At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with disabilities in developing life skills and achieving personal goals.
- Company: Kent County Council, dedicated to community support and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, comprehensive training, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, good communication, and teamwork skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy a rewarding career in care.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 Β£ per year.
Overview
Kent County Council\βs Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking (UAS) Children\βs Service provides accommodation and support to newly arrived UAS children in Kent. The Service is developing as a centre of excellence for social work practice nationally and we are seeking passionate individuals to join our service. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Service\βs Reception Centre team. The Reception and Safe Care Services are Kent County Council owned, Ofsted regulated, children\βs homes and supported accommodation, collectively termed Reception Centres. The Reception Centres, and the services they provide to children, are run by a diverse team of managers and workers, who are all committed to ensuring children are protected and supported to take the first steps in their journey to a more permanent home elsewhere in the UK. This role is for Acacia Court Reception Centre. Acacia Court is based in Faversham, Kent and is named after the Umbrella Thorn Acacia Trees of Sudan. Acacia Court provides supported accommodation for UAS children aged 16-17 years old, with a capacity of up to 32 children. Acacia Court was opened in July 2024 and is already establishing links with local services and organisations in the community for young people to access a variety of activities. This newly established Reception Centre is located in a calm residential area, with surrounding orchards. This Reception Centre is subject to Ofsted regulations for Support Accommodation 2023.
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Responsibilities
- Support the day-to-day running of the reception centre, ensuring that all UAS children begin their resettlement journey with the support they need.
- Role model good practice and organise staff to support all UAS children during their stay, from practical objectives and learning to emotional support.
- Collaborate with local services and organisations to provide access to activities and resources for young people.
Qualifications and Experience
- Experience working with UAS children (preferably 16-17 year olds) and a demonstrated energy and drive to strive for the best.
- Ability to lead by example and support staff in delivering high-quality care and safeguarding.
- Commitment to safeguarding and providing a supportive, protective environment for children.
- Excellent command of spoken English/Welsh (as required for the role).
Benefits and additional information
- Full induction
- Training and development opportunities
- Basic salary between Β£34,421 and Β£38,304
- Annual leave allowance of 29 days (increasing to 30 days with 5 years of service)
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Opportunities to develop in your career
- Opportunity to expand knowledge and skills of working with children seeking asylum
Note: This post will be required to work across a rolling shift pattern, with weekly alternating shifts, and regular cover over weekends. The closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated if a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Support Worker - Community Day Services employer: Kent County Council
Contact Detail:
Kent County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Community Day Services
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation's values and mission. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and allow you to refine your answers, making you feel more confident when itβs your turn.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! As a Support Worker, empathy and communication are key. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these skills, whether in work or personal situations.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. Itβs a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Community Day Services
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting others shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in people's lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. Weβre looking for empathy, patience, and good communication skills, so give us examples of how you've demonstrated these in your past roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why youβd be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to submit your application through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, itβs super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
β¨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, make sure to highlight your understanding of the needs of others. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated empathy and compassion, especially in challenging situations.
β¨Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key in this role. Practice active listening during the interview and engage with the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions. This shows that you value their input and are keen to understand the role better.
β¨Demonstrate Patience and Resilience
Be prepared to discuss how you've handled difficult situations in the past. Share stories that showcase your patience and resilience, particularly when supporting individuals at their own pace. This will resonate well with the values of the role.
β¨Teamwork Matters
Since you'll be working as part of a team, it's important to convey your ability to collaborate effectively. Talk about your experiences working with others, and how you contributed to achieving common goals. Highlight any teamwork skills that align with the job description.