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- Tasks: Support young people in a nurturing environment, helping them reach their full potential.
- Company: Apple Orchard provides a homely setting for young males aged 13-18, focusing on personal development.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours with no contractual obligation and a starting salary of £11.78 per hour.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while gaining valuable experience in childcare.
- Qualifications: Experience with teenagers, a driving licence, and relevant childcare qualifications are essential.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
Client:
Apple Orchard
Location:
Aldershot, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
EU work permit required:
Yes
Job Reference:
f6671d336842
Job Views:
6
Posted:
29.06.2025
Expiry Date:
13.08.2025
Job Description:
We currently have openings for experienced Residential Childcare Support Workers, and would also love to hear from those who are passionate about making a positive and lasting difference to young people, and who are willing to undertake the relevant training and qualifications needed.
Location: Aldershot, Hampshire
Contract: Casual
Specific Hours: Shift Pattern – ad-hoc cover
Apple Orchard has five homes in Surrey and West Sussex. Each home is set in a rural location and offers a comfortable, homely environment for young males aged – years. We are looking for Residential Support Workers to join our team on a casual basis. This opportunity offers flexibility to work hours you can commit to with no contractual obligation.
We aim to help young people develop insight into their experiences so they can move on from their often traumatic past. We support them by providing clear boundaries and achievable goals, using positive reinforcement strategies such as reward charts and free time.
Central to our work is providing high-level nurturing to meet all the basic needs of the young person, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere that emphasizes supportive relationships and positive attachments.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Provide a caring and motivating environment tailored to individual developmental needs to help young people reach their full potential.
- Plan and prepare activities that meet the needs of the young people, stimulating their learning and integration within the home.
- Stay informed of legislation, guidelines, policies to ensure compliance with the Children’s Act, Children’s homes regulations, and national standards. Be aware of Ofsted guidance regarding the home.
- Observe and assess young people’s progress, keeping accurate records of achievements, behavior, and significant life events. Maintain and update a life book for each young person under your key working responsibilities.
- Collaborate with local authorities and placing authorities to ensure outstanding care.
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with parents and carers to support young people’s learning and development, valuing parental involvement where appropriate.
- Be flexible within the home’s working practices, including undertaking domestic tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, and shopping.
- Work alongside the Manager and staff team to fulfill the home’s philosophy.
- Maintain clear, legible, and non-stigmatizing records regarding the young people, distinguishing facts, opinions, and third-party information.
Essential skills:
- Experience working with teenage boys or challenging behavior, with a willingness to develop further.
- Hold a driving license and have access to a vehicle; public transport may not be viable due to the rural location.
- Possess a Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma, Children and Young People\’s Workforce NVQ Level, or equivalent.
- Willing to engage young people in activities and support their journey towards independence and adulthood.
- Flexible with working hours, able to work days, evenings, and weekends, including shift work with every other weekend off.
- Ability to challenge unacceptable behavior, set firm boundaries, and meet individual needs.
- Teamwork skills, adherence to policies and procedures, effective communication, active listening.
Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer, committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff must share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check.
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Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Childcare Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of young people aged 13-18, especially those who have experienced trauma. Understanding their challenges and how to support them effectively will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in working with teenagers or in challenging environments. Be prepared to discuss specific examples during your interview that demonstrate your ability to engage and support young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your commitment to ongoing professional development. Mention any training or qualifications you are willing to pursue, such as the Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma, which is essential for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be flexible and ready to discuss your availability for shift work. Since the role requires a mix of days, evenings, and weekends, demonstrating your willingness to adapt will be crucial in making a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with young people or in challenging environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role of a Residential Childcare Support Worker.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with young people. Mention any relevant qualifications, such as the Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma, and explain why you want to join Apple Orchard specifically.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills that are essential for the role, such as effective communication, teamwork, and the ability to set boundaries. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past experiences.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Show Your Passion for Supporting Young People
During the interview, express your genuine passion for making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping others, especially those who have faced challenges.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Relevant Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Children’s Act, Children’s Homes Regulations, and Ofsted guidelines. Being able to discuss these during your interview will show that you understand the legal framework surrounding the role and are prepared to uphold these standards.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires shift work and flexibility, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different working hours. Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively within a team, as this is crucial in providing consistent support for the young people.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging behaviour. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed difficult situations, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.
