At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children through therapeutic care and engaging outdoor activities.
- Company: Join New Reflexions, a dedicated team making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, fully funded training, and access to holiday homes.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and support provided, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while enjoying outdoor adventures and building resilience in young people.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children, full UK driving licence, and flexibility for shifts.
The predicted salary is between 33522 - 34320 £ per year.
Make a lasting impact in a young person's life. Join New Reflexions' specialist Children's Residential Care Worker – Response Services team in Cumbria, supporting children and young people through short-term, therapeutic residential placements. At New Reflexions, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, valued and supported to achieve their full potential. Through our integrated care, education and therapeutic services, we help children who have experienced trauma build resilience, confidence and brighter futures.
Our Children's Residential Service provides therapeutic placements for young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs. Our Response Services offer short-term, activity-based placements designed to provide stability, assessment and positive experiences during times of need. Working within a well-established staff team and supportive and consistent management team.
If you enjoy working outdoors and are passionate about making a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, we'd love to hear from you.
Salary: £33,522 - £34,320 per annum (overtime available)*
Working Pattern: Full-time, based on a 3-on / 6-off rolling rota including sleep-ins. Our services operate 365 days a year.
About the Role
As a Children's Residential Care Worker within our Response Services, you will:
- Provide therapeutic care and support to children and young people (up to 18 years old) in short-term residential placements.
- Help young people feel safe, respected and supported while promoting positive relationships and emotional wellbeing.
- Deliver engaging outdoor and activity-based experiences that build confidence, resilience and independence.
- Work alongside our clinical, education and care teams to support individual care plans and positive outcomes.
- Support young people with daily routines, education, life skills and recreational activities.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to a safe, nurturing residential environment.
- Work as part of a dedicated team on a 3-on / 6-off rota including sleep-ins.
Whether you're experienced in residential childcare or looking to begin a rewarding career, we'll provide all the training and support you need to succeed.
Full Training and Support
All new colleagues receive a fully paid two-week, face-to-face induction programme covering essential skills including:
- Therapeutic approaches
- Safeguarding
- First Aid Level 3
- Behaviour support
- Company policies and procedures
Following induction, you'll complete shadow shifts, meet your team, attend house meetings and receive ongoing support from experienced managers to help you settle into your role.
Benefits
At New Reflexions, we invest in our people by offering:
- Opportunities to progress your career
- Fully funded QCF Level 3 and Level 5 Diploma in Residential Childcare (following successful completion of probation)
- Fully paid two-week induction training
- First Aid Level 3 qualification
- MIAS mountain biking qualification
- RLSS water safety award
- Two day outdoor first aid course
- The opportunity to undertake NGB recognised awards to benefit the children.
- Free access to five holiday homes across the UK in Borth, Tenby, Morecambe, Ayr and Clarach Bay
- Fully funded compliance checks and DBS Update Service
- Employee Assistance Programme, including support for immediate family members and access to face-to-face counselling
- Blue Light Card and Bright Exchange employee discounts
- Refer a Friend Scheme – earn £500 per successful referral or £1,000 for qualified referrals
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Competitive workplace pension
- Access to our Training Hub with over 800 CPD-accredited care-specific learning modules
- External clinical supervision
- Enhanced pay (time and a half) for hours worked on designated key dates
Essential Requirements
To be successful, you'll need:
- A full UK manual driving licence
- Access to your own vehicle
- A genuine passion for supporting children and young people
- The ability to travel to rural work locations across Cumbria
- Flexibility to work the 3-on / 6-off rota including sleep-ins
Estimated salary is based on a daytime hourly rate of £13.45–£13.70 (depending on qualifications), with sleep-ins paid at £40–£42 per sleep.
Safeguarding
The post holder has responsibility for adhering to New Reflexions' Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures. New Reflexions is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete our safer recruitment process, including an Enhanced DBS check, as this role involves regulated activity. This post is exempt from the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975). Please note that New Reflexions does not use agency staff within its residential services and is unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Children's Residential Care Worker – Response Services in Wigton employer: New Reflexions
At New Reflexions, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through comprehensive training and career progression opportunities, while our unique location in Cumbria allows for engaging outdoor activities that enhance the therapeutic experience for both staff and young people. With competitive benefits and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we create a nurturing environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Residential Care Worker – Response Services in Wigton
✨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 New Reflexions.
✨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 New Reflexions!
✨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 New Reflexions, 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 New Reflexions 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 Children's Residential Care Worker – Response Services in Wigton
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 New Reflexions:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to New Reflexions! 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 New Reflexions
✨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.