At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people overnight, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing.
- Company: Strode Park Foundation, a caring organisation since 1946.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, free parking, and staff awards.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care preferred; communication skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
About us
Caring since 1946, Strode Park Foundation provides vital care and support services, supported living opportunities and day and leisure services for young people and adults with a range of disabilities across Kent. Our values of Care, Inspire and Together underpin everything we do, and we are very proud to employ truly inspirational people who make our care settings a remarkable place to work.
About the Role
Be the reassuring presence young people can count on through the night. We’re looking for compassionate, reliable and enthusiastic people to join our dedicated night team at Footprints, our specialist residential home for young people with physical disabilities and complex health needs. Part-time: 25 hours per week | Full-time: 37.5 hours per week | Rota-based night shifts. If you want a role where kindness, patience and teamwork truly matter, this could be the perfect opportunity. At Footprints, you’ll help create a safe, welcoming and supportive home where young people can feel comfortable, valued and encouraged to enjoy life as fully and independently as possible.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship or a switch of sponsorship for this role. Previous applicants need not apply. Footprints is in a semi-rural location and is not on a direct bus route, so please consider your travel arrangements before applying.
Job Opportunity
As a Night Care & Support Worker, you’ll play an important part in helping young people feel settled, supported and cared for overnight. You will:
- Improve health and wellbeing and provide all forms of personal care to the young people who use our services.
- Ensure all aspects of the young people’s personal and emotional care are fully met.
- Maximise their experiences and developmental opportunities and encourage them to reach their full potential by promoting their independence.
- Assist in arranging trips, outings and holidays and accompanying the young people when required.
- Support and participate in all areas of the running of the home, keeping it clean and tidy and adhering to Health and Safety requirements.
From your first day, you’ll receive comprehensive support, training and development opportunities to help you grow in confidence and build your skills within a caring, values-led organisation. Footprints specialises in supporting young people with disabilities in a beautiful rural setting in Stodmarsh, near Canterbury. The home offers the right balance of privacy, togetherness and personalised support, helping each young person enjoy meaningful experiences and reach their potential.
Shift pattern: Nights 7.30pm – 8am. Footprints provides care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. We value people who are dependable, flexible and committed to giving young people the very best support. We will consider requests for flexible working and are proud to be a ‘Flex from First’ employer, so please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need.
Company Benefits
- Competitive Rates of Pay
- Paid Disclosure and Barring Service Check
- Employer Pension Contributions
- Free Flu Jab
- Free Parking
- Refer a friend bonus
- Strode Lottery
- Staff Council
- Flexible Hours
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Staff Newsletter and updates
- Staff Awards
Essential Skills
About you:
- Be able to communicate clearly with young people adapting to their individual requirements.
- Be committed to deliver a high level of care and support, maximising independence and enjoyment for our service users.
- Have the motivation to use own initiative and develop activities and events for service users.
- Have the confidence to work without constant supervision but seek advice and assistance where required.
- Be able to clearly and appropriately communicate both orally and in written form with people inside and outside the Foundation.
- Hold Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care or equivalent or be willing to attain this qualification.
- A driving licence would be beneficial due to the rural location, although it is not essential.
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so if this sounds like the role for you, don’t delay — apply today and start making a difference at Footprints.
DEI Statement
Strode Park Foundation (“Strode Park”) is fully committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce and the elimination of unlawful and unfair discrimination. Strode Park truly values the differences that a diverse workforce brings to our organisation. Our aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and for our service users and each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Strode Park will not discriminate because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. It will not discriminate because of any other irrelevant factor, and will build a culture that values meritocracy, openness, fairness and transparency.
Care & Support Worker (nights) - Young People @ Footprints in Canterbury employer: Occy
At Insignia Healthcare Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young adults. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role. Located in the welcoming community of Rackheath, Norwich, we offer flexible working hours, competitive benefits, and a chance to be part of a compassionate team that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care & Support Worker (nights) - Young People @ Footprints in Canterbury
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Occy, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Occy. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Occy's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Care & Support Worker (nights) - Young People @ Footprints in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Occy. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Occy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Occy
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Occy.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Care & Support Worker (nights) - Young People @ Footprints at Occy.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Occy that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Care & Support Worker (nights) - Young People @ Footprints role.
