Children\'s Residential Support Worker (Sunderland)

Working in our Children’s Homes means being a part of a young person’s day to day life. This means being there for the highest highs and lowest lows. Our support workers enable our young people to get their childhood back and create pathways to become well rounded adults – an incredibly rewarding role to have. There will be challenges along the way but there will also be the smallest moments which feel like a huge small victory!

Our homes accommodate young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, and our aim is to create the best possible outcome for the young people in our care. Our support workers are fulfilled by the idea of affecting even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.

You’ll take care of our young people day to day, making sure things run smoothly and creating lasting memories. This involves making sure they are up and ready for school, helping with homework, completing paperwork and planning activities. Evenings and weekends are for fun, whether that’s playing on the Xbox, a game of football, having a film day or going go-karting – not a bad way to spend your day at work! Working here is never dull, and the work really matters. It’s about tapping into each young person’s needs, personality and potential - and guiding them toward a positive future.

For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the care sector. With us, you’ll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

• Salary: Base salary of £28,134 - £34,302
• Bonuses: In addition to your base salary you’ll do 1-2 sleep ins per month, these are paid at £80 per sleep and £1,400 Attendance Allowance – assuming good attendance, £1,000 Welcome Bonus - on successful completion of probation & £1,000 Loyalty Bonus (after 12 months of employment)
• Training: A full 4-week induction on our Care Academy
• Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with 7 weeks’ holiday
• Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our team leaders and managers have been promoted from within our group – plus you could join our ‘Aspire’ future managers programme
• Flexible benefits package: meaning you can increase/decrease your holiday allowance, pension and life insurance
• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
• Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
• Meals provided while you’re at work
• Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities
• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Here at Witherslack Group, we celebrate everyone’s differences as that’s what makes us the best at what we do. Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves.

You don’t need experience, but there are a few things we’ll be looking for from you:

• A ‘can do’ attitude – a team player who rolls up their sleeves to help others
• We genuinely care about our young people (and each other) so honesty and empathy is a must
• The resilience to be able to deal with challenging situations
• A full UK driving licence which you’ve held for at least 12 months
• If you don’t have a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), we’ll pay for you to study and support you every step of the way

You’ll start life as a RSW by joining our ‘Care Academy’ – 4 weeks of off the job training with experienced WG professionals to help you feel confident and ready to support our young people.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.