Apple Orchard provides high-quality residential care across five children's homes in Surrey and West Sussex. We support boys aged 12-18 in calm, therapeutic settings where they can feel safe, valued and understood. Joining our team means becoming part of a caring and professional environment where relationships are at the heart of everything we do. You'll support young people who have experienced trauma and adversity, helping them build confidence, develop life skills and achieve their potential. Whether you're guiding a young person through a difficult day or celebrating a personal milestone, your support can have a lasting impact. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is caring, resilient and committed to making a lasting difference. You do not need to have worked in residential childcare before. If you bring the right values, attitude and willingness to learn, we will provide a full induction, hands-on support, ongoing training and the development you need to build confidence and succeed in the role.
What You'll Do:
- Current patterns include:10:00pm to 9:00am shifts, averaging 40 hours per week on 4 nights on, 4 nights off rota
- An average of 55 hours per week on 5 nights on, 5 nights off rota, with additional shifts as required
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of young people in line with the Children Act 1989
- Attend team meetings, supervision sessions and all mandatory training as required
- Arrive on time, complete handovers and remain informed of each young person's needs
- Build positive relationships to support young people's emotional and practical wellbeing
- Promote bedtime routines, personal hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices
- Conduct night-time welfare checks and accurately record any significant events
- Complete all required nightly records, checks and documentation
- Prepare the breakfast area and ensure communal spaces are clean and tidy
- Undertake any other duties requested by the line manager
- Maintain the safety and security of the home and young people at all times
Essential:
- A genuine passion for making a positive difference in children's lives
- A caring, resilient and patient approach, with the ability to stay calm under pressure
- Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and sleep-ins
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, due to the rural location of some homes
Helpful but not essential:
- Experience working with children, care, education, youth work, mental health, residential services or similar settings
- Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, Families Practitioner or Health and Social Care, or willingness to work towards a relevant qualification
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- A team-focused attitude, good sense of humour and emotional resilience
- Confidence following procedures, writing reports and contributing to care plans
Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding
Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Apple Orchard is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary of £28,619.14 per annum with potential to earn extra with overtime
- Full induction, ongoing training, regular supervision and a fully funded Level 3 qualification
- Company pension
- Access to employee discount and wellbeing programmes
- Clear career progression, including routes into senior and leadership roles
- Supportive managers, experienced colleagues and a team culture where you will not be expected to learn alone
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