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- Tasks: Lead shifts and provide high-quality care for disabled children and young people.
- Company: Supportive organisation dedicated to improving lives of children with complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, Level 3 Diploma, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts including evenings and weekends, with a focus on teamwork and development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Darlington
Pay Rate – Starting from £14.50
Contract: Full-time, shifts incl. evenings/weekends/bank holidays
We’re looking for an experienced residential support worker to step into a Senior / Shift Lead role within a Children’s Resource Centre, supporting disabled children and young people with complex needs across residential, school, community and home settings.
The role:
- Lead shifts and support the day-to-day running of the centre.
- Provide high-quality physical, social and emotional care.
- Act as key worker for more complex cases and support care planning.
- Supervise and guide junior staff, sessional workers and students.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to reviews/meetings.
- Support behaviour management, risk assessments and safeguarding.
- Promote education, recreation and social activities.
- Administer and monitor medication safely.
- Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, nights and bank holidays.
About you:
Essential:
- Strong experience with children/young people, ideally with disabilities or complex needs.
- Residential or shift-based work experience.
- Level 3 Diploma – Caring for Children & Young People (or equivalent).
- Confident leading shifts and motivating a team.
- Solid knowledge of safeguarding and child development.
- Clear communication skills and good report writing.
- IT-literate, resilient and able to work flexibly.
- Understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations.
- Enhanced DBS required.
Desirable:
- Experience with multi-agency working.
- Familiarity with behaviour management and alternative communication (e.g., Makaton/PECS).
Senior Support Worker Team Leader in Darlington employer: Approved Workforce Ltd
Contact Detail:
Approved Workforce Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker Team Leader in Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation. Check out their website and social media to see what they value and how they interact with the community. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions for support worker roles, like how you handle challenging behaviour or lead a team. The more comfortable you are talking about your experience, the better you'll come across in the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, don’t just talk about your experience—give specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. Whether it’s leading a shift or supporting a complex case, concrete stories will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to highlight why you’re the perfect fit. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker Team Leader in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Support Worker Team Leader role. Highlight your experience with children and young people, especially those with disabilities or complex needs, to show us you’re the right fit!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading shifts and supervising staff, don’t forget to mention any previous leadership experiences. We want to see how you’ve motivated teams and managed day-to-day operations in similar settings.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to demonstrate your communication skills, as we value good report writing and clarity in our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Approved Workforce Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding and child development. Familiarise yourself with the Children’s Homes Regulations, as this will show that you’re serious about the role and understand the responsibilities that come with it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led shifts or motivated a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve had to guide junior staff or manage complex cases, as these will highlight your experience and confidence in a leadership role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios, especially around behaviour management and risk assessments. Practise how you would handle challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since clear communication is key in this role, practise articulating your thoughts and experiences concisely. Be prepared to discuss your report writing skills and how you maintain accurate records, as this will be crucial for the job.
