Support Worker

Support Worker

Full-Time 24000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Keys Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people with activities and emotional development in a residential care setting.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team at a vibrant activity-based residential home.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, discounts, referral bonuses, and wellness support.
  • Other info: Live-in role with accommodation and meals provided; great for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying outdoor adventures.
  • Qualifications: NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Childcare or Health & Social Care required.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.

Shift Patterns

39 hours per week. Rota: 4 consecutive days work, 7 days off; then 3 consecutive days work, 7 days off.

Requirements

  • Full UK Driving Licence with access to a vehicle.
  • NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Residential Childcare or Health & Social Care.
  • Must be over 21 years old.
  • Right to work in the UK.

Role Overview

Residential care worker at an activity‑based residential home supporting young people aged 8‑18 with social, emotional, and mental health challenges.

Must reside at the activities centre overnight during working days.

Accommodation and meals are provided.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead outdoor activities (mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking) to build confidence, resilience, and personal growth.
  • Provide direct support and build positive relationships with young people, supporting daily routines and emotional development.
  • Manage documentation: supervise accurate and timely completion of all children’s documentation.
  • Monitor financial records: record and submit financial expenditure at the end of each shift.
  • Safeguarding & risk management: uphold safeguarding and health & safety standards, comply with risk assessments, and mitigate identified risks.
  • Supervise staff development: lead and guide staff, provide formal supervision and mentorship.
  • Uphold quality standards: maintain care quality in line with Ofsted standards.
  • Oversee shift operations and care delivery: ensure shifts run smoothly, safeguarding concerns are reported, and high support standards are maintained.
  • Facilitate effective handover: conduct thorough shift handovers and debriefs.

Qualifications

NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Residential Childcare or Health & Social Care.

Checks

Enhanced DBS check fully paid by Keys Group, including renewals.

Benefits

  • Fair and competitive pay as a Real Living Wage Employer.
  • Blue Light Card for discounts on High Street retailers, days out, gifts, holidays, and car purchases.
  • Referral bonus: £500 bonus for a successful referral after probation.
  • Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing.
  • Circle wellbeing hub with exercise advice, nutrition, counselling, and savings.
  • NEST Pension Scheme with matched contribution up to 3%.
  • Long Service Awards.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme (up to 42% savings).
  • Full induction and onboarding programme.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Support Worker employer: Keys Group

Keys Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering competitive pay rates and additional income opportunities. With a strong focus on employee growth through funded qualifications and a supportive management team, working in Sudbury provides a fulfilling environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with complex needs.

Keys Group

Contact Details:

Keys Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Support Worker

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 Group.

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 Group!

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 Group, 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 Group 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

Full UK Driving Licence
NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare or Health & Social Care
Experience with young people aged 8-18
Activity leadership (mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking)
Relationship building
Documentation management
Financial record monitoring

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 Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Keys Group! 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 Group

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.