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- Tasks: Lead shifts and provide high-quality care to children in a residential setting.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Earn £16.56 per hour with ongoing training and professional development.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and a chance to impact young lives in the North East.
- Why this job: Be a positive role model and help children thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or willingness to work towards Level 4.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location - Newcastle & Sunderland
Pay Rate - £16.56 per hour (Shift-based role including evenings, weekends, sleep-ins and bank holidays as required)
Job Purpose
The Senior Residential Child Care Officer is responsible for providing high-quality, child-centred care to children and young people living in a residential setting. The role involves leading shifts, supervising staff, and supporting the Registered Manager to ensure the home operates safely, consistently, and in line with statutory regulations and best practice. You will act as a positive role model, promoting stability, emotional wellbeing, safeguarding, and positive outcomes for children and young people with complex needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Care & Support
- Deliver a safe, nurturing and structured environment that meets the emotional, social, educational and behavioural needs of children and young people.
- Build positive, professional and trusting relationships with children, acting as a consistent and reliable adult.
- Support children with daily routines including education, leisure activities, appointments and family contact.
- Promote independence, life skills and positive behaviour using therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches.
- Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in line with statutory guidance and organisational policies.
- Identify, report and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, incidents and allegations.
- Ensure accurate, timely and high-quality record keeping, including care plans, incident reports and daily logs.
- Work in line with Children's Homes Regulations, Ofsted standards and local authority requirements.
Essential
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - or willingness to work towards Level 4.
- Significant experience working in a residential childcare setting.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and residential childcare legislation.
- Ability to lead shifts and supervise staff effectively.
- Excellent communication, recording and organisational skills.
- Resilience, emotional intelligence and the ability to manage challenging behaviour.
- Willingness to work a flexible shift pattern.
- Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
- Full UK driving licence (desirable depending on service needs).
Desirable
- Level 4 or 5 qualification in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
- Experience working with children with trauma, attachment difficulties or complex needs.
- Knowledge of Ofsted inspection frameworks.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay at £16.56 per hour
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Supportive leadership and a values-led working environment
- Making a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people in the North East
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
Senior Residential Child Care Officer in Sunderland employer: Blue Arrow - Newcastle
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow - Newcastle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Child Care Officer in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to residential childcare. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role of a Senior Residential Child Care Officer. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for child care! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's lives. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Child Care Officer in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share your experiences and motivations that led you to this field.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Residential Child Care Officer. Highlight relevant experience, especially in residential settings, and don’t forget to mention any qualifications like your Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key skills and experiences stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Newcastle
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and residential childcare legislation. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with trauma or complex needs, as this will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in residential childcare settings. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led shifts or managed challenging behaviours. This will help demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to create a nurturing environment.
✨Be a Role Model
During the interview, convey how you can be a positive role model for children. Share your thoughts on promoting emotional wellbeing and independence, and how you would build trusting relationships with the young people in your care.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewer about their approach to care and support. This shows your interest in the organisation and helps you gauge if their values align with yours, especially regarding the welfare of children and compliance with regulations.