At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and nurture young people, helping them develop life skills and confidence.
- Company: Join Homes2Inspire, a leading provider of children's homes in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sleep-in allowance, attendance bonuses, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career development and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential care and a Level 3 qualification in Childcare preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30196 - 31259 £ per year.
Homes2Inspire are one of the UK’s top providers of Children's homes and currently care for over 150 children in 53 homes and 2 semi-independent leaving care facilities across various regions. We are proud to be a part of Shaw Trust Group, a charity helping to transform the lives of young people and adults across the UK.
We have an opportunity for a Senior Support Worker within one of our children’s residential homes in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Harris House is a 2 bedded residential home, supporting young people aged up to 18. Our home provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment by offering emotional and practical support to help children develop life skills and build confidence.
As a Senior Support Worker, you will assist the management team and will have responsibility for leading a shift, directing roles and responsibilities to support workers, ensuring the monitoring of children and young people’s behaviour, safety, and well-being at all times. We are looking for an individual who can lead by example, uphold standards, and ensure that the safeguarding of children and young people underpins all decisions made.
- Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
- Provide daily care and support, including cooking, cleaning, and encouraging independence in skills like budgeting and shopping.
- Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
- Maintain a safe environment, following company procedures and Ofsted regulations, including reporting and recording accidents, incidents, or physical interventions.
- Build positive relationships, acting as a role model to help children manage emotional and behavioural difficulties.
- Transport young people to school, medical appointments, recreational activities, social outings, and school or college.
- Act as a positive role model, setting clear boundaries and building trust.
- Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins (1–2 per week).
Minimum of 12 months experience of working within residential care.
QCF Level 3 Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification (or at least 50% way through).
Availability to work on a shift rota system including weekends and bank holidays and sleeps.
A full UK Driving Licence is preferable.
Personal Qualities Required:
- Excellent listening skills, having the patience to support children and staff team.
- Dedicated and passionate - with a genuine caring nature to support our young people to reach their full potential.
Competitive salary of £30,196 - £31,259 per annum (£14.52 - £15.03 per hour) plus sleep-in allowance (£46.01 per sleep) and attendance bonuses (up to £1,400 per year), plus overtime opportunities.
Comprehensive training and career development pathways.
Generous annual leave, with option to purchase 5 extra days.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.
Unum Healthcare - App-based access to healthcare reimbursements, mental health support, remote GP, and wellbeing perks.
Aviva Digicare - Access free healthcare services including Digital GP consultation, Annual Health Check and Mental Health Assessments.
Refer a Friend bonus.
Discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays, plus Blue Light Card access.
Cycle to Work scheme.
If you are looking for a new job as a Senior Support Worker in Bicester, Oxfordshire and are passionate about making a positive impact – apply now!
All successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment safer recruitment checks in line with Ofsted regulatory requirements and Homes2Inspire Safer Recruitment Policy.
Senior Support Worker Children and Young People in Bicester employer: homes2inspire
Homes2Inspire is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people in a nurturing environment. Located in Bicester, Oxfordshire, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and generous benefits including attendance bonuses and wellbeing support, fostering a culture of growth and community involvement. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive work atmosphere that prioritises your professional development and personal wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker Children and Young People in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the care sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to support work. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. Share stories that highlight your dedication and the positive impact you've made in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the time to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker Children and Young People in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Support Worker role. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially your QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare or equivalent, and showcase your experience in residential care.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for supporting children and young people. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your dedication to safeguarding.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:As a Senior Support Worker, your ability to listen, empathise, and build relationships is crucial. Make sure to highlight these soft skills in your application. We want to see how you can be a positive role model and support our young people effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at homes2inspire
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Senior Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like safeguarding and supporting young people. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a positive impact on young people's lives. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication and passion for working with children and young people. It’s important to convey your caring nature and commitment to their well-being.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed difficult behaviours or supported a child through a tough time. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow and contribute to the organisation.
