At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in developing life skills and building confidence in a semi-independent setting.
- Company: Join Keys Group, a leader in innovative care and education services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career development opportunities, and well-being support.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, with NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Health & Social Care preferred.
The predicted salary is between 15.15 - 15.15 £ per hour.
LOCATION: Darlington
SALARY: £14.45 - £15.15 per hour*
REQUIREMENTS:
- Full UK Driving License with access to a vehicle – essential
Keys Group 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.
If you are a Support Worker with an NVQ / QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care and the enthusiasm and commitment to live our company values every day, this may be the role for you!
As a Senior Support Worker, you will be involved in the day-to-day support and routine of the young people within the service including:
- Managing a team of Residential Support Workers
- Providing high standards of care and support for young people we support, in line with care and support plans
- Encouraging good community relationships by promoting a variety of activities
- Accurately reporting, recording and maintaining records as required and working to care plans
- Liaising with health professionals and their families
- Completing supervisions and audits
- Ensuring that all duties undertaken by reporting staff are performed to required standards, and that all such staff contribute in a positive manner to provide a happy, efficient and homely atmosphere within the Home.
Requirements:
- Must be 21 years or over (due to regulatory requirements).
- NVQ/QCF L3 in Health & Social Care OR Residential Childcare.
- 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.
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 – at High Street retailers, days out, gifts, holidays and even when buying a car, available via a Blue Light card that you will have access to as a Health and Social Care Employee.
Referral Bonus – Refer talented individuals to Keys Group and split a £500 bonus when they successfully join and complete their probation.
Care First – We care about your well-being and that's why we're pleased to offer our employees an Employee Assistance Program. If you need someone to talk to, the EAP is here for you - confidentially and at no cost.
Circle – Your hub for wellbeing, engagement and discounts. From tailored exercise advice and healthy eating tips to counselling and savings on everyday purchases, Circle has you covered.
NEST Pension Scheme – Save for your retirement with a matched contribution of up to 3% from Keys Group.
Long Service Awards – It's our way of saying a heartfelt thank you for everything you do.
Full Induction & Introductory Programme – Begin your journey with a paid-for comprehensive onboarding to set you up for success.
About Keys Group:
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.
*Dependant on experience and qualifications
Senior Support Worker - Darlington employer: Keys
Keys Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its employees. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, we offer extensive growth opportunities and support for our team members in the housing sector. Located across England and Wales, our dynamic environment encourages innovation and partnership, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change in supported living.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 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 - 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:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Keys! 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
✨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.
