We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Support Worker to join a well established Children’s home in Harlow, Essex.

Many young people entering residential care, bring with them, as a result of previous learning and damaging experiences, attitudes that test and push these boundaries. Therefore it is essential that the living environment be such that it balances care with control.

It is recognised that in a positive, supportive and safe environment, staff may be able to divert a young person’s energies away from destructive and inappropriate behaviour.

The aim of this approach is to help young people to an understanding of what is socially acceptable behaviour on which to base their future life in the community.

This 4 bed home is Ofsted-Registered Good, and provides therapeutic care to children with Mental Health Difficulties, Learning Disabilities and Emotional Behavioural disorder. You will be also be caring for children who have displayed anti-social behaviour.

Offered salary of £27,480 including sleep-ins

Schedule:

• Full time 40 hours per week
• The shifts are 24.5 hour shifts as follows;
• Start at 9.30am -11pm on shift, 11pm-7am as a sleep-in, start day shift at 7am-10am finish time

Benefits:

• Annual Financial increments to salary.
• Bonus Scheme.
• Opportunity to work towards an NVQ Level 5, funded by the client.
• A chance to do rewarding work in the community and make a real difference in children’s lives.
• A structured Progression system with financial increments alongside it.

Skill and Requirements:

• Hold Level 3 Diploma Children and Young People’s Services or Residential Childcare.
• Ongoing Satisfactory DBS.
• Full Driving License
• At least a year of experience working in a Ofsted Children’s Home.
• Experience working with children with EBD or Youth Worker Experience.

Responsibilities:

• Always make decisions in the best interest of the children;
• Liaise with schools, providers and parents;
• Attend meetings where required;
• To ensure the premise is kept clean and safe.
• Responding to the physical and emotional needs of children and at all times, assisting them to settle at bedtime, and sensitively waking them in the morning;
• Complete day-to-day paperwork/reports.
• Work within the code of confidentiality and ensure that records in the home are stored in a manner which is compliant with regulations.
• Ensure home is safe and secure (safeguard children).
• To understand the individual needs of each child.
• To adhere to relevant professional and administrative practices and procedures;
• Ensure the children are looked after in the way their care plans dictate.
• Contribute to the smooth running and creation of a good atmosphere within the best interests of the children.
• To build relationships with the children and your colleagues whilst maintaining professional.
• To answer site calls in a professional manner and takes notes on what was discussed in the appropriate call journal.
• Be proactive in requesting professional development.
• Chair and participate in meetings and reviews, as and when required.
• Ensure that the standard of care delivered by all staff meets children’s care standards.
• Ensure all staff follow the practices laid out in the Statement of Purpose.
• Ensure that all staff are made aware of the variety of intervention strategies to work with children and young people in our care.
• Promote and actively encourage the delivery of a safe, structured and nurturing environment.
• Undertake monthly supervision of all staff, discussing and documenting areas relating to; care quality, any concerns, requirements

Personal Attributes:

• To have a genuine caring nature.
• To show high integrity.
• To have a passion desire to make a difference in children’s lives.