At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people aged 8 to 17 with emotional and mental health needs in a safe environment.
- Company: Join Child Action Northwest, an award-winning charity transforming lives for over 130 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, generous leave, and health perks like discounted medical insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive and empowering culture.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in caring for Children and Young People or related fields is essential.
- Other info: Full-time and part-time roles available; safeguarding responsibilities are key.
The predicted salary is between 28486 - 30091 £ per year.
Child Action Northwest (CANW) is an award-winning charity providing a range of innovative and creative services across the North of England that support children, families, and vulnerable adults. CANW has been supporting children and young people for 130 years since its founding in 1886. Our mission is to inspire lives and change futures. Our values of caring, empowerment, and perseverance are present in all we do and underpin our work. We believe in the power of individuals and communities to grow, develop, and change.
We have an exciting opportunity within CANW for both full-time and part-time Residential Support Workers for our upcoming Residential Children’s Home. At this growth stage, you will be responsible for providing day-to-day care for young people aged 8 to 17 with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties.
Job Purpose
To foster a safe, secure, and accepting environment encouraging positive behaviour in all aspects of the young person's life. You will be expected to:
- Promote open and effective relationships with children/young people where they can share concerns about their health, well-being, and relationships.
- Promote health and well-being by raising awareness of factors that can impact it.
- Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse and harm, ensuring respectful observations are made to safeguard children/young people.
- Respond calmly and sensitively to disclosures of danger, harm, or abuse, ensuring they are accurately recorded and reported.
- Inform children/young people who will be contacted if disclosures occur.
- Listen to and consider the wishes, feelings, and preferences of children/young people while maintaining safeguarding practices.
- Support them in challenging decisions where their best interests are not fully considered.
- Support children/young people in establishing their identity and ensuring their wishes are respected.
- Work in partnership with other agencies and professionals, understanding their roles and responsibilities.
- Collaborate with parents, carers, and professionals to benefit the young person.
- Devise, monitor, and review care plans with other agencies to promote health, well-being, and protection, sharing relevant information while respecting confidentiality.
- Encourage children/young people to engage with support programs and liaise with professionals as appropriate.
- Support children/young people in pursuing interests safely.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and CANW's Information Governance procedures.
- Complete relevant documentation and share information appropriately, respecting age and understanding.
- Provide boundaries regarding social media and internet safety, responding to concerns and listening actively to children/young people's experiences.
- Present yourself professionally, providing leadership and support across the Residential Service and CANW.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will:
- Contribute to assessment and care planning processes relevant to young people.
- Assist in providing high standards of childcare in a stable, relaxed environment prioritising safeguarding.
- Demonstrate empathetic and dedicated care for individuals with complex needs, fostering compassion and personalized support.
- Be passionate about empowering young people and supporting their emotional well-being, with a strong focus on safeguarding and child protection.
- Ability to set meaningful boundaries for children and young people.
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Benefits
Working for CANW offers rewarding opportunities and benefits, including:
- Salary £28,486 - £30,091 (Full-Time - 37hrs/week, 148hrs/4 weeks) or pro-rata for part-time.
- Company Sick Pay after probation.
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity leave.
- Volunteering days to support community involvement.
- Discounted BUPA medical insurance.
- Annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
- Holiday purchase scheme for extra days.
- Electric vehicle lease scheme.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Medicash scheme for health expenses.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Exclusive discounts and recognition awards.
All roles involve safeguarding responsibilities. A professional or vocational qualification such as NVQ Level 3 in caring for Children and Young People/Residential Care and Family Support, Nursing, or RNLD is required.
Residential Support Worker employer: Child Action North West
Contact Detail:
Child Action North West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Child Action Northwest's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to caring, empowerment, and perseverance will help you align your approach and demonstrate your passion for supporting young people during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain experience in similar roles or volunteer with organisations that support children and young people. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also provide you with real-life examples to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of child care and support. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet others who work in this area, as they may provide valuable insights or even referrals to job openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by reflecting on scenarios where you've demonstrated empathy, safeguarding, and effective communication. Being ready with specific examples will showcase your suitability for the role of a Residential Support Worker.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Residential Support Worker at Child Action Northwest. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children or vulnerable individuals. Mention specific instances where you demonstrated empathy, care, and the ability to set boundaries, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, ensure your application reflects your verbal and written communication skills. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalised cover letter that addresses why you are passionate about supporting young people and how your values align with those of CANW. Be sure to mention your commitment to safeguarding and child protection, as this is a key aspect of the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Child Action North West
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Child Action Northwest's mission and values. They focus on caring, empowerment, and perseverance, so think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to discuss this during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Communication Skills
As a Residential Support Worker, you'll need to demonstrate strong empathetic skills and effective communication. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals with complex needs or communicated sensitive information.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Scenarios
Given the safeguarding responsibilities of the role, be prepared to discuss how you would handle various scenarios involving disclosures of harm or abuse. Think about the steps you would take to ensure the safety and well-being of the young people in your care.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Collaboration Skills
The role requires working closely with other professionals and agencies. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in previous roles, particularly in situations that required a team approach to support individuals.