At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in daily routines and activities, promoting their wellbeing and life skills.
- Company: Join Homes2Inspire, a leading charity transforming lives for children across the UK.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 - £13.77 per hour plus sleep-in allowance, with flexible hours.
- Other info: Flexible zero hours contract with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying an active and rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong communication skills and a desire to help others.
Homes2Inspire are one of the UK’s leading providers of children’s homes, caring for over 150 children across 56 homes and 2 semi‑independent leaving care facilities. We are proud to be part of the Shaw Trust Group, a charity dedicated to transforming lives across the UK.
Harpury House is a 4‑bedded childrens home based in Bedford – MK40. Supporting children and young people up to the age of 18, the home provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment by offering emotional and practical support to help children develop life skills and build confidence. We are currently looking for bank staff to employ on a zero hours contract to cover our permanent members of staff for planned leave, sickness absence as well as during our busy periods. The home currently supports children and young people between the ages of 11 – 15, who are all very active and outgoing and enjoy taking part in activities both in the home as well as out in the community. We are therefore looking for bank support workers who enjoy being busy and active!
The Role
- Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
- Support with daily routines, household tasks, and meal preparation.
- Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
- Transport young people to school, medical appointments, and activities.
- Act as a positive role model, setting clear boundaries and building trust.
- Help young people develop life skills, including managing finances.
- Maintain accurate records and paperwork.
- Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep‑ins (1–2 per week).
What You’ll Bring
- Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
- Willingness to work towards QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (fully funded).
- Honesty, empathy, and a commitment to being a positive role model.
What We Offer
- Hourly rate between £13.45 - £13.77 per hour.
- Sleep‑in allowance (£46.01 per sleep).
Important Information
Drivers with a FULL UK licence are essential.
How To Apply
If you’re looking for a new job in Bedford, Bedfordshire and are passionate about making a positive impact in young people’s lives, apply today!
Please Note
All successful candidates will be subject to pre‑employment safer recruitment checks in line with Ofsted regulatory requirements and Homes2Inspire Safer Recruitment Policy. Candidate applications will be reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to interview candidates before the advertised closing date of this role.
Childrens BANK Residential Support Worker - Harpury House in Bedford employer: Shaw Trust
Homes2Inspire is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people in a nurturing environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer fully funded training towards QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare, alongside competitive pay and a supportive work culture that values compassion and teamwork. Working at our Harpury House in Bedford not only allows you to make a meaningful impact but also provides the opportunity to engage in a vibrant community, making every day rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childrens BANK Residential Support Worker - Harpury House in Bedford
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Shaw Trust, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Shaw Trust. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Shaw Trust's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Childrens BANK Residential Support Worker - Harpury House in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Shaw Trust. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Shaw Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaw Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Shaw Trust.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Childrens BANK Residential Support Worker - Harpury House at Shaw Trust.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Shaw Trust that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Childrens BANK Residential Support Worker - Harpury House role.
