At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support young people in a nurturing environment, helping them reach their full potential.
- Company: Apple Orchard provides a homely setting for young males aged 12-18, focusing on their development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company pension, employee discounts, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with every other weekend off; driving licence required due to rural location.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with teenagers and a relevant qualification or willingness to obtain one is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30223 - 31223 £ per year.
Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker
Company: Apple Orchard
Make your application after reading the following skill and qualification requirements for this position.
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. xiskglj Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker employer: Apple Orchard
Apple Orchard is an exceptional employer dedicated to nurturing the potential of young people in a supportive and homely environment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including a company pension and wellbeing programmes, and opportunities for promotion within our five rural homes in Surrey and West Sussex. Our inclusive work culture fosters teamwork and encourages staff to engage meaningfully with the children, making a real difference in their lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of teenage boys and the challenges they face. Understanding their backgrounds and behaviours will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in residential childcare or working with young people. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've supported individuals in similar situations, as this will show your capability and commitment.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Apple Orchard and its philosophy. Knowing about their approach to care and support will allow you to align your answers with their values, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work varied hours, including weekends and evenings. This is crucial for the role, so demonstrating your readiness to adapt will strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with young people, particularly teenage boys or those with challenging behaviour. Emphasise any qualifications you hold, such as the Residential Childcare Diploma or NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting young people and detail how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with young people in the past.
Showcase Your Understanding of Policies:Demonstrate your knowledge of relevant legislation and guidelines, such as the Children’s Act and Ofsted guidance. This shows that you are well-informed and prepared to uphold the standards required in this role.
Highlight Teamwork and Flexibility:Since the role requires working as part of a team and being flexible with hours, provide examples of your teamwork skills and your ability to adapt to changing situations. This will reassure the employer of your suitability for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Apple Orchard
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with young people, especially those who have faced challenges. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support their development and well-being.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Relevant Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Children’s Act, Children’s Homes Regulations, and Ofsted guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations impact your approach to care and how you would ensure compliance in your role.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with other staff members, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Discuss how you handle conflicts and support your colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific situations involving challenging behaviour or emotional crises. Think through your responses and consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
