At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in education and help them develop social skills and coping strategies.
- Company: Join Barnardo's, a leading charity dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 13 weeks paid holiday, a birthday day off, and potential for permanent position.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people is a plus, but passion and commitment are key.
The predicted salary is between 26666 - 30351 £ per year.
Day Unit Project Worker is a role within High Close, a successful non maintained special school offering day and residential provision for young people with complex social, emotional and mental health needs. Staff support young people to access their education and provide a waking day curriculum to help them learn and develop social skills and coping strategies while providing opportunities to experience new challenges and adventures.
Responsibilities
- Work in a multi-disciplinary team including Education, Therapy and Family Resource Team.
- Provide holistic care to ensure the best outcomes for the young people.
- Deliver a waking day curriculum and support access to education while supporting the development of social skills and coping strategies.
- Participate in a 12-month fixed term contract with potential for a permanent position during the year.
- Work additional hours during term time to support education and care needs.
Contract and Benefits
- 12 months fixed term contract starting 01/09/2026, with potential for a permanent position throughout the year.
- 37 hours plus additional hours.
- Staff have 13 weeks paid holiday per year and receive a paid day off for their birthday following a successful probationary period.
Requirements
- Previous experience of working with young people is desirable; however, we welcome candidates with a desire to work with young people and improve their outcomes.
- Applicants must be willing to undergo pre-employment checks including references prior to interview and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as part of safeguarding procedures in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Statutory Guidance.
- Readiness to provide full employment history and any periods of voluntary work or training as part of the application process.
Application and Safeguarding
When completing your application, refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. Provide as much information as possible to evidence your ability to fulfil the role. For further information please contact Natalie Potter on 0118 9785767.
Barnardo's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Our safer recruitment processes ensure the safety and welfare of the child at every stage of the process.
About Barnardo's
Barnardo's is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) commitment is reflected in our values and practice. We encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic Communities, LGBT+ and Disabled candidates.
Our Safeguarding Commitment
Barnardo's Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo relevant pre-employment checks, including references, an Enhanced DBS check, and online checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Statutory Guidance. It is an offence to apply for a role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Day Unit Project Worker in Wokingham employer: BARNARDOS
High Close School, part of Barnardo's, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with complex needs. With a strong emphasis on professional development, staff enjoy 13 weeks of paid holiday, a birthday day off, and the opportunity to work within a multi-disciplinary team that values collaboration and holistic care. This role not only offers meaningful employment but also the chance to grow within a diverse organisation committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Day Unit Project Worker in Wokingham
✨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 BARNARDOS.
✨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 BARNARDOS!
✨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 BARNARDOS, 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 BARNARDOS 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 Day Unit Project Worker in Wokingham
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 BARNARDOS:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BARNARDOS! 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 BARNARDOS
✨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.