At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities in a fun, nurturing environment while helping them develop life skills.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, a leader in inclusive care for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children in care is essential; Level 3 Diploma is a plus.
Location: Penrith
Contract Type: Zero Hours
About this opportunity
21 Huntley Avenue is an Ofsted Outstanding short breaks service supporting children and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism and complex needs. We provide a safe, nurturing and fun environment where children and young people can develop confidence, independence and life skills while enjoying positive experiences away from home. Working in our Children's Home means being part of a young person's everyday life. There will be challenges, but there will also be moments of real achievement as you help children and young people overcome barriers, learn new skills and reach their potential.
As a Residential Support Worker, you'll work as part of a dedicated team providing high-quality care and support tailored to each young person's individual needs. From supporting daily routines and personal care to planning activities, community outings and short breaks, you'll play a key role in helping children and young people have fun, stay safe and achieve positive outcomes.
Who we are looking for
We're looking for caring, resilient and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about making a difference. Experience supporting children and young people in a residential setting with complex needs and challenging behaviours is essential. The ability to build trusting relationships, communicate effectively with families, young people and professionals, and provide consistent support in challenging situations is also important. A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is desirable, although we welcome applications from those willing to work towards the qualification.
What can we offer you
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other perks and discounts.
Salary and hours
Salary: £34,434 - £35,412 (depending on experience). Contractual hours: 0. Basis: Blank.
Important information
This role involves shift work, including evenings, weekends and sleep‑ins. The role also includes supporting young people with personal care, medication and community activities.
Safer Recruitment & DBS
We require an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check. The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce and welcomes applications from everyone. We are a Disability Confident Leader, guaranteeing interviews to disabled applicants meeting essential criteria, as well as to Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and to those in care or care‑experienced aged under 24.
Children's Residential Support Worker - WMF3098e in Penrith employer: The Cumbria County Council
Cumbria County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion. As a Lighting Engineer in the picturesque Lake District, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on local communities through innovative lighting solutions.
Contact Details:
The Cumbria County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Residential Support Worker - WMF3098e in Penrith
✨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 The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County 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 Children's Residential Support Worker - WMF3098e in Penrith
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 The Cumbria County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County 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.
