At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in a nurturing environment, helping them build skills and resilience.
- Company: Dove Adolescent Services, a leading children's services group in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, employee discounts, and holiday pay.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting youth; experience is a plus but not required.
Company: Dove Adolescent Services
Location: Yorkshire
Base Location: With services in Pontefract, Wakefield, Eggborough and Barnsley we currently have vacancies throughout
Contract Type: Part time, permanent
Specific Hours: 30 hours per week
Salary:
- Unqualified: Base salary of £20,604.47 pro rata (£26,785.82 FTE), with the potential to earn up to £24,924.47 with sleep in shifts.
- Qualified (Level 3 Diploma or equivalent): Base salary of £21,037.30 pro rata (£27,355.29 FTE), with the potential to earn up to £25,357.30 with sleep in shifts.
What We Offer:
- Full training and support to gain your Level 3 Diploma in Childcare or Level 4 Apprenticeship
- £45 per sleep-in shift (average 8-10 per month)
- Pension scheme
- Employee discounts at over 740 retailers
- Refer-a-Friend bonus - £500 for every successful referral
- Childcare voucher scheme
- Holiday pay and meals included on shift
- Be part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK's leading children's services groups
About the Role:
At Dove Adolescent Services, we provide safe, nurturing homes for young people aged 8-18, helping them build emotional resilience, positive relationships, and the skills they need for adulthood. We're recruiting Residential Childcare Support Workers across Yorkshire to support young people with personalised care, structure, and meaningful experiences.
In this role, you will:
- Safeguard and support the wellbeing of young people
- Build positive, trusting relationships
- Encourage their interests, development, and independence
- Take part in activities and help create a warm, inclusive home environment
- Complete sleep in duties as part of a flexible rota
Whether you're experienced, qualified, or simply passionate about supporting young people, we'd love to hear from you.
Why Join Dove?
Dove is a place to build a career, not just start a job — many of our Operations Directors and Home Managers began as Support Workers, progressing through ongoing training and development. All of our inspected homes are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and we're proud of our passionate, ambitious teams and our commitment to positive outcomes.
As part of the team, you could be:
- Biking or hiking the Pennines
- Taking trips to cinemas or theme parks
- Or simply providing a safe, stable home where young people can thrive
What We're Looking For:
- A genuine desire to support and engage with young people
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently
- Flexibility to work weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in shifts
- Prior experience in care is welcome but not essential - we'll train you!
Dove Adolescent Services is an equal opportunities employer. We actively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible individuals, regardless of background. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All offers of employment will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Residential Child Care Worker in Barnsley employer: Polaris Community
Dove Adolescent Services is an exceptional employer dedicated to nurturing the growth of its staff while providing a safe and supportive environment for young people. With comprehensive training opportunities, including support to achieve your Level 3 Diploma in Childcare, and a strong emphasis on career progression, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Located across Yorkshire, our inclusive work culture fosters teamwork and community engagement, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in child care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Child Care Worker in Barnsley
✨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 Polaris Community, 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 Polaris Community. 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 Polaris Community's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Child Care Worker in Barnsley
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 Polaris Community. 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 Polaris Community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨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 Polaris Community.
✨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 Residential Child Care Worker at Polaris Community.
✨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 Polaris Community that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Residential Child Care Worker role.
