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- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in a nurturing environment to help them thrive and achieve their goals.
- Company: Good Shepherd Centre, a caring organisation dedicated to making a difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Great benefits package, supportive team, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on building hope and resilience in young people.
- Why this job: Be a positive role model and change lives while working in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential child care and commitment to children's rights required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
Job Description
Location:Â Greenock Road, Bishopton PA7 5PW
Salary Range: £30,084.30 – £36,889.83 per annum
Contract Type:Â Permanent
Position Type:Â Full-time
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours
Pattern of Work:Â Rotational 3 weekly shift pattern including early, mid, late; weekend (detailed shift pattern in the documents attached)
Please see detailed Job Description in the documents attached.
"Staff genuinely care and it's not just a job. They don't give up on me, they don't abandon me, and they want the best. This place has changed my life” – Quote from a young person
“The Service has gone that extra mile to meet significant level of need. No other service in Scotland would offer a placement. Good Shepherd Centre have excelled expectations for this young person. The service is very good. Supportive, consistent, and caring” – Quote from a Social Worker
Are you passionate about helping vulnerable young people thrive and flourish?
Do you have the skills to engage with young people and support them to reach their maximum potential?
“Our purpose is to provide a positive, life-changing experience for young people through individual care, education and skills development focused on promoting young people’s mental and emotional wellbeing and longer-term positive outcomes.”
The Good Shepherd Centre (GSC) campus just outside Bishopton offers young people a safe, nurturing and caring environment set in fabulous grounds with a garden wildlife trail and outdoor sports facility. On-campus there are three secure care houses, a close support house & a semi-independent living cottage. Young people who live with us continue their education in our school, on campus, or attend further education out with the campus.
This is an exciting time to join Team GSC as we seek to build on our strong reputation for relational practice and through delivering ambitious strategic goals to #Keep The Promise.
GSC offers employees a great benefits package and you will be joining an enthusiastic and dedicated team.
Young people referred to us have experienced significant difficulties in their lives, and many will have faced traumatic and harmful situations and may be experiencing psychological distress; mental health problems; and problems coping with managing feelings and day to day life. We offer a place of safety and nurture where we support young people and their families, alongside the professionals involved in their lives, to make sense of these experiences and to build hope, coping skills and goals for the future.
The Residential Care Worker is a key position promoting and upholding the vision and values of the GSC as a place of care, safety and learning.
We are seeking to appoint caring, child-centred, hard-working and resilient individuals with a motivation to be a positive role model and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people. If you have experience working in Residential Child Care, we would love to hear from you.
Our purpose is to provide a positive, life changing experience for young people through individual care, education and skills development focused on promoting young people’s mental and emotional wellbeing and longer-term positive outcomes. Through ensuring that the work is in keeping with legislative, procedural, and good practice requirements and guidance, the overall focus of the role is to build trusting relationships with young people within a nurturing, stimulating and safe environment. You will work as part of a team to support young people to meet their needs, achieve their goals and build hope for their future.
The successful candidates will have experience of supporting vulnerable young people, are committed to Children’s Rights and have, or be willing to achieve, a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Social Care and the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Caring for Children and Young People at Level 3 or above, or equivalent qualifications recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
There is also a requirement to apply for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a registered supervisor within the first three months of employment and to be registered as a registered supervisor with the SSSC within six months of employment.
If you are looking for a new and exciting role in the third sector and would welcome the opportunity to help young people achieve their potential, then working as part of our dedicated and experienced team may be a good move for you.
For candidates successfully shortlisted, a provisional date for an initial Virtual Screening Interview via Microsoft Teams is intended for Wednesday 3rd June 2026. For those successful at this stage, an in person Assessment Centre is provisionally scheduled for Tuesday 9th June 2026.
If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, please contact the HR Department on 01505-864500.
We are developing an innovative selection process to have a focus on values and engagement with young people.
To apply, please complete our application form on our website by clicking the link.
Contact Detail:
Good Shepherd Secure Unit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Care Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Good Shepherd Centre and understand their values and mission. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. It’s all about building those connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past where you've made a positive impact on young people's lives. This will help you demonstrate your skills and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Team GSC and making a real difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Care Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for helping vulnerable young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care and are motivated to make a difference in their lives.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in supporting young people. We love to hear about how you've engaged with them and helped them overcome challenges.
Align with Our Values: Make sure to highlight how your values align with those of the Good Shepherd Centre. We’re all about care, safety, and learning, so show us how you embody these principles in your work.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to complete your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Good Shepherd Secure Unit
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take a moment to reflect on why you want to work as a Residential Care Worker. Think about your passion for helping vulnerable young people and how your values align with the mission of the Good Shepherd Centre. This will help you convey genuine enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with young people, especially in challenging situations. Prepare specific examples that highlight your skills in building trusting relationships, promoting emotional wellbeing, and supporting personal development. This will demonstrate your capability to meet the needs of the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
The role involves working closely with a dedicated team, so be sure to highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked as part of a team in the past, focusing on your contributions to creating a supportive environment for young people.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the training and support provided for new staff or how the centre measures success in helping young people thrive. Asking questions shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.