At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in a nurturing environment and plan engaging activities.
- Company: Apple Orchard, a caring organisation dedicated to youth development.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a supportive, dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help young people thrive through challenging times.
- Qualifications: Experience with teens and a willingness to pursue relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 13.05 - 13.05 £ per hour.
Residential Childcare Support Worker
We’re currently recruiting experienced Residential Childcare Support Workers and also welcome applications from people passionate about making a real difference to young people.
Location
Horsham, West Sussex
Contract
Casual
Specific Hours
Shift Pattern- ad-hoc cover
Apple Orchard operates five rural homes across Surrey and West Sussex, providing safe, nurturing environments for young males aged 12–18.
As a Casual Residential Support Worker, you’ll have the flexibility to choose shifts that suit you, with no contracted hours.
We support young people to move forward from difficult or traumatic experiences by offering clear boundaries, achievable goals, and positive strategies such as reward systems and structured free time.
Our goal is to create warm, stable homes built on trust, strong relationships, and consistent, high-quality care.
Duties and responsibilities
- Provide a caring, supportive environment that meets each young person’s individual needs.
- Plan and deliver activities that encourage learning and positive engagement.
- Follow all relevant legislation, regulations, and Ofsted guidance to ensure high-quality care.
- Observe and record young people’s progress accurately, including maintaining life books for key-work cases.
- Work effectively with local authorities, parents, and carers to support each young person’s development.
- Support the daily running of the home, including household tasks when required.
- Work collaboratively with the Manager and team to uphold the home’s values and approach.
- Keep clear, professional records that are factual, non-judgemental, and well-maintained.
- Already hold, or be willing to work towards, a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, Children & Young People, Health & Social Care, or equivalent.
Essential skills
- Experience working with teenage boys or challenging behaviours, with a willingness to continue developing your skills.
- A full driving licence and access to a vehicle (public transport is not suitable for our rural locations).
- Ability to engage young people in activities and support them towards independence and adulthood.
- Flexibility to work a mix of days, evenings, and weekends (with every other weekend off).
- Confident in setting firm boundaries, challenging unacceptable behaviour, and providing individualised care.
- Strong teamwork skills and the ability to follow handovers and delegated tasks.
- Able to maintain policies and procedures effectively.
- Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to listen and engage well.
Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position
Residential Childcare Support Worker Casual in Horsham 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 Childcare Support Worker Casual in Horsham
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
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We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Support Worker Casual in Horsham
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 Polaris Careers. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
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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 Polaris Careers. 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 Polaris Careers
✨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 Polaris Careers.
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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 Childcare Support Worker Casual role at Polaris Careers, 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 Polaris Careers that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
