At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people during their stay, ensuring safety and personal care.
- Company: Join a caring team at Foxden – Short Break Residential Care.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a focus on teamwork and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while having fun.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare preferred; patience and communication skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 17.04 - 17.04 £ per hour.
Location: Foxden – Short Break Residential Care, South Shields
Salary: £32,888 pa pro rata (£17.04 per hour) Inclusive of Market Forces Supplement, Subject to Review 31 August 2028.
Contract type: Casual. Working hours: Pattern varies to meet the needs of service. Your role could involve working weekends and bank holidays.
Eligibility: Applicants must be 22 years of age or over due to Ofsted guidance.
About the role: As a member of the team, you will support us to achieve our aim, working closely with your colleagues to ensure our children and young people enjoy their stay with us, have their personal care needs met, are supported to achieve and kept safe. You will be responsible for covering waking night duties which typically runs from 21:45pm to 8:15am. You will also have access to supervision, training and development as part of your role. You will be expected to partake key working responsibilities for young people and to maintain records as required, so ICT skills are essential. 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. 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. We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
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 – Waking Night (Casual) (Foxden – Short Break Residential [...] 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 – Waking Night (Casual) (Foxden – Short Break Residential [...]
✨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 South Tyneside Council.
✨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 South Tyneside Council!
✨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 South Tyneside Council, 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 South Tyneside Council 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 Relief Residential Childcare Officer – Waking Night (Casual) (Foxden – Short Break Residential [...]
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 South Tyneside Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South Tyneside Council! 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 South Tyneside Council
✨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.
