At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in a loving home environment and engage in fun activities.
- Company: Keys Group, dedicated to innovative care for children with emotional needs.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Full UK Driving Licence and a caring attitude; no experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Buntingford
Job Category: Care and Support
Region: Hertfordshire
Business Area: Children's Residential
Package Description: Children’s Residential Support Worker
Salary: £14.05 - £14.75 Plus Sleep ins paid at £62.64, working out to an extra £3000-£6000 per annum from April 1st 2026
Hours: 39 Including Weekends and Sleeps
Driving Requirement: Full UK Driving Licence is required
Keys Group provides innovative care and education services for children and young people with emotional and behavioural needs. Our mission is to make every day extraordinary by believing in their potential and helping them achieve it.
We’re looking for full-time Children’s Residential Support Workers to join our EPIC team in Buntingford. You’ll play a vital role in helping children and young people live happy, fulfilling lives in a safe and loving home environment.
No Experience Needed: Experience is not required as we provide full training, funded qualifications, coaching, and development alongside a full induction program to ensure you are set up for success at Keys Group. Whether you’re starting out or switching careers, we’ll give you the tools to thrive. Many of our managers started as support workers—now they lead teams. With training, support, and real opportunities to grow, you can build a career with Keys Group too.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create a safe, loving and supportive home environment
- Be a positive role model, and support with everyday living needs
- Join in on fun activities—football, gaming, bowling, and more
- Encourage and share hobbies and interests
- Assist with household tasks to maintain a clean home environment
- Build friendships and trusting relationships
- Promote independence and confidence
Requirements:
- Full UK Driving Licence
- A caring, flexible, and resilient attitude
- Excellent communication skills and a positive, energetic approach
- Willingness to work shifts and sleep-ins
- Ability to build strong, supportive relationships with young people
Keys Group is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and military families through our Armed Forces Covenant commitment. Keys Group proudly supports the Armed Forces Covenant, welcoming service personnel, veterans, and military families. We offer veteran-friendly policies, a peer support network, and military awareness training. Eligible current or former service personnel will receive a guaranteed interview—just ensure your military experience is detailed on your CV.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 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.
