At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support young people in a nurturing residential environment.
- Company: Values-led organisation focused on therapeutic care for children.
- Benefits: Career progression, supportive leadership, and a meaningful work culture.
- Other info: Join a team dedicated to creating stability and connection for young people.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's residential care and understanding of trauma-informed practice.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Senior Support Worker to join our team at Willow House, a therapeutic children's residential home supporting young people with emotional and behavioural needs. This is a hands-on leadership role at the heart of the home. You will lead by example on shift, helping to create a safe, structured and nurturing environment where young people can begin to rebuild trust, routine and emotional stability.
The Role
- Supporting young people through their day-to-day care, routines, education and activities
- Acting as a positive role model and a reliable, consistent presence
- Leading shifts and supporting junior staff members
- Supporting safeguarding, risk management and positive behavioural support
- Building genuine, therapeutic relationships with young people
- Contributing to care planning, key work sessions and placement stability
- Ensuring records and reports are completed accurately and to a high standard
- Supporting the management team with the overall running of the home
- Helping create a warm, family-style environment where young people feel safe and valued
What Makes This Home Different
Rather than allowing those young people to be labelled unplaceable, we created a residential environment designed to continue their support journey - a place where they can finally stay, settle and grow. Our ethos is built on four simple principles:
- Relationships before behaviour - connection comes first
- Stability before judgement - every young person deserves to feel settled
- Therapeutic support instead of punishment - we understand the why behind the behaviour
- Keeping young people connected - instead of starting over, again and again
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience within children's residential care
- Can confidently lead shifts and support colleagues
- Understands trauma-informed practice and relationship-based care
- Is calm, resilient and emotionally intelligent
- Wants to be part of something meaningful and progressive
- Genuinely cares about achieving the best outcomes for young people
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- NVQ / Diploma Level 3 or 4 in Children & Young People's Workforce (or working towards)
- Experience supporting young people with EBD and trauma backgrounds
- Knowledge of safeguarding and Ofsted standards
- Previous experience as a Senior or experienced Residential Support Worker
What's On Offer
- The opportunity to join a genuinely values-led organisation
- Supportive leadership and a therapeutic culture
- Career progression opportunities as the service grows
- A home with a real purpose and a story behind it
- The chance to make a lasting impact on young people who need stability most
Ready to Apply?
If you believe that challenging young people deserve more support, not less, this could be an incredibly rewarding opportunity for you.
Residential Childrens Support Worker in Birmingham employer: Silverbrook Care
At Willow House, we pride ourselves on being a values-led organisation that prioritises the well-being and development of both our young residents and our staff. Our supportive leadership fosters a therapeutic culture where you can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with emotional and behavioural needs. Join us in creating a nurturing environment that values stability, connection, and genuine relationships, all while offering clear career progression opportunities in a home with a real purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Childrens Support Worker in Birmingham
✨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 Silverbrook Care.
✨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 Silverbrook Care!
✨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 Silverbrook Care, 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 Silverbrook Care 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 Childrens Support Worker in Birmingham
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 Silverbrook Care:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Silverbrook Care! 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 Silverbrook Care
✨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.
