At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team in providing care for children with complex needs.
- Company: Homes2Inspire, part of the Shaw Trust Group, dedicated to supporting young people.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 1+ year experience with children, Level 3 qualification in relevant fields required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Support Worker to join our established children's home in Mansfield, covering a period of maternity leave. The home is Ofsted-rated Good and provides a stable, supportive environment for children and young people with complex needs. As a Senior Support Worker, you will work closely with the management team to provide shift leadership, guidance, and consistency for the staff team, while remaining a strong, reliable presence for the children and young people. This is a hands-on role that balances direct care, leadership, and safeguarding oversight, supporting a culture where children feel safe, understood, and supported to thrive.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Act as a shift leader, supporting and guiding Support Workers
- Lead by example, modelling trauma-informed and relationship-led care
- Support the monitoring of behaviour, safety, and emotional wellbeing
- Ensure safeguarding is central to all decision-making
- Promote structure, consistency, and clear boundaries
- Support care planning, daily routines, and positive outcomes
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, professionals, and managers
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks in line with Ofsted regulations and Homes2Inspire policy. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and interviews may take place before the closing date. Due to partnership working with Nottinghamshire County Council, applicant information may be shared with partners during the recruitment process. Interviews will be held in person during pre-planned assessment days. Reasonable adjustments and accessibility requests are fully supported.
A strong understanding of the needs of children and young people who have experienced trauma is essential. A minimum of 1 year's experience working with children and young people is required. Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, Health & Social Care, Childhood & Youth Studies, or equivalent (in line with Ofsted requirements) is necessary. Experience supporting behaviours that challenge, confidence leading shifts and supporting colleagues, and flexibility to work a rota including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays are also important. A full UK driving licence is required.
Homes2Inspire is proud to be part of the Shaw Trust Group, a national charity supporting children, young people, and adults across the UK. We currently support over 150 children across 53 homes and 2 leaving care services.
Support Worker in Mansfield employer: Shaw Trust
Homes2Inspire is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and collaborative work environment in Mansfield, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with complex needs. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide comprehensive training and support, ensuring that our staff feel valued and empowered to lead with confidence. Join us in fostering a culture of safety and understanding, where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Mansfield
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Shaw Trust, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Mansfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Shaw Trust. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Shaw Trust. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaw Trust
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Shaw Trust.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Support Worker role at Shaw Trust, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Shaw Trust that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
