At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people in a caring environment, helping them thrive and develop.
- Company: Join Leeds City Council, dedicated to creating a Child Friendly Leeds.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, and comprehensive training provided.
- Other info: Diverse applicants encouraged; flexible shifts including nights and weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSE level education and recent experience working with children or young people.
The predicted salary is between 27274 - 29071 £ per year.
Leeds City Council is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as Casual Residential Support Workers. As a Residential Support Worker you’ll thrive on making every day the best it can be for children and young people who have a wide range of individual needs. Whether you’re laughing at jokes you don’t understand, pretending to be the captain of a pirate ship or reading a story upside down, you’ll be making a difference to the lives of the young people in your care.
There are a range of opportunities available across the city including full-time, part-time and night working. We want Leeds to be a city where all children are safe, happy and healthy, do well at school, fulfil their potential and grow up to be active citizens with voice and influence. This is your chance to join us and support our Child Friendly Leeds ambition. We are proud to align our work with the council’s values and ambitions, placing children and families at the heart of everything we do.
If you’re ready to bring your empathy, energy, and dedication to this vital role, we’d love to hear from you.
About you
As a Residential Support Worker, you will have:
- Education to GCSE level or equivalent
- Relevant experience working with children or young people within the last year
- Ability to assess the needs of young people and their families and develop professional and positive relationships
- Good verbal and written skills with basic computer literacy
- Flexibility to work shifts
About the role
As a Residential Support Worker, you’ll play a vital role in supporting children and young people with complex needs. Working as part of a dedicated team, you’ll create a safe and caring environment where they can thrive and feel valued. Your responsibilities will include building positive relationships with the children, supporting their personal development, education, and independence and assisting with personal care or specialist equipment when required.
Full training and ongoing support from our management team will ensure you are confident and prepared to succeed in this rewarding role.
Responsibilities
- Assist children in residential child care to be loved, happy, healthy, safe from harm and able to develop, thrive and fulfil their potential.
- Value and nurture each child as an individual with talents, strengths and capabilities that can develop over time.
- Foster positive relationships, encouraging strong bonds between children and staff in the home.
- Be ambitious, nurturing children’s school learning and out-of-school learning.
- Be attentive to children’s needs, supporting emotional, mental and physical health needs.
- Provide a safe, stimulating and loving environment.
- Support the child/young people by showing awareness of their individual interests and preferences.
- Plan, organise and positively engage with the children/young people on a daily basis.
- Participate in holidays and a range of sporting and physical activities with children and young people.
- Work directly with a child/young people in accordance with agreed individual plans and strategies.
- Carry out domestic duties to ensure that the home is maintained to a high standard.
- Contribute to the planning of work and ensure effective records of activities and significant events are recorded.
- Ensure that all mandatory and statutory training is maintained at the required level.
Qualifications
Educated to GCSE level or equivalent. To hold qualifications in both literacy and numeracy.
Essential requirements
It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post:
- Experience of working with children and/or young people in a paid or voluntary capacity in a children’s home, social care setting, a school, youth service, or any other service or provision designed to support children and young people in the community.
- Able to assess and evaluate the individual needs of young people and their families.
- Able to work with staff at all levels, contributing to team cohesion and liaising with other professionals.
- Demonstrate written, verbal skills and e-literacy skills.
- Able to be flexible and to work on a shift basis, including weekends and bank holidays.
- Able to make and maintain professional and meaningful relationships with children and young people.
- Knowledge of Children Act 1989 and other legislation, Children’s Homes Regulations (2015) and associated quality standards.
- Understand the young person’s right to confidentiality.
- Basic computer literacy.
- Able to work in a challenging and changing environment being adaptable and resilient.
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
- Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Residential Support Worker (casual) in Leeds employer: Catholic Care
Catholic Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and the individuals they serve. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to training opportunities and leadership development, particularly in the vibrant regions of West & North Yorkshire. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Worker (casual) in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Catholic Care, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Support Worker (casual) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Catholic Care. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Catholic Care. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catholic Care
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Catholic Care.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Residential Support Worker (casual) role at Catholic Care, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Catholic Care that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
