At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in a nurturing environment, helping them develop life skills and confidence.
- Company: Join Homes2Inspire, a leading charity transforming lives across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sleep-in allowance, bonuses, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and a Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
Employer: Homes2Inspire (part of Shaw Trust Group)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent, 40 hours per week
Salary: £30,196 - £31,259 per annum (£14.52 - £15.03 per hour) + sleep-in allowance (£46.01 per sleep) + £1,400 attendance bonus
Ofsted: Good
About Homes2Inspire: Homes2Inspire are one of the UK’s top providers of Children's homes and currently care for over 150 children in 53 homes and 2 semi-independent leaving care facilities across various counties. We are proud to be a part of Shaw Trust Group, a charity helping to transform the lives of young people and adults across the UK.
Vacancy: We have an opportunity for a Senior Support Worker within one of our children’s residential homes in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Harris House is a 2 bedded residential home, supporting young people aged up to 18. Our home provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment by offering emotional and practical support to help children develop life skills and build confidence.
As a Senior Support Worker, you will assist the management team and will have responsibility for leading a shift, directing roles and responsibilities to support workers - ensuring the monitoring of children and young people’s behaviour, safety, and well-being at all times. Effective communication skills, along with the ability to build relationships with others are vital! We are looking for an individual who can lead by example, uphold standards, and ensure that the safeguarding of children and young people underpins all decisions made.
If you thrive on variety, where every day is different but equally rewarding, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. With smaller homes and high staff-to-young-person ratios, you will have the chance to build meaningful relationships and make a tangible difference.
Core responsibilities:
- Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
- Provide daily care and support, including cooking, cleaning, and encouraging independence in skills like budgeting and shopping.
- Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
- Maintain a safe environment, following company procedures and Ofsted regulations, including reporting and recording accidents, incidents, or physical interventions.
- Build positive relationships, acting as a role model to help children manage emotional and behavioural difficulties.
- Transport young people to school, medical appointments, recreational activities, social outings, and school or college.
- Act as a positive role model, setting clear boundaries and building trust.
- Maintain accurate records and paperwork, liaising with management, social workers, other healthcare professionals etc.
- Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins (1–2 per week).
What you’ll bring:
- Minimum of 12 months experience of working with children in a residential home, or similar setting.
- QCF Level 3 Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification, (or at least 50% way through).
- Availability to work on a shift rota system including weekends and bank holidays and sleeps.
- A full UK Driving Licence is essential.
Personal Qualities Required:
- Resilience, empathy, and integrity.
- Excellent listening skills, having the patience to support children and staff team.
- Dedicated and passionate - with a genuine caring nature to support our young people to reach their full potential.
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal and able to keep accurate records.
- Can handle challenging situations with patience and a calm demeanour.
What can Homes2Inspire offer you?
- Competitive salary of £30,196 - £31,259 per annum (£14.52 - £15.03 per hour).
- Sleep-in allowance (£46.01 per sleep).
- Attendance bonuses (up to £1,400 per year), plus overtime opportunities.
- Fully funded industry qualifications.
- Comprehensive training and career development pathways.
- Generous annual leave, with option to purchase 5 extra days.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.
- Unum Healthcare - App-based access to healthcare reimbursements, mental health support, remote GP, and wellbeing perks.
- Aviva Digicare - Access free healthcare services including Digital GP consultation, Annual Health Check and Mental Health Assessments.
- Refer a Friend bonus.
- Discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays, plus Blue Light Card access.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
How to Apply:
If you are looking for a new job as a Senior Support Worker in Bicester, Oxfordshire and are passionate about making a positive impact – apply now!
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 Senior Support Worker in Bicester employer: Shaw Trust
Homes2Inspire, part of the Shaw Trust Group, is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through a supportive and nurturing work environment. Located in Bicester, Oxfordshire, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and generous benefits including attendance bonuses and healthcare support, all while fostering meaningful relationships with the children in our care. Join us to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people and enjoy a fulfilling career with ample growth opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childrens Senior Support Worker in Bicester
✨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 Shaw Trust.
✨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 Shaw Trust!
✨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 Shaw Trust, 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 Shaw Trust 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 Childrens Senior Support Worker in Bicester
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 Shaw Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Shaw Trust! 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 Shaw Trust
✨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.
