Children's Support Worker

Childrens Support Worker - Residential Care Role Overview and Location * Region: Hailsham & Bexhill * Sector Focus: Specialist Childrens Residential Care. * Organisation: A supportive residential service focused on cultivating a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for young people. * Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent. * The Opportunity: Act as a positive role model, establishing respectful relationships with children in care, and guiding them through their personal, social, and emotional development. Compensation and Earning Potential * Unqualified Hourly Rate: £13 per hour. * Qualified Hourly Rate: £14 per hour for candidates holding an NVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People. * Sleep-In Allowance: £80 per shift. * On-Call Allowance: £40 per shift (typically 2 shifts per month). * Overtime Rate: Premium pay rate calculated at 1.25x the standard hourly rate. * Unqualified Earning Potential: Up to £36,320 per year achievable through sleep-ins and on-call duties. * Qualified Earning Potential: Up to £38,400 per year achievable through sleep-ins and on-call duties. Key Responsibilities and Duties The role encompasses daily support, therapeutic guidance, and operational assistance within the residential home. * Support and Guidance: Build constructive, respectful relationships with young people, reinforcing positive social behaviours and offering guidance on personal development. * Activities and Enrichment: Plan and engage young people in recreational and socially enriching leisure activities both inside and outside the home environment. * Operational Leadership: Cover the responsibilities of senior staff when they are unavailable, ensuring the smooth running of the shift and contributing to team coordination. * Team Collaboration: Attend staff meetings, participate in training, and assist with the initial support and orientation of new team members. * Documentation: Maintain accurate, professional casework records using internal tracking tools, create social and emotional reports, and contribute to annual multidisciplinary reviews. * Logistics and Housekeeping: Provide safe transportation for young people to school, appointments, and social activities. Maintain clean, orderly, and hygienic living spaces. Candidate Requirements and Qualifications * Qualifications: A Level 3 NVQ or Diploma in Childcare, or equivalent, is highly desirable. Candidates without this qualification must demonstrate a clear commitment to working towards it. * Skills: Excellent communication, conflict management, and interpersonal skills. The ability to maintain strict confidentiality is mandatory. * Flexibility: Willingness to work a flexible rota pattern, which includes a share of weekend shifts, sleep-ins, and on-call duties. * Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence is required to transport young people safely. Rewards and Benefits * Annual Leave: 5.6 weeks of annual leave, plus additional service days awarded for each year of employment up to 5 extra days. * Financial Enhancements: Premium overtime rates and competitive enhancements for sleep-in and on-call shifts. * Professional Growth: Fully funded, ongoing training and clear internal career progression pathways to support professional satisfaction and longevity. * Compliance: All successful applications will be subject to a safer recruitment process, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and comprehensive reference verification