Residential Children's Support Worker

Job Description: Support Worker (Children's Home)

**Location**: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

**Salary**: £25,356 - £30,000

**Hours**: Full-Time

**Reports to**: Residential Care Manager

**KEY INFORMATION**:
JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Support Worker to join our team in a residential children's home. The Support Worker will play a vital role in providing high-quality care, support, and safeguarding to children and young people living in the home. You will work directly with children and young people, ensuring they are supported emotionally, physically, and socially, in line with individual care plans, the Children’s Homes Regulations, and the ethos of our home.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

**Direct Care**: Provide day-to-day support to children and young people, helping with personal care, education, health, and social activities.

**Safeguarding**: Follow safeguarding procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people in your care, identifying and reporting any concerns.

**Emotional Support**: Build trusting relationships with children and young people, offering guidance and support for their emotional and developmental needs.

**Individual Care Plans**: Implement and contribute to the development of individual care plans for each child, ensuring that their needs are met.

**Behaviour Management**: Assist in managing challenging behaviour in a positive and constructive manner, promoting appropriate social skills and emotional regulation.

**Collaborative Work**: Work closely with other team members, social workers, families, and professionals to provide the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

**Record Keeping**: Maintain accurate and timely records of care provided, incidents, and progress in line with legal requirements and company policies.

**Health & Safety**: Ensure that the children's home is a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. You will help with the daily upkeep of the home and ensure that health and safety guidelines are followed.

**Shift Work**: Participate in shift work, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins, as required by the service.

**Training & Development**: Participate in ongoing training to develop your skills and knowledge in line with regulatory and organisational standards.

**PERSON SPECIFICATION**

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

**Essential**:
Minimum of a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards this qualification.

Experience working with children and young people in a care, education, or social care setting. Understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

**Desirable**:
Experience in a residential children's home or similar environment.

First Aid qualification.

A driving licence (if applicable for the role).

PERSONAL QUALITIES

**Empathy**: A genuine passion for working with children and young people, showing kindness, patience, and understanding.

**Resilience**: The ability to cope with challenging situations and support children through difficult emotions or behaviours.

**Adaptability**: Ability to respond to changing situations and demands with flexibility and creativity.

**Team Player**: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals to provide the best care for children and young people.

**Respectful**: A strong commitment to promoting dignity, privacy, and respect for children and young people in your care.

**Positive Attitude**: A proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving and a commitment to the welfare and development of children.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

**Child Development**: Understanding of child development and the impact of trauma on children and young people.

**Behavioural Management**: Knowledge of positive behavioural support and approaches to managing challenging behaviour.

**Safeguarding and Risk Assessment**: Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection legislation, and ability to conduct risk assessments.

**Communication**: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to engage children and young people effectively.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins as required by the role.

A clear enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is required.

Commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to undertake further training.

All staff must also ensure that they read and abide by the Code of Practice of both the United Kingdom Home Care Association (UKHCA) and the General Social Care Council (GSCC).

CONFIDENTIALITY & DATA PROTECTION

The post-holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about service users, staff, and other health service businesses. The post-holder must also comply with all company information and data protection policies and meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018 an