At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in Leicester, helping them with daily activities and personal development.
- Company: A dedicated organisation focused on improving the lives of children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, pass background checks, and have a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 31022 £ per year.
Location: Various locations across Leicester City
Salary: £28,598 - £31,022
Package: Total benefit value (includes pension contribution and full holiday entitlement): £42,300.95
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Description: Playing a vital role in improving the lives of young people in Leicester. No two days are the same for a Residential Support Worker in one of our children's homes. For example today you could be helping cook the tea, finishing a report and helping with homework, then playing games in the garden. Tomorrow you may attend meetings, address challenging behaviour (including verbal and physical aggression) and help a young person stay in touch with family and friends. Using life skills, you’ll have the opportunity to make a huge difference within a young person's life, supporting them to overcome difficulties and strengthen their future. Forming bonds with a variety of children, some of whom may require higher levels of supervision and support, this role is highly rewarding yet challenging. You will need to be compassionate, self‑motivated, and really want to make a difference. You will actively encourage them to connect with the community, help them develop independence, and, working jointly with other individuals, agencies and community resources, provide a holistic approach to young people and their families.
Working Hours: A typical working week involves 5 days out of 7. You will usually work two consecutive weekends, with the third weekend off. Shifts include early shifts starting at 7 am or 8 am and finishing at 3 pm, and late shifts starting at 2 pm and working until 10 pm or 11 pm. Sleeping‑in duties and occasional bank holidays (but not all) are also expected. Flexibility is required.
What We Can Offer You:
- Full mandatory training, including Signs of Safety/Success, Secure Base Model and Lundy Model of Participation
- Apprenticeship programme to achieve a Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare
- Work environment encouraging a healthy work/life balance, generous annual leave, and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Career progression from Residential Support Worker to Residential Practitioner and, for those ambitious, to management
Qualifications and Eligibility:
- Age ≥ 21 years
- Successful completion of an enhanced DBS check, qualifications check and reference checks upon offer
Equal Opportunity Statement: Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is an equal opportunities employer. Applications will be received on a merit and selection basis, without regard to race, gender, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Worker in Leicester
✨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 Leicester City Council.
✨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 Leicester City Council!
✨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 Leicester City Council, 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 Leicester City Council 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 Residential Support Worker in Leicester
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 Leicester City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Leicester City Council! 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 Leicester City Council
✨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.
