At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in therapeutic homes, providing care and encouragement.
- Company: Compassionate organisation dedicated to helping vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Training opportunities, supportive team, and career progression.
- Other info: 40 hours per week with flexible shift patterns and sleep-in shifts.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in children's lives while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a genuine passion for support.
We are looking for compassionate, resilient and dedicated Residential Support Workers to support children in therapeutic residential homes across Fontwell and Littlehampton. This is a highly rewarding opportunity to provide stability, care and encouragement to children who have experienced trauma, helping them build confidence, resilience and brighter futures.
Hours: 40 hours per week (Permanent)
Shift Patterns:
- 7:30am – 10:30pm
- 7:30am – 2:30pm
- 2:30pm – 10:30pm
- Sleep-in shifts required (approximately one per week)
About the Young People
You will be supporting children aged 7–10 years living in small, therapeutic residential homes. The children attend a dedicated on-site school and benefit from consistent routines, positive role models and nurturing relationships. Many of the children have experienced significant trauma and may display behaviours that challenge. They require patient, emotionally resilient adults who can provide structure, reassurance and a safe environment while building long-term, therapeutic relationships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support children with their daily routines, including getting ready for school, mealtimes and bedtime.
- Create a calm, safe and nurturing home environment.
- Build positive, trusting and therapeutic relationships with children.
- Act as a positive role model and provide consistent guidance and support.
- Encourage children through play, activities and community outings.
- Support children's emotional wellbeing and personal development.
- Promote independence, confidence and positive behaviour.
- Maintain accurate records and work collaboratively with the wider care team.
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children at all times.
Requirements:
- Experience working with children, such as in residential care, education, SEN, youth work, family support or a similar setting.
- Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle, as the homes are in rural locations.
- Ability to work 40 hours per week, including sleep-in shifts.
- Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
- Calm, caring, reliable and emotionally resilient approach.
- A genuine passion for supporting children and acting as a positive role model.
- Commitment to building long-term therapeutic relationships and helping children achieve positive outcomes.
What We Offer:
- Additional training including: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, Team Teach, Positive Behaviour Support & Physical Intervention and Restraint Training.
- Supportive team environment.
- Career development and progression opportunities.
- The opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
If you are passionate about helping children thrive in a safe and supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Support Worker in Littlehampton employer: SCR
As a dedicated employer in the field of child support, we offer a nurturing and supportive work environment where compassion and resilience are valued. Our team members benefit from extensive training opportunities, including a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, and enjoy career progression within a collaborative atmosphere. Working in Fontwell and Littlehampton allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children while being part of a community-focused organisation that prioritises emotional wellbeing and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Littlehampton
✨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 SCR.
✨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 SCR!
✨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 SCR, 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 SCR 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 Support Worker in Littlehampton
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 SCR:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to SCR! 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 SCR
✨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.
