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: Competitive pay, career development opportunities, and employee well-being support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a range of employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building your own skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, with strong communication and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 18 £ per hour.
LOCATION: Darlington
HOURS: Up to 24 hours per week
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
Cycle to Work Scheme: You could save up to 42% on a brand-new bike and accessories.
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.
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 Support Worker - Darlington
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Keys, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Keys. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Keys's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
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 your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Keys. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Keys.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keys
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Keys.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Support Worker - Darlington at Keys.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Keys that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Worker - Darlington role.
