At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with disabilities in a fun and safe environment.
- Company: Foxden, a caring residential facility in South Shields.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while having fun.
- Qualifications: Compassionate attitude and good communication skills; Level 3 Diploma preferred.
The predicted salary is between 17.04 - 17.04 £ per hour.
£32,888 pa pro rata (£17.04 per hour) Inclusive of Market Forces Supplement, Subject to Review 31 August 2028)
Work Pattern: Pattern varies to meet the needs of service but can include sleep-ins. Applicants must be 22 years of age or over due to Ofsted guidance.
Foxden is situated in a residential area of South Shields providing short break care in the form of overnight stays for young people aged between their 7th and 18th birthday. The young people who attend Foxden have a variety of physical and/or learning disabilities. The home has residential space for up to 4 young people and is available 363 days of the year. Short breaks enable us to create the perfect environment to entertain, interact with, and provide for all of our young people’s individual needs. We also love to be part of the community and regularly take trips out. We provide young people the opportunity to develop and learn in an environment that is safe and fun.
Our team is experienced and well established and we are looking for likeminded, enthusiastic, and passionate people to join us!
About the role
As a Relief Residential Childcare Officer, you will need to be able to communicate and interact at a variety of levels. You will be required to administer medication, carry out personal care, assist moving and handling and at times support in situations involving behaviours that challenge. You will be expected to complete recordings for young people and to maintain records as required, so ICT skills are essential. Your role could involve working evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-in shifts. You will be an integral part of the Care Team and work alongside other professionals to support children, young people and their families achieve the best possible outcomes by using a range of intervention methods and approaches.
Key Requirements
- We are looking for a person that can display a patient and resilient attitude, exceptional communication skills and who will work with compassion, positivity and bring some fun into this role.
- Ideally you will already have a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent, and experience of working in a similar setting, however if you have the right attributes and a passion for working with young people.
- A level of flexibility will be needed, within this role, to meet the needs of our shift patterns including regular evening work, weekend work and bank holidays which will be inclusive of sleep-ins.
- We need people who can be flexible and work well as part of a close and incredibly supportive team.
South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.
Please note that if you apply for this role, all communication regarding your application will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs, please ensure you check your junk mail.
Closing date: Noon, 14 August 2026. Shortlisting will take place 18 August 2026. Interviews will take place on 26 August 2026.
Relief Residential Childcare Officer – Casual (Foxden – Short Break Residential Care) employer: South Tyneside Council
Jarrow School is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff well-being and work/life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education. Located in South Tyneside, the school fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive while contributing to the development of young people. With a strong commitment to professional growth and a culture rooted in Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility, Jarrow School offers meaningful opportunities for those looking to make a positive impact in the lives of students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Residential Childcare Officer – Casual (Foxden – Short Break Residential Care)
✨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 South Tyneside Council, 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 Relief Residential Childcare Officer – Casual (Foxden – Short Break Residential Care)
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 South Tyneside Council. 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 South Tyneside Council. 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 South Tyneside Council
✨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 South Tyneside Council.
✨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 Relief Residential Childcare Officer – Casual (Foxden – Short Break Residential Care) role at South Tyneside Council, 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 South Tyneside Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
