At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in residential and semi-independent homes, helping them thrive.
- Company: Join St Christopher’s Fellowship, a leading charity dedicated to improving young lives.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, inclusive culture, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a positive role model and inspire young people to achieve their potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people, strong communication skills, and resilience.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
We are recruiting Bank Support Workers to join our established Carebank team across our London services. We are looking for committed individuals who can positively engage with children and young people and are passionate about improving life chances, even in challenging circumstances.
Successful candidates will provide flexible staff cover across our residential services, including:
- Children’s Homes – providing day‑to‑day care for young people aged 12–18
- 16+ Semi-Independent Services – supporting older young people to develop life skills and prepare for independence
At application stage, candidates will be able to indicate whether they prefer to work in children’s homes, semi‑independent services or across both settings. Accurate administrative work and record keeping form a key part of the role. Our services operate on a 24‑hour rota, and shifts may include weekends, bank holidays, early and late shifts, sleep‑ins, and waking nights. You will need strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of diverse teams.
To apply, you will need:
- At least 1 year’s experience supporting young people to achieve their full potential.
- The ability to motivate and inspire young people.
- Patience and resilience when managing challenging behaviour.
- The ability to act as a positive role model.
- Good literacy, numeracy, and IT skills.
- Flexibility to work a range of shifts, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
Desirable: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved, and happy, able to achieve their potential and enjoy a bright future. St Christopher’s Fellowship is a leading charity supporting children and young people across the UK and the Isle of Man. We provide fostering, children’s homes, and innovative leaving‑care services. Young people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to providing positive life experiences for those who cannot remain in their parental or foster homes.
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to building an inclusive workforce where everyone feels they belong. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socio‑economic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, caring responsibilities, and gender‑diverse identities.
Safeguarding children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to complete an online application form to meet legislative, best practice, and vetting requirements. Applicants should ideally be registered with the DBS Update Service; otherwise, a DBS check will be completed before employment begins. All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self‑Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked. Your application must include a supporting statement addressing the criteria in the Person Specification.
This role has a minimum age requirement of 21, in line with the Equality Act occupational requirement for residential and semi‑independent care roles. It is a criminal offence to apply for work with children or young people if you are barred from regulated activity or listed on the Children’s Barred List.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bank Support Workers – Children’s & Semi-Independent Homes (London)
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like St Chris, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at St Chris. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through St Chris's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Bank Support Workers – Children’s & Semi-Independent Homes (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at St Chris. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at St Chris.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Chris
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with St Chris.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Bank Support Workers – Children’s & Semi-Independent Homes (London) at St Chris.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show St Chris that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Bank Support Workers – Children’s & Semi-Independent Homes (London) role.