At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in a residential setting, promoting independence and wellbeing.
- Company: Essex County Council, dedicated to transforming adult social care.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible shifts, and full training provided.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or a passion to learn; good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31686 - 38728 £ per year.
Temporary, Part Time
Pay Rate: £13.77 PAYE/£17.25 Umbrella
Location: Basildon
Working Style: Fixed-base worker
Closing Date: 14th September 2026
Please note this is a temp position working as and when needed (covering sickness and annual leave), to have safe staffing levels to offer a quality service. You will be required to work shifts throughout a 24-hour period (days and nights), including weekends and Bank Holidays. Shifts may look like the following: Early shifts 7-3pm, late shifts 3-10pm and nights 10-7 am.
Longwood Place Residential is based in Langdon Hills.
About Us
ECC Adult Social Care, through effective practice, is moving towards a transformational shift from a focus on long-term care support, to a model with four key principles: prevention; early intervention; enablement and safeguarding. This will enable people, their families and carers to access information and tools to live healthily and independently.
About You
You will work as part of a rota to meet the needs of the home and the post holder. You must have experience in care or a passion to learn and be able to work in a person-centred manner, that is flexible and reliable. Some experience in this field would be desirable. Full training is provided, and induction is paid. This role will be focused on being a committed, flexible and passionate member of a team working within a residential/short break service to ensure the provision of a high-quality service for adults. The role will work collaboratively with adults, their families and other professionals in a residential short break home environment.
Accountabilities
- Provides support to individuals to ensure they are able to reach their optimum independence and can exert control in their everyday lives, in accordance with the care plan.
- Supports individuals/groups to access social and leisure activities which may include college classes, resource centres, community access and other activities.
- Monitoring individual emotional and general wellbeing on a daily basis and ensure the protection of adults from abuse, reporting any concerns to senior managers.
- Support individuals to make choices in a way that always respects their dignity and privacy and promotes their choice in accordance with the care plan and any other key documents.
- Ensure respectful, patient and courteous approaches are undertaken with adults, their families, visitors and colleagues whether within the home or out in the community.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Educated to RQF Level 2 (GCSE) or equivalent by experience.
- Experience within a social care setting and working within a team environment.
- Good communication skills and an ability to develop a rapport and engage with diverse groups of individuals.
- Some experience working with adults with disability or the desire to work in this field.
- Awareness of a person-centred approach and respect for dignity and privacy, promoting choice.
- Understanding of and the ability to develop knowledge of the needs of individuals and legislation in respect of Vulnerable Adults, Mental Capacity and other such relevant legislation policy and procedure as appropriate.
- Willing to undertake training in the following if not already completed: Manual Handling, First Aid Awareness, Food Hygiene, Risk and Conflict Management, Data Protection and Health and Safety.
This role involves travelling around Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.
Why Essex?
Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career.
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Temporary Residential Assistant employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Social Workers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people with disabilities. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, innovative practices, and professional development, our team enjoys a nine-day working fortnight and numerous opportunities for growth within a dynamic local authority. Join us in Chelmsford, where your contributions will be valued, and together we can empower the next generation to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Residential Assistant
✨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 Essex County Council, 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 Temporary Residential Assistant
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 Essex County Council. 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 Essex County Council. 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 Essex County Council
✨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 Essex County Council.
✨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 Temporary Residential Assistant role at Essex County Council, 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 Essex County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.