Support Worker

We currently have openings for experienced Support Workers in Surrey and Sussex. Our client would also love to hear from those who are passionate about making a positive and lasting difference to young people, and who are willing to undertake the relevant training and qualifications needed. About the organisation Our client has four homes in Surrey and West Sussex. Each home is set in a rural location and offers a comfortable homely environment for young males aged 13-18 years. They aim to help young people to develop insight into their experiences in order that they can move on from their often damaged traumatic past. They support them as they take steps to make sense of their lives by providing clear and safe boundaries and achievable goals. This includes positive reinforcement strategies such as reward charts and free time. Central to their work is the need to provide a high level of nurturing which ensures all the basic needs of the young person are met to the highest standard. This includes providing a home that has a warm and friendly atmosphere where great emphasis is placed on building supportive relationships and positive attachments. About the responsibilities In the role of Support Worker, you will: Ensure that a caring and stimulating environment is provided for the young people that takes into account individual developmental needs and enables young people to reach their full potential Plan and prepare activities that meet the young people’s needs and stimulates their learning and integration within the home Keep abreast of legislation, guidelines, policies to ensure the Children’s Act, Children’s homes regulations and the national minimum standards are met at all times. Be aware of all Ofsted guidance and information in regard to the home Observe and assess young people’s progress and keep accurate records of their achievements, behaviour and important events in their lives Produce and keep up to date a life book for any young person for whom you have key working responsibilities Work with local authorities/ placing authorities to ensure the care the young people receive is outstanding Establish and maintain positive working relationships with parents/carers in a way that supports young people’s learning and development and values parental involvement where appropriate Be flexible within working practices of the home e.g. To help, where needed, including undertaking domestic tasks within the home, which will include preparation of meals, cleaning, shopping etc Work alongside the Manager and staff team to ensure that the philosophy behind the home is fulfilled Keep clear and legible records regarding the young people. To ensure that entries in records are legible, clearly expressed, non-stigmatising and distinguished as far as possible between fact, opinion and third-party information About you To be successful for the role of Support Worker, you will have / be: Previous experience of working with teenage boys or challenging behaviour and have a willingness to further develop their skills A Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma/Children and Young People's Workforce/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent – or be willing to work towards a required qualification Willing to engage the young people in a wide range of activities and support them through their time at the home; guiding them towards Independence and Adulthood Flexible with your working hours and be able to work a mixture of days, evenings and weekends. This role requires shift work although you will have every other weekend off You must be able to: Challenge unacceptable behaviour, provide firm boundaries and provide care which meets the needs of the individual Work as part of a team Follow delegated tasks and handovers Maintain policies and procedures Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing Engage and listen If you feel that you could use your skills to support this work through creating a caring and stimulating environment allowing for a range of opportunities and life experiences for the young people, challenge unacceptable behaviour, provide firm boundaries and provide care which meets the needs of the individual. Then we want to hear from you. About the hours & rewards The role of Support Worker is Full Time - 40 hours per week with 1 sleep in per week and there is a salary on offer of £25,600 per annum, dependent on experience. Benefits include: Company pension Access to the company Exchange Employee Discount Scheme Access to wellbeing programmes via the company Exchange Provision Promotion opportunities Fully funded training for your recognised qualifications