At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality care and support to children in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a registered children's home in London.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Immediate start available; interviews happening now!
- Why this job: Be part of a trauma-informed team and help young people thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable individuals and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Urgent Start – Interviews Over the Next Two Weeks
Position: Residential Support Worker
Reports to: Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, Senior Support Worker
Location: SE18, London
Contract: Full-time / Part-time (Shift-based)
Start Date: Immediate
Purpose of the Role
To work as part of a professional, trauma-informed team providing high-quality care, safety and support to children and young people living in our Ofsted-regulated children’s home. Staff will contribute to care planning, safeguarding, behaviour support and daily living routines, ensuring the home provides a nurturing, stable and child-centred environment.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Care & Support
- Provide consistent, child-centred care in line with individual Care Plans, Risk Assessments and Behaviour Support Plans.
- Act as Keyworker where allocated, supporting emotional, physical, educational and social development.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with young people while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Safeguarding & Regulation
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children at all times.
- Follow all safeguarding policies, whistleblowing procedures and statutory guidance (e.g., Working Together to Safeguard Children).
- Report concerns immediately in line with internal procedures and local safeguarding partnership protocols.
- Work in accordance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards.
- Record Keeping & Reporting
- Maintain accurate, contemporaneous records including Daily Logs, Incident Reports, Risk Assessments, Keywork Sessions, Appointment Records and Review Reports.
- Ensure all incidents are recorded and escalated appropriately to senior management.
- Contribute to evidence required for Ofsted inspections and regulatory compliance.
- Teamwork & Professional Development
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, external professionals and partner agencies.
- Attend mandatory training, supervisions, team meetings and development sessions.
- Work flexibly across shifts including days, nights, weekends, bank holidays and festive periods.
- Support the home in the absence of senior staff, escalating safeguarding or operational risks as needed.
- Home Environment
- Contribute to domestic tasks and upkeep of the home to ensure a safe, warm and nurturing environment.
- Promote the ethos, aims and objectives of Alkadine Ltd at all times.
Requirements
- Essential Requirements
- Experience working with vulnerable people, ideally children or young people (residential, education, social care or similar).
- Clean Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one immediately).
- Right to work in the UK.
- Ability to work flexible shift patterns.
- Strong communication skills, resilience and teamwork abilities.
- Understanding of safeguarding, child protection and professional boundaries.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and follow policies and procedures.
- No outstanding LADO or safeguarding referrals.
- Desirable
- Experience within an Ofsted-regulated children’s home.
- Knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it).
- Full UK driving licence.
- Experience supporting children with trauma, attachment needs or behavioural challenges.
Safer Recruitment Statement
This role is subject to strict safer recruitment checks, including:
- Enhanced DBS disclosure (Update Service preferred).
- Verification of identity and right to work.
- Full employment history and reference checks.
- Medical fitness declaration.
- Ongoing suitability monitoring throughout employment.
The post holder must uphold and promote safeguarding and child protection at all times.
How to Apply
If you meet the criteria listed above, please complete and email the following documents:
- Application Form
- Health Declaration Form
Send to: recruitment@alkadine.co.uk
We are interviewing immediately and early applications are strongly encouraged.
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT OFFER VISA SPONSORSHIP
5 x Support Workers (Registered Children's Home Setting) employer: Safe Haven Talent Limited
As a not-for-profit operator, we prioritise the well-being of our children above all else, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment in our Goole children's home. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through funded training and career progression opportunities, alongside a comprehensive wellbeing package that includes 24/7 GP access and generous annual leave. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative work culture that values compassion and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 5 x Support Workers (Registered Children's Home Setting)
✨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 Safe Haven Talent Limited.
✨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 Safe Haven Talent Limited!
✨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 Safe Haven Talent Limited, 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 Safe Haven Talent Limited 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 5 x Support Workers (Registered Children's Home Setting)
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 Safe Haven Talent Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Safe Haven Talent Limited! 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 Safe Haven Talent Limited
✨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.
