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- Tasks: Support vulnerable children on weekends, providing care and building trusting relationships.
- Company: Join Swanwick Lodge, an 'Outstanding' secure home for children with complex needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, market supplement, and enhancements for evenings and weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping children; experience in care is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Flexible weekend hours with comprehensive training provided; must have the right to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 27780 - 30564 £ per year.
Job Reference: HCC619766
Salary Range: £27,780 – £30,564 pro-rata, per annum, plus Market Supplement of £5,000 pro-rata, per annum and Enhancements for Evenings and Weekends
Work Location: Swanwick Lodge, Southampton
Hours per week: 8.5 to 17 (weekends only)
Contract Type: Permanent
Eight new posts are available for Secure Residential Support Workers during weekend hours only and not have to commit to weekday hours (except for mandatory training).
The Role
You will work a Saturday and Sunday, including bank holidays, 17 hours every weekend or alternative weekends. Shift times start at 07:30 – 16:00 and 14:00 – 22:30 and you will work a combination of these start times across the weekend, salary, market supplement and enhancements all applicable to this weekend role.
Swanwick Lodge is a specialist, secure residential home looking after up to ten children with complex attachment, mental health and behavioural needs. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2024 it provides a safe, secure and therapeutic environment for some our most vulnerable young people.
What you\’ll do
This is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling role where you can help children recover from difficult life experiences. You will be joining an exceptional team of dedicated and supportive professional carers, working together to provide a highly structured, stimulating and caring environment within our well-appointed home. Your focus will be to act as a ‘therapeutic parent’ and a role-model to our children, forming positive, trusting relationships that enable them to feel safe and cared for. Working with our diverse on-site education and health and wellbeing team, there’s also the opportunity to engage in fun activities that interest both the children and the staff. You will need to have a great deal of patience, empathy and understanding, with the ability to be consistent, kind and respectful, even in the face of extremely challenging behaviour.
You will be provided with all the training you need as well as our regular ongoing training and support to develop both your personal and professional skills.
What we\’re looking for
We are looking for people who are passionate about helping children. Emotionally intelligent and resilient, you will also need to be physically able to undertake the role and the training. Experience of working with children, young people or adults within a residential, secure or similar setting it is an advantage but not essential.
When you start your job with us, the first four weeks of the role will see you complete a thorough induction programme that includes mandatory training. You will work a Saturday and Sunday, including bank holidays, 17 hours every weekend or alternative weekends. Shift times start at 07:30 – 16:00 and 14:00 – 22:30 and you will work a combination of these start times across the weekend, salary, market supplement and enhancements all applicable to this weekend role.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion
Swanwick Lodge Team on 01489 581913
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
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Secure Childrens Home Support Worker (Weekends) employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Secure Childrens Home Support Worker (Weekends)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children in secure residential settings. Understanding their complex attachment and behavioural needs will help you demonstrate your empathy and suitability for the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which will help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with vulnerable groups, even if it's not directly with children. This could include volunteering or roles in care settings, as it shows your commitment to supporting those in need.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenging behaviours. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed difficult situations, as this will showcase your resilience and problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Secure Childrens Home Support Worker (Weekends)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Secure Children's Home Support Worker. Highlight your passion for helping children and any relevant experience in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your emotional intelligence, resilience, and any previous work with children or in similar settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying. Discuss why you want to work at Swanwick Lodge and how you can contribute to creating a safe and therapeutic environment for the children.
Prepare for Background Checks: Since this role requires a Criminal Records Check, be ready to provide references and any necessary documentation. Mention your understanding of safeguarding practices in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Children
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable young people, as this role is all about making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenging behaviours and emotional situations. Provide examples of how you've shown empathy and understanding in past roles, as these qualities are crucial for a Secure Children's Home Support Worker.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working closely with a dedicated team, it's important to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Talk about your experiences in team settings and how you contribute to creating a supportive environment for both colleagues and children.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage difficult situations. Think through potential scenarios you might encounter in the role and how you would respond, demonstrating your readiness for the challenges ahead.