Residential Care Officer

Residential Care Officer

Full-Time 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) On-site
S

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide high-quality care and support to vulnerable young people in a residential setting.
  • Company: Stockton Borough Council, dedicated to making a difference in young people's lives.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and learning opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible shift patterns and opportunities for additional hours.
  • Why this job: Be a positive role model and make a real impact on young lives.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or willingness to obtain it.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

Stockton Borough Council is seeking a Residential Care Officer to provide high-quality care and support in a residential setting to vulnerable young people who are unable to live with their families. This includes working with children with behavioural and emotional difficulties and other additional needs. The role is rewarding and requires you to be a positive role model, caring, compassionate, enthusiastic, motivated and approachable.

Qualifications

  • Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to obtain it within 18 months of appointment)
  • Positive attitude and experience of working with children and young people
  • Availability to work a 7-day shift rota system 365 days a year, including weekends, sleepovers and some waking nights
  • Enhanced DBS clearance
  • Full UK driving licence

Benefits

  • Competitive salary up to £33,699 (determined by qualifications and experience)
  • 27 days annual leave per year, rising to 32 days with five years service (plus bank holidays); additional leave purchase available
  • Generous pension scheme through the LGPS with option to contribute extra
  • Access to learning & development opportunities, car lease scheme, discounts at high street and online retailers, online GP appointments, employee assistance programme and physiotherapy services
  • Sleep-over payments and potential for additional hours as required

Legal & EEO Statements

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK. We do not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions): This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). Applicants are therefore required to disclose all criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, including those normally considered spent, subject to filtering rules under current legislation.

Residential Care Officer employer: Stockton-on-tees Borough Council

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both employees and the community. With opportunities for professional growth and development in the health and social care sector, this role provides meaningful engagement with individuals while contributing to their emotional and physical wellbeing. The council's commitment to work-life balance, alongside a competitive salary, makes it an attractive place for those seeking a rewarding career in care.

S

Contact Details:

Stockton-on-tees Borough Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Residential Care Officer

✨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 Stockton-on-tees Borough 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 Stockton-on-tees Borough 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 Stockton-on-tees Borough 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 Stockton-on-tees Borough 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 Residential Care Officer

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
Experience working with children and young people
Positive attitude
Caring and compassionate nature
Enthusiasm and motivation
Approachability
Availability for a 7-day shift rota system

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 Stockton-on-tees Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stockton-on-tees Borough 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 Stockton-on-tees Borough 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.