Support Worker Full Time

To welcome warmly and connect kindly with all children and young people, working as a part of a team of care givers supporting a group of young people within a home.

This role requires no experience and training is provided: it is expected Residential Support Workers will develop over time.

Duties:

• 
  

  To nurture and sustain a Culture of Gentleness in the home and support this across the school community, providing a role model for children and young people by working in ways that are attentive and responsive and intentionally apply the school’s visions, values and organisational behaviours.

  
  


• 
  

  To consistently find ways to support and improve the child/ young person’s personal environment, sense of companionship and community in their home, on school premesis

  
  


• 
  

  To work harmoniously with colleagues and other professionals in the care and support of the children and young people both during school hours and in their home. 

  
  


• 
  

  To prioritise the needs and ensure the health, wellbeing and safety of the children and young people within the home at all times, including providing support for intimate personal care. 

  
  


• 
  

  Enable child/young person to connect and communicate effectively with parents/carers, making sure a variety of methods, including – as appropriate – telephone, e-mail, iPad (skype, web-cam) are available to make this possible; to maintain a log of calls home; to be an escort and companion on visits to parents/carers. 

  
  


• 
  

  Through speaking only kindly, encourage positive relationships both as the first point of contact between the School and the child/young person’s parents, carers and any external professionals, communicating politely and courteously at all times; to write weekly letters home to parents/carers of key child/ young person.

  
  


• 
  

  To reflect and to adjust how each child/young person can contribute positively to daily household routines and activity plans, using dynamic risk assessment to help each young person to feel safe and to engage meaningfully in their home and life.

  
  


• 
  

  Using information from reflection to learn how to help define, organise, implement and update child/young person’s' Individual Education Plan, Individual Activity Plan, support plan and personal care plan and associated targets, in collaboration with colleagues and include up to date personal information.

  
  


• 
  

  To ensure that when supporting Key Workers all records relating to children/ young people are;
  
  o Written kindly and compassionately
  
  o Legible when handwritten
  
  o Detailed, non-stigmatising, careful, objective and clear
  
  o Distinguish between fact, opinion and third-party information
  
  o Helpful to each named child/ young person
  
  o Stored securely and shared appropriately, adhering to confidentiality
  
  guidance

  
  


• 
  

  Through assisting with weekly keyworker sessions with child/young person, keep the young person at the centre of what you do when attending and advocating for their goals and aspirations, now and for the future; in team meetings, their Looked After Child meetings, Reviews and other meetings as required, both at school and elsewhere. 

  
  


• 
  

  To carry out sleeping-in duties when required.

  
  


• 
  

  To work effectively and reflectively together with colleagues.

  
  


• 
  

  To adhere at all times to the schools policies and procedures, maintaining good practice which meets or exceeds the Quality Standards as set out in the Children’s Homes Regulations (Regs. 4-14) 2015.

  
  


• 
  

  To demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning, through completion of induction learning handbook within 6 months of starting employment (probationary period) and participation in continuous professional development, to include weekly reflective practice through the use of video reviews and participation in supervision as frequently as required for the role. 

  
  


• 
  

  To commit to achieving the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare within 2 years of employment, or to hold equivalent qualification.

  
  


• 
  

  Any other duties commensurate with grade as directed by Line Manager or Senior Management.

  
  

• To ensure that the Head of Residential Services or their deputy is made aware and kept fully informed of any concerns which the worker may have in relation to safeguarding and/or child protection, including concerns about the practice of a colleague. 

Qualifications and experience -

Residential Support Worker

1. The member of staff will be required to achieve Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare within 2 years of commencement of employment. 

OR

an appropriate qualification gained in further education, e.g. NVQ level 3, BTEC National Certificate.

2. No experience is necessary. Some experience working with children and young people or adults with Additional Educational Needs and experience in the challenges of supporting positive behaviour is desirable.

Knowledge, abilities and skills -

1. 
   

   Ability to respond calmly and gently to the needs of children and young people with Learning Difficulties, Autism, particularly when they are communicating through behaviour that challenges us.

   
   


2. 
   

   Ability to keep of records and write reports that are of good quality.

   
   


3. 
   

   Ability to contribute to the organising and carrying out of activity plans for individuals and groups of children/young people, drawing on new ideas to promote young people’s self- confidence, independence and connections in the local community.

   
   


4. 
   

   Willingness to take part in the daily routines of life at School ,including supporting young people with intimate personal care, household tasks.

   
   


5. 
   

   Ability to work effectively and professionally with all those involved with the care,safety and wellbeing of the young people; including allocated support staff, the wider school staff, other professionals, the community and parents and carers.

   
   


6. 
   

   Ability to work harmoniously together with a range of people to realise the goal of helping each young person to live a real life

   
   


7. 
   

   To professionally and clearly communicate in a range of situations; including using email and writing reports on a computer.

   
   


8. 
   

   Willingness to accompany children/ young people to take part in a range of preferred activities of their choice, including swimming, within the School and at community facilities.

   
   


9. 
   

   A willingness to contribute to the life of the Schools Community.

   
   


10. 
    

    Self-awareness and emotional resilience; the ability to manage the mental and physical demands of working here and an understanding of strategies that prevent workplace stress.

    
    


11. 
    

    It would be desirable (but not essential) to have a full, clean driving license and be prepared to drive school vehicles, subject to required local authority insurance conditions.

    
    


12. 
    

    A commitment to working in ways that promote inclusion and equality of opportunity.

    
    


13. 
    

    It would be beneficial to have knowledge and understanding of the Quality Standards as set out in the National Children Homes Regulations 2015 and Working Together 2015.

    
    

This role works on a shift pattern. Shifts can be any of the following:

7.30am-10.00am PLUS 3.30pm to 10.00pm (Split shift)

3.30pm to 10.00pm (Evening shift)

Upon successful application and trial evening shift, you will be required to complete the necessary training on specific dates. Shifts will not be allocated until all online and necessary in person training is complete.