At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in a semi-independent living environment and promote their independence.
- Company: Keys Group, a leader in innovative care and education services.
- Benefits: Fair pay, career development opportunities, and employee well-being support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, with experience in care or working with young people preferred.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
Location: Darlington, County Durham
Working Hours: Up to 24 hours per week
Shift Patterns: Monday-Friday 3PM (sleep-in finishing at 9AM) & Saturday-Sunday 7PM (sleep-in finishing at 8AM) on a rolling rota.
Requirements:
- Full UK Driving License with access to a vehicle - essential
Keys provide innovative care and education services to children and young people who have complex needs, emotional and behavioural difficulties. We try and make every day extraordinary for the children we care for and support, because we believe in every single one of them. It's an exciting time to join us as we expand and grow our teams in the region. We are looking for a compassionate, reliable, and dedicated Residential Support Worker to join our team, supporting young people aged 16–18 in a semi-independent group setting. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about helping young people develop essential life skills, build confidence, and prepare for full independence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide day-to-day support to young people in a semi-independent living environment.
- Promote independence through guidance with education, employment, finances, and daily living skills.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
- Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured home environment.
- Complete accurate records, reports, and support plans.
- Work collaboratively with external professionals, families, and internal teams.
- Safeguard and protect the welfare of all young people in your care.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be 21 years or over (due to regulatory requirements).
- Experience working with young people or within the care/child sector (preferred).
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
About You:
- Experience supporting children and young people with challenging needs (desired).
- Understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and behaviour management.
- Calm, resilient, and confident in managing challenging situations.
- Ability to build trust and positive, supportive relationships.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and patient.
Benefits:
- DBS Check Paid - Your Enhanced DBS check is fully covered by Keys Group, along with any required renewals.
- Qualifications & Career Development - Unlock your potential with our support! We offer a variety of QCF qualifications, providing opportunities for professional growth and opening doors to further career advancement.
- Fair & Competitive Pay - At Keys Group, we pride ourselves on fair and competitive pay. As a Real Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all, with enhanced pay scales that transparently recognise your qualifications and experience.
- Blue Light Card - Access discounts at High Street retailers, days out, gifts, holidays, and even when buying a car.
- Referral Bonus - Refer talented individuals to Keys Group and split a £500 bonus when they successfully join and complete their probation.
- Care First - Employee Assistance Program for confidential support.
- Circle - Your hub for wellbeing, engagement, and discounts.
- NEST Pension Scheme - Save for your retirement with a matched contribution of up to 3% from Keys Group.
- Long Service Awards - A heartfelt thank you for everything you do.
- Cycle to Work Scheme - Save up to 42% on a brand-new bike and accessories.
- Full Induction & Introductory Programme - Comprehensive onboarding to set you up for success.
About Keys: Keys Care provides safe, supportive homes for adults and children, offering tailored services and specialist support to help people thrive. Through our Connected Support approach, we empower individuals to build stability, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are also committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible candidates from military backgrounds are guaranteed an interview – please include details of your service on your CV. Please note that due to the vulnerable nature of the people that we support, all applicants must be over the age of 21.
Support Worker - Darlington employer: Keys Children
Accomplish Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a warm and supportive environment for both staff and residents at our new residential care home in Burton-on-Trent. We prioritise employee growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside competitive pay and a generous benefits package that includes annual leave, a pension scheme, and wellness support. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities while enjoying a fulfilling career in a collaborative and compassionate team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Darlington
✨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 - Darlington
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.
