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- Tasks: Lead and support young people in a residential care setting, ensuring their needs are met.
- Company: Hertfordshire County Council with a commitment to outstanding care for children.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, work-life balance, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a mentor and role model, helping young people thrive and grow.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential care and a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for training and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Hertfordshire county council has its own residential service for children, this consists of 7 homes, including 2 very specialist homes, 1 disability and the rest mainstream multi bedded homes.
All homes are currently sitting on Ofsted ratings of good or outstanding.
As a senior you form part of the leadership of the home and ensure the needs of the home and young people are met and maintained at the highest possible level.
Each home is made up of Registered Manager, Deputy, Senior Residential Childcare Workers, Residential Childcare Workers, cleaners and home administrators.
As a Senior within the residential service there will be times you are asked to support other homes.
About the role
Below are some of the things you could say about your role on a day-to-day basis working in our Residential Care homes:
“It’s the best job in the World”
“The work life balance is brilliant”
“I am at home more than I am at work – both families benefit”
“’Thanks for running me a bath’ – is what made me smile today – win/win”.
If you really want to make a difference to a young person’s life then read on……
It is hard to put a job title on a role where you are mentor, teacher, coach, deliverer of parental guidance, role model, therapist, councillor, and family liaison, often all in the same day.
Daily you will be liaising with a host of individuals and services, from our young person’s family to schools and education authorities, social workers, police and a whole range of other internal and external contacts.
The essence of the role is to support, almost as an extension of the family, one young person to help them develop into adulthood as effectively as possible, establishing routine, boundaries and consistency in a calm, non-judgemental manner. You will work with children and young people who display challenging behaviour due to early life trauma.
No two days are the same in our Residential Service – on your working days you could be taking your young person horse riding, painting, for a drive, for a walk, out shopping, or attending virtual schools. You will support children to achieve and grow through positive experiences.
“You are there when I rise, when I eat, when I play, and you are there to put me to bed at the end of my day”.
Our commitment to young people in our care is to be there around the clock for them. As part of your role you will complete relevant paperwork and work within relevant legislation.
You will be part of a team working on a shift/rota basis; you will work together with the rest of the team, and your senior, to organise this in advance. Due to the nature of our care, there may be occasions where you need to swap shifts and working together with your team we can achieve this flexibility.
As a Senior Residential Childcare Worker, you would need to do the following.
- Shift work including evening weekends, bank holiday and sleep in duties.
- Lead and manage shifts.
- Plan weekly activities for the young people.
- Ensure the home is working to the regulations.
- Line manage and supervise Residential Childcare Workers (RCWs).
- Train and Develop RCWs.
- Report writing.
- Undertaking specialist training for the role
- Oversee the children files, ensuring all documentation is update to date and relevant.
- Manage incidents.
- Maintain the safety of the young people, staff and home.
Manage and report safeguarding concerns in line with policy and procedure.
About you
Essential:
- Minimum 9-12 month experience of working in residential children’s home.
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent
- Hold a full driving licence and business insurance.
- Lead and manage shifts.
- Willingness to undertake shift work.
Desirable:
- Staff supervision
- Attending/ leading meetings with key stakeholder
- Working with families
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
Senior Residential Childcare Workers employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Childcare Workers
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Hertfordshire County Council. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work there and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to residential childcare. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Senior Residential Childcare Worker. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted young people's lives. This will demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Childcare Workers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for working with young people shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight why you want to make a difference in their lives. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Residential Childcare Worker. Highlight relevant experience, especially any leadership roles or work with children facing challenges. We want to see how your background fits our needs!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the job description and the specific responsibilities of a Senior Residential Childcare Worker. Brush up on your knowledge about Ofsted ratings and how they impact the care environment, as well as any relevant legislation.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine passion for working with children and young people. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives, especially in challenging situations.
✨Team Player Vibes
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively within a team. Discuss how you’ve successfully managed shifts or supported colleagues in previous roles, showcasing your leadership skills and flexibility in a residential setting.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios involving challenging behaviour or safeguarding concerns. Think through your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and calm, non-judgemental approach.
