At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in daily activities and help them prepare for independent living.
- Company: Join Lincolnshire County Council, a top-rated children's services provider with an Outstanding Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, comprehensive training, and additional perks like mileage reimbursement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your kindness and passion for helping children.
- Other info: Opportunities available across various homes, with a focus on teamwork and professional development.
Are you looking for a role that’s rewarding and fulfilling, where you get to choose the days and times you work? If you already have experience working with children that would be fantastic, but even if you don’t, if you have a kind and compassionate nature this could be your first step into a career in children’s residential care!
About the Role
We are immensely proud of the work every team member contributes in our homes and we are looking for individuals who not only can fulfil the role, but can work collaboratively with our passionate and dedicated colleagues. This role, known locally as Relief Residential Care Officer, includes:
- Flexibility: Choose when you are available to work
- Supportive Tasks: You will support in all areas of their life, including activities, hobbies and preparing for an independent life.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and families.
Salary: £16.90 per hour, additional sleeping in payments of £41.78, mileage reimbursement at 45p per mile.
Our Homes
Mainstream Homes: Located in Spalding, Sleaford, Gainsborough, Lincoln and a new home in Louth, providing care for children aged between primary school and 18 years. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive.
Supported Accommodation: Situated in Grantham and Gainsborough offering independent living in a supportive environment. Working within a team supporting 16 - 18 year olds with their independent skills. Shift pattern is 12 hours and a sleep in. This is a lone working environment with contact and support from team members in other Homes.
Children with Disabilities: The Beacon in Grantham provides long term care, while Haven Cottage (Boston) and Strut House (Lincoln) provide short term breaks for children with disabilities.
Lincolnshire Secure Unit: Cares for young people aged 11 – 18 years old that have come through the courts via the Youth Custody Service or for Welfare Reasons, and focuses on rehabilitation back into the community or transition to adult estates.
We currently have Relief Children’s Residential Carer vacancies at Robin House in Lincoln.
About You
No professional caring experience is required as comprehensive training will be provided. We are seeking applications from individuals who find joy in spending time with children and assisting them maintaining strong connections with their loved ones and friends. You will need to have a kind and caring nature with a passion for supporting children’s welfare. Basic IT skills are required as is a willingness to obtain a QCF qualification in working with children. A driving licence is desirable but is negotiable, for some of the homes.
Our Offer
We value all our Relief Workers and offer:
- High quality induction
- Training and professional development
- Therapeutic support enabling children to feel safe
- A strong leadership team to support you in your new role
Lincolnshire County Council Children’s Services are one of the best in the country and have an overall Outstanding rating from Ofsted.
Lincolnshire has been chosen by the Department of Education as one of the three national Families First for Children Pathfinders which will run between September 2023 and 2025. This is an exciting time to join Children’s Residential Services and help us shape the future of Social Care.
Interviews will be arranged on a flexible basis with candidates who have evidenced in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role. Interviews may take place before the closing date. Please ensure that you select the homes you are interested in working in as part of your application.
Lincolnshire County Council are committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we encourage a supportive and inclusive culture and have been accredited as a Disability Confident Employer.
It is current policy to not shortlist candidates more than once within a 4 month period who have previously applied for a Residential Care post of the same grade within that time period.
Applications close on the 22nd June. We hope to hear from you soon!
Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check. All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.
Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Fluency Duty: In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Relief Children\'s Residential Carer employer: Lincoln
Contact Detail:
Lincoln Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Children\'s Residential Carer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the children you’ll be working with. Research the types of disabilities or challenges they may face, as well as the best practices in residential care. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and understanding during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in children's residential care. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the organisation's culture. This could also lead to a referral, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your personal experiences that showcase your caring nature. Think of examples where you've supported others, especially children, and how those experiences have shaped your desire to work in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to highlight your flexibility and willingness to adapt. Since this role allows you to choose your shifts, emphasising your availability and eagerness to work varied hours can make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Children\'s Residential Carer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Relief Children's Residential Carer. Highlight your relevant experiences or qualities that align with the role.
Craft a Personal Statement: Your personal statement should clearly articulate why you are applying for this position. Discuss how your kind and compassionate nature makes you a suitable candidate, and mention any relevant experiences, even if they are informal.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise any skills that are pertinent to the role, such as teamwork, communication, and basic IT skills. If you have experience working with children or in care settings, make sure to include that as well.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow all application instructions carefully. Mention the specific homes you are interested in and check that your application is complete before submitting it through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lincoln
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with children during the interview. Share any relevant experiences, even if they are informal, and highlight your compassionate nature. This role is all about making a positive impact on children's lives, so let that shine through!
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Relief Children's Residential Carer. Be prepared to discuss how you would support children in various aspects of their lives, from activities to preparing for independence. Showing that you understand the role will demonstrate your commitment.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Since this position involves collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Provide examples of how you've worked effectively with others in the past, especially in challenging situations, to show that you can contribute positively to the team.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the organisation's approach to child welfare, training opportunities, or team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.