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- Tasks: Engage with children through fun themes and activities while providing compassionate care.
- Company: Join Phoenix Futures, a leading charity with over 50 years of experience in drug and alcohol treatment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while working in a positive, inclusive atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Level 2/3 NVQ in Childcare or similar, plus good communication skills and a passion for helping others.
- Other info: Located near Sheffield Hallam Collegiate Campus, with easy access and free on-site parking.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Do you light up when you make a little one smile? Do you possess the energy and magic to engage in weekly nursery themes such as Dinosaur Week, Farmyard week or Under the Sea? Does it excite you to plan messy play, preparing jelly, spaghetti, cereals, sand and shaving foam to play with? Can you keep calm when settling crying babies or teething toddlers? Have you the compassion and kindness to support parents with their childcare responsibilities? Would you take pride in supporting parents to go to activities like soft play or baby massage?
Don’t miss the opportunity to join our passionate Sheffield Family service! Supporting up to 12 children/babies, the role is Monday to Friday 8:30 to 16:30. This provides a unique opportunity to work with a small community of children and their parents at a specialist residential service for parents experiencing drug or alcohol addiction.
We’re seeking a passionate Childcare Worker to join our Sheffield team, working in an on-site nursery within a residential setting. This opportunity is at our unique, specialist family service. A place where parents experiencing addiction to drugs or alcohol come with their children to change their lives and determine their futures. We’re looking for skilled, dedicated and passionate staff to join us at our Sheffield Family Residential Service.
Within this role, a passion for providing outstanding care for children and displaying a positive attitude is required. We work with families who have previously struggled with substance use; therefore, promoting a trusting, positive relationship is important within the role. You will be working in an on-site nursery within the residential setting where we have both a 0–2-year-old room and an over 2-year-old room which the children attend.
The service is based close to Eccelsall Road/Sheffield Hallam Collegiate Campus area of Sheffield; it is easily accessible. Situated in a large Victorian Building, fully refurbished in 2022, there is free on-site parking as well and is also easily accessed by multiple bus routes.
To join us as a Childcare Worker, you will need:
- Level 2/3 NVQ in Childcare (or similar)
- Basic knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Determined, with a drive to succeed and a willingness to learn
- Passionate and enthusiastic about making a real difference to the lives of people we support
About us: Phoenix Futures Group is a charity with over 50 years’ experience and a leading provider of drug and alcohol treatment. Our values are what define us and ensure we work to the highest standards. We believe in being the best, we are passionate about recovery, we value our history and use it to inform our future.
This opportunity is at our unique, Specialist Family Residential Service. A place where parents experiencing addiction to drugs or alcohol come with their children to change their lives and determine their futures.
We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe it is important to include people with lived experience to ensure the needs of the people we support are represented. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is free to be themselves and we ensure equity of opportunity.
We want you to feel comfortable to be your best during the interview process, so that you can get to know Phoenix and we can get to know you. If shortlisted, you will be contacted for a short face-to-face interview. All details will be provided in advance so that you can feel adequately prepared and we can support you with reasonable adjustments as required.
For any further information please feel free to contact abby.gurden@phoenixfutures.org.uk (Childcare Manager).
Please note, we will be assessing applications as they are submitted and may close this role should we find sufficient applicants with which to make our shortlist. As such, we would advise applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Location: Sheffield
Type of Contract: Full Time
Hours: 37.5
25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing each year to a maximum of 30 days)
Benefits including season ticket loan, pension scheme and life assurance
Support through occupational sick pay, eye-care vouchers and regular wellbeing talks and activities
Continuous training and career development via PXL our dedicated learning management system
Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance programme including telephone and online access
A rewarding role with the opportunity to help us support people on their journey to recovery and change their lives for the better. We’ll ensure you get all the support you need to thrive and succeed in your role and find your place amongst our incredible and collaborative team.
Childcare Worker employer: Voluntary Action Sheffield
Contact Detail:
Voluntary Action Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines. Understanding these will not only help you in your role but also show your commitment to providing quality care, which is essential for this position.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your passion for working with children by sharing relevant experiences during your interview. Whether it's through volunteering or previous jobs, real-life examples can highlight your dedication and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Phoenix Futures Group and their values. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenging situations, such as calming a crying baby or supporting parents. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure, which are crucial in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Childcare Worker in a residential setting. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of families experiencing addiction and how your role can positively impact their lives.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in childcare, especially any work with vulnerable families or in similar settings. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your Level 2/3 NVQ in Childcare, and any specific skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to express your passion for working with children and families. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your compassion and ability to engage with children, particularly in challenging situations.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since good communication is essential for this role, ensure your application reflects your written communication skills. Be clear, concise, and professional in your language, and consider mentioning any relevant verbal communication experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Action Sheffield
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with kids in the past, whether through play, education, or support. This will demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact on their lives.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Nursery Themes
Since the role involves engaging in weekly nursery themes, it’s a good idea to research and prepare ideas related to themes like Dinosaur Week or Under the Sea. Bring along some creative activities or games you could implement, showing that you're proactive and ready to contribute.
✨Demonstrate Compassion and Understanding
Given the sensitive nature of the environment, be prepared to discuss how you would handle challenging situations with empathy. Share any relevant experiences where you supported families or children in difficult circumstances, highlighting your ability to build trusting relationships.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of thoughtful questions to ask about the role and the organisation. This shows your interest and helps you understand if the position aligns with your values. You might ask about their approach to supporting parents or how they foster a positive environment for both children and staff.
