At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in a safe home, helping them build confidence and life skills.
- Company: Budwood, part of the Polaris Community, dedicated to changing lives.
- Benefits: Up to £36,768.20 salary, comprehensive training, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Childcare or willingness to work towards one.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
Location: Bournemouth
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £36,768.20 per annum with sleep-in shifts, dependent on qualification and experience
Hours: 38.5 hours per week, working on a rotational shift pattern
Are you looking for a job where you can genuinely change a young person’s life? Budwood, part of the Polaris Community, provides residential care and support for children and young people. Many of the young people we support have experienced difficult starts in life – that’s why what we do really matters. We create safe, stable and supportive homes where young people can rebuild their confidence, learn new skills and move towards a more positive future. This is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re looking for a caring and motivated Residential Support Worker to join our team in Bournemouth. No two days are the same, and you’ll play a key role in supporting young people, building positive relationships and helping them reach their potential. You don’t need to have lots of experience – just the right attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine desire to help others. We’ll support you with full training so you feel confident in your role from day one. At Budwood, you’ll be part of a supportive and friendly team where you are valued, encouraged and given the opportunity to grow.
About the Role
- Support children and young people in a safe and welcoming home.
- Support young people with their daily routines.
- Build positive relationships and be a trusted adult.
- Help young people develop confidence, life skills and independence.
- Keep young people safe, supported and encouraged every day.
Experience of working with children or young people would be beneficial, but we understand this may be your first time working in this type of role. We will provide all the training and support you need to succeed.
Working Pattern
You will work on a rotational shift pattern. Shifts are 24 hours and include a paid sleep-in at the home. You will typically complete two or three shifts in a row and work a mixture of weekdays and weekends. Opportunities to work additional overtime may also be available.
Requirements
- Hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Health and Social Care or equivalent, or be willing to work towards one.
- Be friendly and approachable, with the ability to communicate effectively and listen to children, young people and colleagues.
- Be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Budwood.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive training.
- Up to six weeks’ holiday per year.
- Company pension scheme.
- £64 sleep-in allowance per night.
- All meals provided while on duty.
- Access to the Exchange Employee Discount Scheme.
- Wellbeing support through the Exchange Provision.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Monthly clinical and professional supervision, with access to therapeutic support.
If you want to build a meaningful career supporting young people, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and join a team making a real difference – every single day. Budwood is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Budwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Residential Support Worker in Bournemouth employer: Polaris Careers
Polaris Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for teachers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Located in the picturesque Glengorse Estate in Battle, East Sussex, we provide our staff with opportunities for professional growth, a comprehensive benefits package including a company pension and life assurance, and a culture that values collaboration and innovation in education. Join us in our mission to inspire and empower students with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, while enjoying a fulfilling career in a beautiful setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Worker in Bournemouth
✨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 Polaris Careers.
✨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 Polaris Careers!
✨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 Polaris Careers, 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 Polaris Careers 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 Residential Support Worker in Bournemouth
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 Polaris Careers:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Polaris Careers! 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 Polaris Careers
✨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.