Residential Child Care Worker

**Job description**

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team of Residential Care Workers who are dedicated to helping to turn the lives of children round. We have a number of 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. If you can commit to some regular time each week, we can offer you a varied and interesting time, whilst also following a planned structure, so you and the children know what to expect.

You will an integral part of the support for our children in learning healthy routines, provide them with learning opportunities like developing life skills, listening to them read or help with. 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 can support the children with a sense of achievement by working with the team to ensure records of their journey are kept up to date.

Our leadership teams will invest in your progression as a professional in the child-care 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. Our online learning platform allows you to keep up to date, even if you are part time. 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 or just provide regular and ongoing support to children and not give up at the first hurdle. You’ll be a natural at building a rapport with children and someone who is 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 really 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 in 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 situations of crisis and foll