At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people in a nurturing environment, helping them feel safe and valued.
- Company: Central & Southern Homes, dedicated to providing stability and care for children.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, fully funded training, career progression, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Join a dog-friendly team that values strong relationships and emotional safety.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Genuine interest in supporting children; no prior experience needed, just a willingness to learn.
Location: Bodmin
Hourly rate: £13.50
Sleep-in rate: £70 per sleep
Contracted hours: Bank 0 Hours
Flexible on shifts, long days, sleeps, weekday and weekend availability
About the role
We are looking for Support Workers who genuinely care about safeguarding children and making a meaningful difference in their lives. Working within one of our children's homes, you will support young people to feel safe, valued and secure in a warm, homely environment. This role suits people who are adaptable, emotionally intelligent and comfortable working in a fast-paced setting where no two days are the same. One moment you may be playing football in the garden or heading out on a nature walk, the next you could be supporting routines, managing big emotions or helping a young person navigate a difficult day. What remains constant is a child-centred, relationship-based approach. You do not need previous experience in residential childcare. What matters most is your attitude, values and willingness to learn. We provide full training, qualifications and ongoing support to help you develop the skills needed to do this role well.
What the day to day looks like
- Supporting everyday life in the home, including morning routines, school preparation, meals, activities and evening wind-down
- Creating a safe, nurturing and structured environment where children feel secure
- Supporting young people with independence, life skills and future planning
- Helping children manage overwhelming emotions in a calm, consistent and therapeutic way
- Recording and contributing to care plans, risk assessments and reviews
- Working as part of a team to ensure clear, consistent boundaries and high-quality care
- Taking part in positive experiences such as clubs, activities and holidays
Why choose Central & Southern Homes
Central & Southern Homes provide care and support for children and young people across a range of services, including solo placements, group homes and supported living. We are passionate about providing children with stability, safety and a place they can genuinely call home. Our focus is on high-quality, relationship-based care that allows children to build trust, feel secure and create positive memories that last. We work using a therapeutic approach, supported by our clinical partners, to ensure children feel understood and emotionally safe. Strong, trusting relationships and consistency sit at the heart of everything we do. We also care deeply about our staff. This is challenging work, and we believe people do their best when they feel supported, developed and valued.
What we offer
- Fully funded training and qualifications
- Comprehensive induction programme
- Clear career progression opportunities within the organisation
- Company pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Company benefits programme, including access to salary sacrifice schemes such as technology
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Active and engaged senior leadership team
- Access to clinical consultation and reflective practice spaces
- Management development programmes
- Company events
What we are looking for
- A genuine interest in supporting children and young people
- The ability to build positive, trusting relationships
- Creativity and curiosity when supporting behaviour and emotional needs
- An understanding of safeguarding and the confidence to raise concerns
- The ability to maintain clear, consistent boundaries
- Strong communication skills with children, colleagues and professionals
- Resilience, reliability and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations
- A willingness to learn, reflect and develop in practice
Preferred but not essential
- QCF / NVQ Level 3 or Level 4 in Residential Childcare, or willingness to work towards this qualification (fully funded)
Cultural fit
We are a dog-friendly organisation and value the positive role animals play in our homes and workplace culture. Applicants should be comfortable working in an environment where dogs are part of daily life.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment processes.
If you are looking for a role where your work genuinely matters, where you will be supported to grow, and where you can make a real difference to young people's lives, we would love to hear from you.
Support Worker - Children & Young People in Bodmin employer: Central & Southern Homes
Central & Southern Homes is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer comprehensive training and funded qualifications, ensuring that our staff have clear pathways for growth from support roles to leadership positions. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and trust, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about providing therapeutic care in the beautiful settings of Devon and Cornwall.
Contact Details:
Central & Southern Homes Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Children & Young People in Bodmin
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Central & Southern Homes' website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Think of examples from your life that showcase your adaptability and emotional intelligence. These stories can really make you stand out when discussing how you’d support children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Children & Young People in Bodmin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your genuine interest in supporting children and young people shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference in their lives!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity, so share your unique experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to working with young people.
Highlight Your Skills:Make sure to mention any relevant skills or experiences that align with the role. Whether it’s your ability to build trusting relationships or manage challenging situations, we want to know what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central & Southern Homes
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and values of the organisation. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
✨Show Your Passion for Supporting Young People
During the interview, express your genuine interest in working with children and young people. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to safeguarding and making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenging situations and manage emotions, both your own and those of the young people you'll be supporting. Use examples to illustrate your ability to remain calm and provide a nurturing environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the organisation's approach to care. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.