At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in care, helping them build trust and life skills.
- Company: Paragon Social Care, dedicated to making a difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training, flexible shifts, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a relaxed dress code and clear pathways for advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's futures while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Reliability, patience, and a genuine desire to help; driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 17.5 - 17.5 £ per hour.
Do you want to play a meaningful role in a young person’s life? At Paragon Social Care, we’re looking for caring, steady individuals to join us as Children’s Support Workers.
Our vision is simple: Excellence Through Understanding. We support children and young people in care around the clock, especially during times of change and uncertainty. Our goal is to provide a safe, stable place where they can feel secure and start to rebuild. We help them move forward with confidence, ready for whatever comes next. We believe every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and hopeful, and you could be part of making that a reality.
What you’ll do
- Offer thoughtful, consistent care to young people who need it most
- Build trust and create a sense of normality in daily life
- Support learning, independence, and everyday life skills
- Prepare meals and encourage healthy habits
- Speak up for young people and make sure they are listened to
- Help them attend appointments and take part in community activities
This is work that matters. The small, everyday things you do can have a lasting impact on a young person’s future.
Requirements
- We’re searching for people who are reliable, patient, and genuinely care about making a difference. You don’t need to have done this exact job before.
- A full UK driving licence and access to your own car
- The ability to stay calm, understanding, and steady, even in challenging situations.
- Flexibility to work a range of shifts.
- A clear enhanced DBS check, or willingness to complete one
- A qualification like an NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Residential Care is helpful, but it’s not essential. What matters most is your attitude and commitment—we’ll support you to learn and develop as you go.
Benefits
- We make sure the people who do this important work feel supported, valued, and able to grow.
- Alongside competitive pay, you’ll have access to a wide range of free training to help you build your skills and confidence. This includes online learning as well as face‑to‑face sessions covering safeguarding, understanding behaviour, and supporting young people through difficult experiences.
- There are real opportunities to progress, with clear pathways into senior roles and beyond.
- You’ll also benefit from a supportive working environment, flexible shift patterns, a relaxed dress code, a company pension, and referral bonuses.
Pay
- £17.50ph - £24.00ph PAYE Rate (including holiday pay)
- £20.00ph - £28.00ph Umbrella Rate
Apply today and be the difference.
This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all shortlisted candidates must disclose any convictions or cautions that are not protected under current filtering legislation.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks which includes an Enhanced DBS Check.
Child & Youth Support Worker in Wakefield employer: Paragon Social Care
Paragon Social Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, we offer competitive pay rates, flexible working hours, and a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth through various training opportunities. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values compassion and fosters independence in youth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child & Youth Support Worker in Wakefield
✨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 Paragon Social Care.
✨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 Paragon Social Care!
✨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 Paragon Social Care, 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 Paragon Social Care 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 Child & Youth Support Worker in Wakefield
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 Paragon Social Care:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Paragon Social Care! 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 Paragon Social Care
✨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.
