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- Tasks: Support and care for young people with disabilities and autism, helping them thrive.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Foxgloves, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with shift work, including weekends, in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while developing meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism, disabilities, and residential childcare is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 34434 £ per year.
Are you aspirational, empathetic and passionate about children and young people's success and do you want to make a difference to their lives? Foxgloves is a friendly short breaks service delivering care and support to young people with disabilities and/or autism. Our aim is to build on the positive relationships and meet their desired outcomes. We believe in an inclusive culture that enables young people to achieve their full potential, celebrating progress from their starting point and ensuring that children's needs and rights are at the forefront of our care.
Within the role, you will be a keyworker to children and support families. You will need to provide care to young people between 7 to 18 years with a diagnosis of learning disability and/or autism with associated behavioural learning needs.
The successful candidate must have:
- Sound knowledge and experience of autism and disabilities
- Previous experience within residential child care, SEND, education or early years
- Experience of report writing, providing evidence of young people's development and maintaining multiple case files
- Excellent administration and IT skills as managing files and compiling reports forms part of this role
We are looking for people to develop and sustain positive relationships and play an active role in service delivery.
How to apply: When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for.
Closing Date: 26th May 2026
Please note: The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving) or a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical.
For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk
Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, pledging to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If your application is successful, you will be required to declare any spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not 'protected' as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).
Additional Vacancy Information: Allowance (pro rata for part time roles) sleep in shift allowance. Work Pattern: shift work includes some weekends, early and late shifts. Is this an enhanced DBS role? Yes. Is this a politically restricted role? No. Is this a customer facing role which requires a fluent English Speaker? Yes. Location: Bedfordshire, Foxgloves Children's Home. Is this a designated car user position? No.
Residential Worker (Children) employer: Bedford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Bedford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Worker (Children)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Foxgloves and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team, plus it shows your commitment to being part of the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about how you'd handle specific situations with children who have disabilities or autism. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and empathy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Worker (Children)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Residential Worker. Highlight your experience with autism and disabilities, as well as any previous work in residential childcare. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see how you fit the role without having to sift through unnecessary details.
Use Our Website to Apply: When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. It’s super easy! Just click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’, upload your CV, and answer the application questions. This way, we can process your application smoothly and efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism and disabilities. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children aged 7 to 18, as well as the principles of inclusive care. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in residential childcare or related fields. Have examples ready that highlight your ability to build positive relationships and support young people’s development. Use specific situations to demonstrate your skills.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle certain situations with children. Think about scenarios involving behavioural challenges or emotional support, and be prepared to explain your approach. This will help them see your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Highlight Your Admin Skills
Since the role involves report writing and managing case files, be ready to talk about your IT and organisational skills. Mention any relevant software you’ve used and how you keep track of multiple cases efficiently. This will reassure them that you can handle the administrative side of the job.