At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality care and support to children, guiding and mentoring fellow support workers.
- Company: Keys Group, a dedicated organisation focused on children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced pay scales, free meals, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Supportive management, funded qualifications, and wellbeing support available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a rewarding and varied role.
- Qualifications: 12 months experience in Children's Residential and a full UK Driving Licence.
The predicted salary is between 16.85 - 16.85 £ per hour.
Pay: £16.25 - £16.85 per hour plus £62.64 per sleep‑in (approx. 4–8 sleep‑ins per month, additional £3,000–£6,000 per annum) from 1 April 2026.
Hours: 39 hours per week, 08:00‑22:00.
Location: Buntingford, Hertfordshire.
Job Category: Care and Support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide high‑quality care and support, guiding and mentoring other support workers.
- Act as a positive role model for colleagues and children.
- Meet everyday living needs of the children, fostering recovery and growth.
- Develop trusting relationships that impact the lives of children and young people.
Requirements:
- Minimum 12 months of experience in Children’s Residential.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Benefits:
- Real progression opportunities.
- Competitive salary – Real Living Wage minimum.
- Enhanced pay scales recognising qualifications and experience.
- Family support – enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
- Rewarding job – variety and enjoyment.
- Supportive management – regular supervision and appraisal.
- Regular team meetings.
- Funded qualifications – support to obtain QCFs.
- Paid training.
- Full induction programme.
- Free meals.
- Amazing discount schemes via Hapi App & Blue Light Card.
- NEST pension scheme.
- Wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Programme.
- Staff referral scheme with bonus.
- Generous annual leave – 28 days plus bank holidays.
- Free enhanced DBS check.
Keys Group is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check. We are a proud Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We support the Armed Forces Covenant, offering veteran‑friendly policies and a guaranteed interview for eligible current or former service personnel.
Senior Support Worker - Buntingford employer: Keys Children
Keys Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and rewarding work environment for Senior Support Workers in Buntingford. With competitive salaries, real progression opportunities, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, staff can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people. The company fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to grow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker - Buntingford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Keys Children.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Keys Children!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Keys Children, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Keys Children or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker - Buntingford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Keys Children:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Keys Children! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keys Children
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
