Job Description
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team of Residential Child Care Workers who are dedicated to helping to turn the lives of children around. We have several small homes in and around Salisbury that provide care to both boys and girls aged 6 – 12 on admission. The homes are easily commutable from towns such as Fordingbridge, Salisbury, Wilton, Amesbury, Romsey, and Andover.
These children need your help to learn how to trust again after they have been let down by adults in their life. Your day will be varied and interesting whilst also following a planned structure, so you know what to expect. You will support our children to learn healthy routines, take them to appointments and help with schooling.
You will be working with an experienced and dedicated team and in a culture where children are respected, listened to, and involved in as many decisions as possible. You will support the team in creating a home where these children can thrive, showing them their value by providing them with nurturing experiences, maintaining the environment, and providing home-cooked food. You will support the children with a sense of achievement by ensuring records of their journey are kept up to date.
Our leadership teams will invest in your progression as a professional in the childcare sector. Not only do we source and deliver up-to-date training opportunities. We also prioritise and discuss your personal development goals to ensure you’re getting the most out of your career. We know how important it is that we look after you, so you can look after the children who need you, and that’s one of the key reasons we were named Employer of the Year at the National Children and Young People Awards 2021.
The role can be challenging at times, as our children have often experienced a great deal of loss and adversity in their lives. As a result, our young people are likely to have attachment difficulties. However, with the training we provide and continued support from the clinicians assigned to each home, you will be equipped with the skills and confidence you need to manage these challenges.
Our young people may have had many adults come in and out of their lives, often adding to their trauma. Therefore, we are looking for committed and dedicated people that want to grow a career out of this rewarding role and not give up on the first hurdle. You’ll be a natural at building a rapport with children and someone full of empathy, so you can understand and relate to the young people you work with.
When it comes to our residential staff, we don’t settle for second best. Previous experience in a care setting would be advantageous, and QCF Level 3/4 in Children and Young People is desirable but not essential. The right attitude, dedication, personal qualities, and levels of resilience are just as important (we will support you to complete the relevant qualifications). What matters is that you share our vision and determination to turn children’s lives around.
About Five Rivers
We provide bespoke residential children’s homes for young people who have had a difficult start to life. Our homes are run by kind, compassionate and resilient people who give children a sense of security they may have struggled to find until now. These individuals open their hearts to the children they look after, forming deep connections that help turn children’s lives around. They are dependable, responsible role models and their positive influence can last a lifetime.
Hours
On average 39 hours a week which typically includes two sleep-ins per week, for which you receive an additional £50 payment per sleep-in.
Why Five Rivers?
- 30 days (22 days plus 8 bank holidays) annual leave allowance
- £50 per Sleep Allowance (on top of the annual salary)
- On-going training and learning through our Learning & Development Team
- We will pay for your qualification – Level 4 Diploma in Residential Child Care
- We are committed to your development – we hold a Gold Investors in People Award
- Simply Health Medical Cash Back Scheme
- Perk Box High Street Discounts
- Ongoing training and support from in-house and external trainers
- Employee Support Programmes
- Enhanced company pension scheme (4% employer contribution)
- Eating as part of the family when on shift
- Refer a friend bonus scheme
- Long service and recognition scheme
Requirements
- Good written and IT skills.
- Able to communicate with children, colleagues, and external customers.
- Able to actively listen to others.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
- Be calm in crisis situations and follow a shift leader's lead.
- QCF Level 3/4 in Children and Young People is desirable. We will give you this training if you do not have either of these qualifications.
- Be committed to ongoing professional development and achieve the Level 4 Diploma in Children and Young people.
If you have experience working with children or are passionate about making a difference, we would love to hear from you!
Please do not delay in applying. Apply directly and fill out an application form or call the recruitment team on 01722 435750 (option 2) for more information.
To view the role profile in full, please click apply
Five Rivers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children and Young People. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including employment references and a DBS check.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Five Rivers is an Investor in People and Equal Opportunities employer. In 2021 we were named Employer of the Year award at the National Children and Young People Awards. Why? Find out here: https://bit.ly/3xt21u9
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 39 per week
Salary: £21,514.55-£24,936.26 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Every weekend
- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- Overtime
- Weekend availability
- Weekends only
Experience:
- Support Environment: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person