At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support and care for children in a secure environment.
- Company: A forward-thinking Secure Care Centre dedicated to children's development.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive culture, free parking, staff canteen, and gym access.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a positive, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in child care and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are a 24 bed Secure Care Centre made up of 6 residential homes. We care for sentenced and remanded children (boys) and are part of the national Secure Accommodation Network. The centre has a proven track record of offering a very high standard of emotional, educational and physical care, supporting children to succeed in their personal and academic development and resettlement back into the community.
Who we are seeking
We’re looking for a compassionate, motivated and resilient individual to lead one of our residential care teams. This is a fantastic opportunity to take on leadership responsibility while supporting children to thrive and reach their potential.
As a Senior Residential Child Care Worker, you will:
- Lead & Support Staff
- Provide formal supervision, coaching and ongoing development for team members.
- Contribute to staff induction, training, and team development.
- Take responsibility for agreed operational areas such as rotas, activity programmes, administration, recording systems, accounts (with oversight), and ensuring case records are accurate and effective.
- Collaborate with social workers, health professionals, education providers and other agencies to ensure children’s needs are fully supported.
- Demonstrate strong awareness of safeguarding and child protection.
- Promote trauma informed practice throughout everything that you do.
- Make appropriate decisions and consult with senior managers or the Duty Manager when needed.
- Deputise for the Deputy Head of Home or Head of Home during their absence.
Provide Direct Support to children
- Play an active role in their daily care, development and future planning.
- Help children understand choices, express their views, and feel heard.
- Support physical and emotional wellbeing, relationship building, safety, education, independence and preparing for adulthood.
- Work on a rota including evenings, weekends and sleep‑ins to meet the needs of the children.
- Respond calmly and solutions‑focused to challenges.
- Support children and families to rebuild relationships, reduce risks and build on strengths.
- Understand how trauma, neglect and early adversity impact behaviour and development.
About the roles
We are looking for experienced practitioners within a child care setting, who demonstrate great leadership and the commitment to improving outcomes for children and the development of staff.
What we can offer you
You will be welcomed into a supportive, experienced, and forward‑thinking service that draws on a wide range of professional and specialist support from across the centre to ensure excellent outcomes for children. Your personal and professional development is important to us and so you will have the opportunity to work and grow in a value‑based organisation where people are at the heart of everything we do. This includes access to professional qualifications.
We promote a positive and inclusive culture, empowering you to make a difference. At the centre there is free parking, access to staff canteen and use of the onsite gym.
Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and that you will be required to meet the cost of the DBS check currently £49.50. The payment for this will be deducted from your first four months’ salary payments at a rate of £12.38 per month. If you do not commence employment for any reason but the DBS has been processed, you will be sent an invoice for the payment of £49.50.
Senior Residential Child Care Worker in Irlam employer: Salford Council
Join a dedicated team at our Secure Care Centre, where we prioritise the emotional and educational development of children in a supportive and inclusive environment. As a Senior Residential Child Care Worker, you will benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, a positive work culture, and access to facilities such as free parking, a staff canteen, and an onsite gym, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Child Care Worker in Irlam
✨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 Salford Council.
✨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 Salford Council!
✨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 Salford Council, 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 Salford Council 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 Senior Residential Child Care Worker in Irlam
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 Salford Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Salford Council! 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 Salford Council
✨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.
