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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide nurturing care to children and support their development in a safe environment.
- Company: Essex County Council, an Outstanding-rated employer dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, and access to high-quality training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while developing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Experience in a Children’s Home or relevant management experience required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 34386 - 40065 £ per year.
Overview
Advanced Skills Worker — Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £34,386 to £40,065 per annum (including allowance)
Location: Colchester
Closing Date: Sunday 15th February 2026 at 11.59pm
Interview Dates: W/C the 9th of March 2026.
Are you interested in working with children and young people to make a difference in their lives? If so, then this could be the right opportunity for you. Essex County Council is investing in and expanding its residential provision and has been named Outstanding by Ofsted, and crowned Social Work Employer of the Year for the second time in the last three years.
Responsibilities
- Provide nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, supporting and caring for them as a parent would.
- Be part of the management team, responsible for the effective day-to-day running of the home and creating a caring, safe, and secure environment.
- Line manage a team of staff, providing guidance and regular supervision to enable them to support children/young people to meet agreed outcomes and achieve their full potential.
- Develop and maintain a calm, patient, and adaptable approach to managing challenges, including de-escalation of aggressive or violent behaviour.
- Ensure effective written and verbal communication within the team and with stakeholders.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Previous experience in a Children’s Home or transferrable line management experience is essential.
- If you do not already have a Level 3 Diploma, you will need to complete this within 2 years of successful completion of the probation period.
- Must be open minded, flexible, and capable of managing challenges with a calm and patient demeanour.
- Age requirement: applicants must be at least 21 years old to undertake this post.
- We will provide training, regular supervision, and in-house induction to support your start in the role.
Benefits
- 26 days annual leave (Full Time Equivalent) plus bank holidays (normally 8 days per year).
- 37-hour working week with a pattern including early and late shifts and every other weekend off.
- Opportunity for overtime.
- Local Authority Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
- Access to high-quality training and development to progress within the child and family sector.
Additional Details
This role will be based on-site at New Farm Road, Colchester (CO3 0PG) at a newly refurbished short-term home for five 12-17 year olds, working as part of a multi-disciplinary team around the child you will support them to develop the skills and resilience to return to their families, or onto longer-term care.
Advanced Skills Worker in Colchester employer: Medirest Signature
Contact Detail:
Medirest Signature Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Skills Worker in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Essex County Council and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach during interviews to show how you align with their mission of making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to managing challenges and providing care. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Be ready to share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to provide nurturing care and manage a team effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Skills Worker in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children and young people. We want to see how your skills align with the nurturing and therapeutic care we provide.
Showcase Your Management Skills: Since this role involves line management, don’t forget to mention any relevant leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can guide a team effectively, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Communicate Clearly: Effective written communication is key in this role. Ensure your application is clear and concise, reflecting your ability to communicate well with both your team and stakeholders, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medirest Signature
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Advanced Skills Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around nurturing therapeutic care and managing a team. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your experience in children's homes or line management. Think about times when you've successfully managed challenges or supported young people through tough situations. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, ensure you listen carefully to questions and respond thoughtfully, showcasing your ability to communicate with both your team and stakeholders.
✨Stay Calm and Adaptable
Given the nature of the job, it's important to convey your calm and patient demeanour. Be prepared to discuss how you handle stress and de-escalate challenging situations. This will reassure the interviewers that you can maintain a safe and secure environment for the children.
