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 29046 - 32072 £ per year.
Join Our Team as a Residential Support Worker!
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Specific Hours: 40 hours per week - Shift Pattern
Base salary of £29,046.53 with the potential to earn up to £30,866.53 with sleep-in shifts.
Salary after probation: Base salary of £30,252.35 with the potential to earn up to £32,072.35 with sleep-in shifts.
Competitive salary and sleep-in allowances (£35 per night, typically one per week).
Fully funded qualifications and professional development.
Clear promotion pathways and career progression.
Company pension.
Access to employee discount and wellbeing programmes.
At Apple Orchard, we operate five residential homes across Surrey and West Sussex, providing calm and therapeutic environments for boys aged 12-18 who have faced trauma or disruption. Our mission is to help young people heal, grow, and reach their full potential.
Whether you're experienced or new to residential childcare, if you're passionate about making a positive difference, we want to hear from you!
As a Support Worker, you will be instrumental in the daily lives and development of the young people in our care:
- Planning and leading activities that build confidence, skills, and positive routines.
- Forming stable, trusting relationships to help young people move toward independence.
- Collaborating with local authorities and external professionals to maintain excellent care standards.
- A genuine passion for making a positive difference in young people's lives.
- Experience working with teenagers or challenging behaviours (preferred).
- Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (needed due to rural locations).
- Level 3 Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner/Health & Social Care qualification - or willingness to work towards it.
- Confidence in following procedures, writing reports, and contributing to care plans.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level.
Locations
Residential Child Care Support Worker in Dorking, Surrey employer: Apple Orchard
At Apple Orchard, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our staff and the young people in our care. With competitive salaries, fully funded qualifications, and clear pathways for career progression, we foster a supportive work culture that values passion and commitment. Located in the serene settings of Surrey and West Sussex, our residential homes offer a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying employee discounts and wellbeing programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Child Care Support Worker in Dorking, Surrey
✨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 Apple Orchard.
✨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 Apple Orchard!
✨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 Apple Orchard, 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 Apple Orchard 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 Child Care Support Worker in Dorking, Surrey
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 Apple Orchard:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Apple Orchard! 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 Apple Orchard
✨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.
