At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people, engage in activities, and build positive relationships.
- Company: Durham County Council, committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible shifts, comprehensive training, and clear career pathways.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 22+, hold a driving licence, and complete required training.
Residential Support Workers – Temporary 12 Month development opportunity
Salary: £26,403 - £28,598 plus enhancements which include time and a third for unsociable hours and overtime.
THE ROLE
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of children and young people? We are offering an exciting 12-month development opportunity within our Children's Homes Service. This role is designed to help you gain valuable experience, build skills, and develop knowledge by working directly in our children's homes. You will provide care and support, engage in activities, and build positive relationships to meet the day-to-day needs of our children and young people. You will also learn how to work as part of a multi-agency team to safeguard and support children and young people effectively.
OUR VALUES
Our service is built on the 'Durham' values – Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset which are at the heart of everything we do for both our young people and our teams.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Completing the Sector-Based Academy Programme within required timescales.
- Achieving Level 2 Maths and English qualifications (if not already held).
- Working towards a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare upon progression.
- In accordance with Durham County Council's requirements, candidates must be a minimum of 22 years of age or above to apply.
- Applicants must hold a current driving licence and have access to a car (employees with a disability must have access to a means of mobility support).
The successful applicant for this post will be required to apply for a Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children's Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
- A comprehensive induction and significant training opportunities.
- Completion of a Sector-Based Academy Programme as part of your development.
- A clear career pathway, with the aim of supporting you to feel ready to apply to the next level of position as a Residential Worker.
The role will involve working a range of shifts including weekdays, evenings, weekends and sleep in duties as approved. The nature of shift patterns enables a level of flexibility for employees. We operate a 365 days per year, 24 hours a day service. As part of this, our shift-based roles work on a rota basis and attract enhanced payments. You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support you to develop in your role. As well as access to a wide ranging rewards and benefits offer.
If you would like any additional information on the posts or have any queries, please contact us to arrange a discussion via Jordan.Clayton@durham.gov.uk or Nicole.spoors@durham.gov.uk.
It is anticipated that interviews will be held on 3rd September 26. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
RIGHT TO WORK AND VISA INFORMATION
All offers of employment are subject to the council meeting its legal obligations under UK immigration law. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK at the point an offer is made. This post is remunerated at £26,403 per annum. UK immigration rules set minimum salary and other eligibility requirements for visa sponsorship. It is unlikely that this role will be eligible for skilled worker visa sponsorship. Whether an applicant meets these requirements depends on their individual circumstances, including any existing permission to work. Applicants who may require a visa are encouraged to check the current UKVI rules before applying.
Residential Support Workers - Development Programme in North East employer: North East Combined Authority
Northern Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the life chances of children and young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career progression across our family of schools. Our supportive work culture, combined with benefits like free flu vaccinations and onsite parking, makes Hetton Academy a rewarding place to work for those passionate about student wellbeing.
Contact Details:
North East Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Workers - Development Programme in North East
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to North East Combined Authority, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of North East Combined Authority. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at North East Combined Authority. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Combined Authority
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with North East Combined Authority.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Residential Support Workers - Development Programme role at North East Combined Authority, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show North East Combined Authority that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
