At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people through outdoor activities and therapeutic programmes in a motorhome.
- Company: Prosperity Children's Services, dedicated to empowering young lives.
- Benefits: Earn up to £39,744 per annum with flexible shifts and enhanced pay for outdoor work.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy meaningful, varied days in beautiful locations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience with high-risk behaviours and a willingness to gain a childcare qualification.
The predicted salary is between 32160 - 39744 £ per year.
Earn from £32,160 to £39,744 per annum working 10 or 12 shifts per month (including sleeps). Enhanced pay available for outdoor/motorhome shifts. Be willing to work towards gaining a recognised qualification.
About Us
At Prosperity Children's Services, we provide care for vulnerable children and young people across the Lancashire and Greater Manchester area.
Our young people are supported by a dedicated team of Registered Managers and Support Workers who motivate, empower and help build the confidence and life skills needed to achieve positive outcomes.
We are now launching our innovative Reflect & Reset Program, designed for young people with high-risk behaviours, including CCE/County Lines involvement, repeated missing episodes, exploitation risks and significant emotional or behavioural needs.
The program primarily consists of staff and young people spending extended periods in a fully equipped motorhome, travelling to rural and coastal areas and taking part in activities such as; hiking/walking, bike riding, fishing, bushcraft, cold water therapy, kayaking and paddleboarding.
This time out in nature is to support the young person to remove negative influences and create a safe therapeutic space for change, reflection and growth.
A day in the life of a Residential Support Worker out in the field...
"No two days are ever the same, and that is exactly what makes this role so fulfilling.
My day might begin waking up on a quiet campsite in the Lake District, preparing breakfast in the motorhome, and planning the day’s outdoor activities with the young person.
We might be heading out for a walk, trying cold-water therapy, fishing by a lake, or cooking a meal together after a long day exploring the countryside.
The motorhome offers a calm, distraction free environment where the young person can talk openly, reflect on past choices, and build trust.
Over time, as their risks reduce, we introduce more structured activities; maybe a trampoline park, kayaking session, or swimming.
Some days are incredibly challenging.
Some are incredibly rewarding.
But every day feels meaningful.
By the end of a shift, I know I've helped create moments of stability, confidence and hope.
It is not just a job, it is an opportunity to reset a young person's path and be someone they can rely on.
What the successful candidate will do
- Deliver the Reflect & Reset Programwhile living and working from the motorhome.
- Use a trauma-informed, therapeutic approachto help young people regulate emotions, reflect on their behaviour and build resilience.
- Lead and participate in a wide range of outdoor activities including walking, biking, fishing, bushcraft, cold water therapy, kite flying and paddle boarding.
- Gradually introduce community-based activities (e. g., kayaking, trampolining, rock climbing, swimming) when risks reduce.
- Maintain safety and reduce missing-from-care episodes by choosing remote, pre-risk-assessed locations away from negative influences.
- Build strong, positive, consistent relationships with young people who have experienced exploitation, trauma and instability.
- Complete accurate daily records, risk assessments and communication logs.
- Support the young person's involvement in planning activities, routines, and short-term goals.
- Follow all safeguarding, behaviour management and PCS policies at all times.
The successful candidate will
- Be willing to work towards gaining a recognised childcare qualification.
- Thrive in a small, supportive team environment and work a 3 on / 6 off shift patternincluding sleeps.
- Have experience supporting young people affected by CCE, County Lines, exploitation, trauma, EBD or high-risk behaviours.
- Enjoy the outdoors and be comfortable working in rural environments for extended periods.
- Be calm, compassionate, resilient and professional, even under pressure.
- Hold strong communication skills and feel confident spending long periods engaging one-to-one with young people.
- Possess good written skills for reports, record keeping, and multi-agency communication.
- Be able to problem-solve, de-escalate and divert attention during high-stress situations.
- Hold a full UK driving licence(ability to drive a motorhome desirable; training provided).
- Be willing to complete training in behaviour management, motorhome operations, first aid and outdoor safety.
Essential Requirements
- Experience supporting young people with high-risk behaviours.
- Ability to work in close-quarters environments with professionalism and healthy boundaries.
- Ability to participate in and enjoy outdoor activities in all weather conditions.
- Emotional resilience and a strong commitment to safeguarding.
- Flexibility to work a rota including overnight sleeps in the motorhome.
- Information Pack: Reflect-Reset-Project
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Residential Support Worker employer: Prosperity Children
At Prosperity Children's Services, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the growth and well-being of our staff and the young people we support. Our innovative Reflect & Reset Program not only offers a unique opportunity to work in beautiful rural settings but also fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture where every day is meaningful and impactful. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to providing trauma-informed care, we empower our Residential Support Workers to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Worker
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Prosperity Children.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Prosperity Children!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Prosperity Children, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Prosperity Children or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Prosperity Children:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Prosperity Children! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prosperity Children
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
