At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower children in residential care, helping them grow into responsible adults.
- Company: Derby City Council, dedicated to providing top-notch services and support for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and various employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to outstanding care and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care preferred; training provided for the right candidates.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Directorate: People Services
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours a week. Part Time – hours a week. Includes shift working, sleep in duties, alternate weekends and bank holiday working
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Residential Children’s Homes across the City of Derby
At Derby City Council we want the very best for the children and young people living in our residential care homes. We are looking for like-minded people who share our values, are dedicated to making a difference to the life of children and young people and can be champions of outstanding care working as a Residential Child Care Worker. In return, we can offer you a very competitive salary, excellent benefits and exciting and rewarding career opportunities within a supportive team. We believe that every child and young person has the right to the highest quality of care and to have a safe, supportive, trusting and nurturing environment.
As a Residential Child Care Worker, you will facilitate the development and empowerment of children and young people, so they grow into mature, successful and responsible adults.
What We Offer:
- Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
- 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years of service), plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
- Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
- Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training
- Employee Assistance Programmes & Support
- Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network
- Support for colleagues who are carers
The Opportunity:
As a Residential Child Care Worker your key role will be to support children and young people within a residential setting. Our residential children’s homes provide short and long term care for children and young people, who for a variety of reasons are unable to live with their families. This also includes children and young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties who may also have other complex needs. Our approach provides creative child-centred care for children and young people who are looked after.
About You:
To be successful in this role, you’ll ideally have… Ideally you will hold a NVQ L3 Level three diploma in Health and Social Care – children and young people. If you don’t have the required qualification, don’t worry we can provide training to equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and professional qualifications to deliver the very best outcomes for our children and young people. All applicants must be aged 22 and over due to children home’s regulations.
Requirements:
You must hold a clean full driving licence and have written, numeracy (Level 2 functional skills or equivalent), administration & IT skills in order to complete daily case records, care plans, reports & financial records.
Residential Child Care Worker Level 2 employer: Derby City Council
Derby City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and professional growth. As a Tractor Driver/Gardener, you will benefit from a generous annual leave package, a local government pension scheme, and access to exclusive discounts through Team Derby Rewards, making it a rewarding place to build your career in grounds maintenance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Child Care Worker Level 2
✨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 Derby City Council.
✨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 Derby City Council!
✨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 Derby City Council, 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 Derby City Council 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 Child Care Worker Level 2
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 Derby City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Derby City Council! 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 Derby City Council
✨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.
