At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in residential care, promoting their welfare and interests.
- Company: Dove Adolescent Services transforms lives through passionate and innovative care for young people.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, full training, holiday accrual, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable youth is preferred but not essential; commitment and interpersonal skills are key.
- Other info: Join a community rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted, with no contractual obligations.
Salary: Unqualified: £11.93 per hour (plus £45 per sleep in) Qualified (full diploma Level 3 qualified or equivalent): £12.20 per hour (plus £45 per sleep in)
Location: South/West Yorkshire
Contract Hours: Shift pattern - ad-hoc cover
Do you want to work in a role that makes a positive difference to young people's lives? Are you looking for the next step in your career with a company that will support and train you? Dove Adolescent Services are looking for Residential Childcare Support Workers to join our team on a casual basis, covering shifts within the business as and when needed. This amazing opportunity will also allow you flexibility to work the hours you can commit to with no contractual obligation.
As part of our team, you will help provide flexible, individual residential care packages for children and young people. Our goal is to transform lives by being passionate, innovative, and invested in everything we do. To achieve the ambitions we have for our young people, we know it takes a passionate team who share our vision - to see children follow their dreams and reach their full potential.
Working at Dove Adolescent Services, you will be joining a supportive and collaborative team which recognises you as an individual. We invest heavily in the continued professional development of our employees - that's why our Operations Directors and the majority of our Home Managers all began their careers at Dove as Residential Childcare Support Workers and worked their way up.
As a Young Persons Support Worker, your day isn’t always spent in one of our Residential Children’s Homes… walking or biking the Pennine trails, catching the latest film at the cinema or thrill seeking at a theme park is all on the agenda - the list is endless and all depends on the interests of our young people.
Your main duties and requirements would include, but are not limited to:
- Promoting, safeguarding and protecting the welfare of our young people
- Establishing and maintaining positive and trusting relationships with our young people
- Encouraging the development of the individual interests of our young people
- A desire to learn; we provide full training for you to achieve an Apprenticeship Level 4 diploma
What do we need from you?
- Experience of supporting young people who may be vulnerable is desired but not essential
- Understanding and commitment to the role - including some weekends and bank holidays
- Undertake sleep-in duties as part of a flexible rota
- Participating in activities and ensuring we provide young people with a place they feel at home
- Be capable of working on your own initiative
- Have good inter-personal skills and be a positive team player
- A desire to engage, motivate and encourage the young people in our homes
What do we offer?
- Full training provided to gain a recognised qualification
- Supervisions with your line manager
- Holiday accruement
We are part of the Polaris Community, one of the largest providers of children's services, and our community of services span the length and breadth of the whole of the UK. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures. We are proud of our quality - 100% of our inspected services are rated by Ofsted as good or outstanding.
Whether you're an experienced Residential Childcare Support Worker or want a new career path that allows you to have a positive impact on young people in your community, we'd love to hear from you. Dove Adolescent Services 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 employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Childcare Support Worker - Casual
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and interests of young people in care. Understanding their backgrounds and challenges will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it's informal. Whether it's volunteering, mentoring, or personal experiences, showing that you have a genuine interest in supporting young people can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Dove Adolescent Services and their approach to childcare. Being able to discuss their values and how they align with your own during an interview will show that you're not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your interpersonal skills and how you work within a team. Since this role involves collaboration and building trust with young people, sharing examples of how you've successfully worked with others will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Support Worker - Casual
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Residential Childcare Support Worker. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience working with young people, even in informal settings, be sure to mention it. Discuss any relevant skills or situations where you've supported vulnerable individuals, as this will strengthen your application.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for making a positive difference in young people's lives. Use specific examples to demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role, and explain why you want to work with Dove Adolescent Services.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Show Your Passion for Supporting Young People
During the interview, express your genuine enthusiasm for working with young people. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive difference in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role and how you would respond to ensure the welfare of the young people.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the company culture, training opportunities, and the specific needs of the young people you'll be supporting. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.