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- Tasks: Support children aged 8-18 in a nurturing environment, helping them heal and thrive.
- Company: Homes2Inspire, part of Shaw Trust, dedicated to transforming children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, subsidised activities, and comprehensive training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and a calm, positive approach; experience not required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent growth opportunities and wellbeing support.
The predicted salary is between 27906 - 27906 £ per year.
We believe every child deserves the best possible start in life. Our homes are nurturing, warm, and welcoming, and our dedicated teams provide safe, well-planned care for children and young people who have often faced significant challenges. We invest heavily in training and support for our colleagues because when we create a great place for children to live, we also create a great place for adults to work.
In 2022, Somerset Council entered a strategic partnership with Homes2Inspire and Shaw Trust to create Homes & Horizons, an innovative model of care designed for children and young people with complex needs. The partnership delivers:
- 11 residential homes (8 currently operational)
- High-needs foster care for approximately 20 children
- An associated therapeutic education service
This wraparound approach integrates care, education, and NHS support to prevent placement breakdowns and reduce the need for Tier 4 CAMHS inpatient provision.
Can you help a child feel safe enough to grow? Some of the children we care for have experienced things no child should. They may feel unsure, guarded, or overwhelmed. But with the right support, they can begin to trust again, learn again, and dream again.
As a Residential Support Worker, you will be part of a team that creates a safe, stable, and nurturing home where children aged 8-18 can begin to heal and thrive. Your role is about being there consistently, calmly, and with care. You will help children feel safe and supported in their day-to-day lives, and you will be part of the small, meaningful moments that build trust and belonging.
Responsibilities:
- Keep children safe - safeguarding their wellbeing and helping them feel protected and cared for.
- Be a role model - showing what healthy boundaries, routines, and relationships look like.
- Support daily life - helping with school, meals, activities, and bedtime routines.
- Encourage growth - celebrating progress, introducing new experiences, and helping children build life skills.
- Stay steady in tough moments - offering calm, compassionate support when emotions run high.
- Work as part of a team - collaborating with colleagues, social workers, and health professionals to ensure each child's needs are met.
This role involves long days and sleep-ins on a rotational shift pattern, providing consistency and stability for the children in our care. The children we support have often faced significant trauma and may experience intense emotions. At times, this can lead to verbal or physical aggression, so emotional resilience is key. You will receive full training, including our Safe and Sound physical intervention package, which is used only as an absolute last resort to keep everyone safe. You will also help with record-keeping, contribute to care plans, and ensure that every child's voice is heard in decisions about their life. You do not need experience in residential care; we will provide full training. What matters most is your ability to be patient, consistent, and kind, even when things feel challenging.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- Has a full UK driving licence (essential)
- Can commit to working shifts including sleep-ins
- Is willing to complete a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare
- Brings a calm, positive approach to difficult situations
- Believes in the potential of every child, even when they are struggling to see it themselves
Experience in care settings is a bonus, but not essential.
About Us: Homes2Inspire is part of Shaw Trust, one of the UK's largest charities and a leading not-for-profit provider of public services. We opened our first home in Northamptonshire in 2007 and are now the UK's largest charitably owned residential children's home provider.
Salary & Benefits:
- Salary: £27,906 per annum + £44.86 per sleep-in + £1,400 annual attendance bonus, + Quarterly Attendance Bonus - earn up to £1,400 per year
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £500 per successful referral, £1,000 for manager referrals
- Purchase Additional Leave - up to 5 extra days annually
- Subsidised Days Out - join children on funded activities, trips, and meals
- Vivup Employee Benefits - discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays + Blue Light Card access
- Cycle to Work Scheme - spread the cost of your bike over 12-18 months
- Wellbeing Support - Employee Assistance Programme and internal wellbeing team
- Unum Healthcare & Aviva Digicare - free Digital GP consultations, annual health checks, mental health assessments
- Learning & Development - fully funded Level 3 Residential Childcare qualification and ongoing training
Children\'s Residential Support Worker - Alham House in Ilminster employer: Shaw Trust
Contact Detail:
Shaw Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Residential Support Worker - Alham House in Ilminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of residential care, especially those who work with children. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with others and learn about job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to child care and support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping children! During interviews, share stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about their wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and making a positive impact on children's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Residential Support Worker - Alham House in Ilminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping children and your unique experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. Show us why you're the perfect fit for the Residential Support Worker role!
Share Relevant Experiences: Even if you don't have direct experience in residential care, think about any relevant experiences you've had that demonstrate your ability to support and nurture others. This could be from volunteering, mentoring, or even personal experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaw Trust
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Residential Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the job, such as safeguarding, supporting daily life, and encouraging growth. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and readiness to take on the role.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Resilience
Given that the children may have faced significant trauma, it's crucial to convey your emotional resilience during the interview. Share examples from your past where you've remained calm and supportive in challenging situations. This will highlight your ability to handle tough moments effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss your experience working as part of a team. Talk about how you've successfully worked with colleagues or professionals in the past to meet the needs of those you were supporting. This will show that you can contribute positively to the team dynamic.
✨Express Your Belief in Every Child's Potential
During the interview, make it clear that you believe in the potential of every child, even when they struggle to see it themselves. Share personal anecdotes or philosophies that reflect this belief. This will resonate well with the values of the organisation and demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
