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, attendance bonuses, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, generous leave, and fun activities with young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying great perks and career growth.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong communication skills and a desire to help others.
Residential Support Worker – Bicester, Oxfordshire
Employer: Homes2Inspire (part of Shaw Trust Group)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent, 40 hours per week
Salary: £27,976 - £28,650 per annum (£13.45 – £13.77 per hour) + sleep-in allowance (£46.01 per sleep) + attendance bonus
Ofsted: Good
About Homes2Inspire
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.
About the Home:
Harris House is a 2 bedded children's residential home located in Bicester, Oxfordshire and holds a “Good” rating with Ofsted. 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.
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
- Competitive salary (£27,976 - £28,650 per annum).
- Sleep-in allowance (£46.01 per sleep).
- Attendance bonuses (up to £1,400 per year).
- Overtime opportunities.
- 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.
- Subsidised days out with young people.
- Recognition awards for long service and attendance.
- Meals included during shifts.
Important Information
- Able to work a variety of shifts such as earlier, lates, long days, sleep ins.
- Sleep-ins are required (average 1–2 per week).
- We cannot offer sponsorship or part time hours.
- Drivers with a FULL UK licence are essential.
How to Apply
If you’re looking for a new job in Bicester, Oxfordshire 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.
Residential Support Worker in Bicester employer: Shaw Trust
Homes2Inspire is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people in a nurturing environment. Located in Bicester, Oxfordshire, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and generous benefits, including a sleep-in allowance and attendance bonuses, all while fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact and develop your career in a rewarding field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential 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 Residential 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.
