Empowering Residential Child Care Support Officer

Our Children and Families directorate want every child to have the chance to reach their full potential. By promoting independence, we help support them to make their own choices and become part of the community. Our Short Break and Residential Services play a big part in this; offering accommodation, overnight short breaks and social opportunities to children with disabilities.

As a Support Officer, you'll help support these children/young people to expand their knowledge and skills. Our Children's Home teams are passionate about providing children within our care a 'home from home' environment which is safe, stimulating and welcoming. The Home is in Central Bedfordshire with good transport links providing easy access to the M1 and train links.

As a Support Officer, you will help ensure the physical, emotional and identified personal care needs of children and young people are met through the provision of a supportive and caring environment. You will also work with young people and others to assess needs and to work jointly in the preparation, implementation and delivery of Care Plans, maintaining the development of positive child care practice, in keeping with the aims and objectives of the service.

From the most basic hygiene, daily life skills and interactions, through to more challenging tasks such as shopping and financial management, our Support Officers provide support and development to the young people in our care, helping to meet their potential and improve their access and enjoyment of the wider community. You will help with personal care, individual development, meals, medication, education and all other day to day activities, as well as make sure that the home is clean, tidy, warm and inviting; fulfilling the needs of children, young people and families regardless of disability, racial/cultural origin or gender.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a real difference to someone's life whilst developing your career in a business that can offer support, training and progression. We are looking to speak to enthusiastic, reliable and flexible people with excellent communication skills and a passion for caring for young people with disabilities.

Diploma Level 3 in Residential Childcare is preferred, experience of supporting children with disabilities is essential, preferably in a residential setting. Applicants with skills and experience in supporting complex young people are particularly welcome. We provide ongoing training opportunities for our team members to ensure that the successful candidate feels confident and competent to work with our young people.

Our homes offer care 24/7 so you will need to work on a shift basis, including days, nights, sleep‑ins, evenings and weekends. The successful candidate shall be supported to complete a Diploma Level 3 in Residential Childcare if they do not hold this already. This is a statutory requirement for working in a children's home.

To join us, you must have experience in working with children, young people or adults. You'll be willing to develop an understanding of children and young people with disabilities, and how to meet their needs and provide them with great opportunities. With potential experience in a caring role, you'll be a positive, practical person. You will be adaptable, flexible and people-focused, with the ability to build professional relationships. You will need to be able to write reports and use your initiative and think on your feet.

DESIRABLE

• Good communication and listening skills.
• Demonstrates a caring nature.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Recognises cultural diversity.
• Good team player.
• Track record of showing initiative and sharing ideas.
• Experienced in being positive and consistent.
• Accurate record keeper.
• Takes accountability for own training and continual professional development.
• Ability to work flexibly.