At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with learning disabilities and autism in a residential setting.
- Company: Join Barnardo's, a leader in disability services for over 40 years.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, and discounts on high-street shops.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience with children in residential care and relevant qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
WE ARE SEEKING TO RECRUIT AN ENTHUSIASTIC AND COMMITTED SENIOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECT WORKER 3 TO JOIN OUR CAERN SHORT BREAKS RESIDENTIAL SERVICE. Barnardo's Caern Disability Services consists of three unique Projects who deliver a variety of quality services for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism. We have been doing this for over 40 years. At the Caern Short Breaks Service, we support up to 5 children and young people aged 5‑18 by offering respite and short break packages to them and their families.
Responsibilities
- Promote the happiness, safety and welfare of the young people.
- Actively support children and young people and their families/carers to achieve positive outcomes as identified in the Young People’s Individual Support Plans.
- Responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the house.
- Lead the staff on shift, including rota management, leading practice and ensuring staff are working to high levels of performance in the best interests of the children and young people in our care.
- Supervise staff including Residential Project Workers and other staff.
- Support the Team Manager and Children's Service Manager with ongoing development of the Service.
- Ensure the staff team is fully accepting of the children, offering a professional relationship based on acceptance and informed by the children’s individual needs, wishes and experiences.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience working directly with children and young people in a residential setting.
- Experience supporting children and young people with a learning disability and/or autism.
- Current or working towards an SVQ3 (Children and Young People) and a recognised SSSC qualification relevant to this role (Residential Worker with Supervisory Responsibilities).
Employment Details
- Full‑time position (37 hours).
- Dayshift rota basis, typically 5 out of 7 days including weekends.
- Flexible to meet the needs of the young people and the Service.
- UK residence required, roles based within the UK (exceptions for Jersey/Northern Ireland).
Pay & Benefits
- Pay band and salary range advertised; starting salaries are appointed between the minimum and mid‑point of the pay band.
- Annual leave entitlements: 26 days per annum for new staff, increasing to 27 days after 3 years, 29 days after 5 years, and 30 days after 7 years. Pro‑rated for less than full‑time.
- Option to buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave via the "Buy Your Leave" scheme.
- Family‑friendly leave options including company maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- Service‑related sick pay from day 1.
- Access to Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution; salary sacrifice available.
- Death‑in‑service cover of 4× annual earnings for all staff contributing to the pension.
- Cycle‑2‑work scheme.
- Interest‑free season‑ticket loans.
- Discounts and cashback from high‑street shops, including supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure and holidays through the Benefit Portal.
- 20% discount at Barnardo's stores.
- Option to purchase a health cash plan for dental, glasses, therapy, etc.
- Free access to round‑the‑clock employee assistance programme.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in everything we do. We are a Disability Confident Leader and an anti‑racist organisation with Anti‑Racism Commitments and actions in place, and we have networks for colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+, Black, Minoritised Ethnic, and Women. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Residential Project Worker 3 employer: Barnardo's Scotland
Barnardo's is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with learning disabilities and autism. Located in Caern, our team enjoys comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for professional development, all while working collaboratively to promote the welfare and happiness of the children we serve. Join us in our mission to create positive outcomes for families and communities, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Project Worker 3
✨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 Barnardo's Scotland.
✨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 Barnardo's Scotland!
✨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 Barnardo's Scotland, 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 Barnardo's Scotland 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 Project Worker 3
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 Barnardo's Scotland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Barnardo's Scotland! 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 Barnardo's Scotland
✨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.
