At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in daily routines and help them build confidence and independence.
- Company: Budwood Limited, part of the Polaris Community, dedicated to changing lives.
- Benefits: Earn up to £36,768.20, enjoy 6 weeks' holiday, and receive comprehensive training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with career progression opportunities and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Childcare or willingness to work towards it.
The predicted salary is between 36768 - 36768 £ per year.
Are you looking for a job where you can genuinely change a young person's life? Budwood, part of the Polaris Community, provides residential care and support for children and young people. Many of the young people have experienced difficult starts in life - that's why what we do really matters. We create safe, stable and supportive homes where young people can rebuild their confidence, learn new skills and move towards a more positive future. This is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to make a real difference.
We're looking for caring and motivated Residential Support Workers to join our team in Dorchester. No two days are the same, and you'll play a key role in supporting young people, building positive relationships and helping them reach their potential. You don't need to have lots of experience - just the right attitude, willingness to learn and a genuine desire to help others. We'll support you with full training, so you feel confident in your role from day one. At Budwood, you'll be part of a supportive, friendly team where you are valued, encouraged and given the opportunity to grow.
What Is the Job?
We're looking for a caring and reliable Residential Support Worker to join our team, supporting children and young people in a safe and welcoming home. In this role, you will:
- Support young people with their daily routines
- Build positive relationships and be a trusted adult
- Help them develop confidence, life skills and independence
- Keep them safe, supported and encouraged every day
If you have had experience of working with children or young people, that will really help, but we understand that this may be your first time doing this type of work. We will give you all the training and support you need to do the role.
Working Pattern
You will be on a shift rota. Each shift is 24 hours long. You are paid to sleep at the home and you will typically complete two or three shifts in a row. You will work a mixture of weekdays and weekends. You will have the opportunity to complete overtime should you wish to.
Requirements for the Role
- Hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Health and Social Care or equivalent, or be willing to work towards it
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car, as travel is required
- Friendly, able to speak as well as listen to children and colleagues
- Willing to complete an enhanced DBS check, cost covered by us
What We Offer
- Comprehensive training
- Up to 6 weeks' holiday per year
- Company pension scheme
- £64 per night sleep-in allowance
- All meals provided while on duty
- Access to the Exchange Employee Discount Scheme
- Wellbeing support through the Exchange Provision
- Career progression opportunities
- Monthly clinical and professional supervision, plus access to therapeutic support
If you want to build a meaningful career supporting young people, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and join a team making a real difference - every single day. Applications for casual bank roles will also be considered.
Budwood Limited is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Residential Support Worker in Dorchester employer: BudWood Ltd
Budwood Limited is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Located in Dorchester, our supportive and friendly work culture fosters personal growth and development, offering comprehensive training and career progression opportunities. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and wellbeing support, we empower our Residential Support Workers to thrive while making a real difference every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Worker in Dorchester
✨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 BudWood Ltd.
✨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 BudWood Ltd!
✨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 BudWood Ltd, 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 BudWood Ltd 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 Support Worker in Dorchester
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 BudWood Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BudWood Ltd! 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 BudWood Ltd
✨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.
