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- Tasks: Support young people in a residential care setting, providing guidance and mentorship.
- Company: Hertfordshire County Council is dedicated to nurturing young people's identities and community connections.
- Benefits: Enjoy a great work-life balance with flexible shifts and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a child's journey, creating positive experiences and lasting relationships.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving licence and a passion for working with children.
- Other info: No sponsorship available; applicants must have right to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
About the team
Hertfordshire County Council believes in keeping young people close, to enable them to maintain their identity, and to maintain links with the community to which they belong. This in turn allows us to support these young people, their families, and friends. We understand the impact of trauma on children and are passionate about helping these young people find their strengths and explore what they want to achieve with their lives. We believe in nurturing positive relationships and are wholly dedicated to never giving up on a child.
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.
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.
About you
Essential:
- Full UK Driving Licence (including business insurance) and regular access to a car.
- Passion for working with children.
- Ability to learn and implement training.
- Flexible and innovative to meet the challenge.
- Willing to work shifts, including evening/weekend/bank holidays and sleeping duties.
Desirable:
- Hold Diploma level 3/4 Health and social care.
- Experience of working with children or caring for children and young people.
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.
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 Residential Childcare Workers
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of trauma-informed care. Understanding how trauma affects behaviour will help you connect with the young people you'll be working with and demonstrate your commitment to their well-being.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of residential childcare. Attend local workshops or seminars to meet others who work in similar roles, as they can provide valuable insights and may even refer you to job openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working with children during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication and ability to make a positive impact on young people's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and adaptability. Since the role involves shift work and responding to the needs of children, demonstrating your willingness to adjust your schedule and approach will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Workers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Residential Childcare Worker. Reflect on how your experiences align with the role's requirements, especially your passion for working with children.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly any work with children or in care settings. Emphasise skills such as flexibility, innovation, and your ability to build positive relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the impact of trauma on children. Share specific examples of how you've supported young people in the past and your commitment to their development.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Since the role requires working shifts and adapting to various situations, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully managed change or unexpected challenges in previous roles.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have any experience working with children or in a caring role, make sure to bring it up. Discuss specific instances where you’ve supported young people, especially those facing challenges, to showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your interest by preparing thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, daily responsibilities, and the support provided to staff. This demonstrates your eagerness to understand the role and how you can contribute effectively.
