Job Description:

Residential Childcare Support Worker
Contract Type: Permanent
Specific Hours: 08:00 - 20:00, 12-hour shifts
Location: Soham, Cambridgeshire

Salary
Unqualified: Base salary of £30,277.23 with potential to earn up to £34,381.23 with sleep-ins
Qualified: Base salary of £31,867.18 with potential to earn up to £35,971.18 with sleep-ins

Qualified Support Worker salary is based on the proven existing completion of a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive induction and mandatory training to support your development and progression
• Fixed 12-hour shift rota, 08:00 - 20:00:
  • Week 1: Mon, Tues, Sat, Sun, 48 hours
  • Week 2: Weds, Thurs, Fri, 36 hours
• Guaranteed minimum average of 168 hours per month
• Waking night contracts available
• 236 hours annual leave per year, including bank holidays
• Annual leave increases by 12 hours per year for 3 years, up to 272 hours
• Pension scheme, after qualifying period
• Fully funded enrolment onto required qualifications

About Area Camden

Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, provides high-quality, family-style residential care built on values of respect, dignity, choice and positive parenting. We support young people aged 11-18, with all care tailored to their individual needs.

Support Workers play a key role in keeping young people safe and helping them develop emotionally, socially and academically. In this role, you'll build positive relationships, support young people with emotional and behavioural needs, and help them feel included in their local community.

Main Responsibilities

• Create a safe, nurturing environment that supports each young person's development
• Provide emotional and social support, helping young people build positive relationships and engage in their local community
• Promote confidence, self-esteem and independence, encouraging positive life choices
• Maintain accurate records, including daily updates, safeguarding information and health & safety checks
• Assess individual needs and contribute to planning, reviewing and implementing care plans
• Work collaboratively with managers, colleagues and external professionals; supervise family contact when required
• Support daily living needs in line with each young person's care plan
• Assist with household tasks, meal planning, shopping and preparing balanced meals, involving young people where appropriate

Required Attributes

• Have the ability to engage with young people in a positive and proactive way
• Be self-motivated with a positive nature
• Be sensitive and reflective
• Have the ability to listen and empathise
• Be able to work individually and within a team
• Have experience working in the care sector or residential care
• Hold a relevant qualification or be committed to undertake a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare - we are looking for passionate and caring individuals who we will support to gain a qualification.
• Be willing to work some bank holidays

Area Camden is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.