Job Description

500 Welcome Bonus 1000 Recommend A Friend Bonus!

Working hours-

40hrs Per week, as part of a rota which includes mix day shifts and rotational weekend working.

About us

Spark of Genius is one of Scotland's largest residential child care providers. For over 25 years, we have been delivering high quality care to young people who need to be looked after. Spark of Genius is also part of the UK-wide CareTech family who are committed to providing each child with opportunities to have their individual needs met.

Job Purpose

To be a Health & Wellbeing Activity Coordinator that provides an innovative approach to the curriculum and organises activities for individuals or groups of all ages and abilities that promotes play, resilience, and self esteem. A focus on alternative Therapeutic activities that offer an alternative to learning and supports health. The aim being for young people to feel the benefits of the outdoors, whilst being educated and gaining new experiences that will support both wellbeing and development

In your new role

This is an opportunity to be part of a dedicated and trauma-informed team, and to work directly with young people with a range of complex needs connected to their individual life experiences and childhood adversity.


This is also a chance to make a difference to outcomes for young people! Our mission is to make Every Second Count, to help us succeed you will:


Responsibility for ensuring and promoting the safeguarding of any young people that you may come into contact with

Excellent skills in outdoor activities

Lead groups of people on trips to the the wilderness and countryside areas to teach them new skills to enable them to safely enjoy the outdoors and not be risk averse

Promote Therapeutic activities that incorporate mindfulness, activity and relaxation in line with Relax Kids ethos

Complete relevant risk assessments linked to individual young people

Adhere to the guidance set from insurer who manages the activity or alternative licensing outdoor authority

Provide educational activities in the area of leisure activities for both adults and young people and team building exercises

Work in accordance with Spark of Genius vision and aims

To carry out duties in line with Spark of Genius policies and procedures

Sufficient competence in your area of outdoor experience to be able to support others undertaking the activity.

Excellent leadership, group management and communication skills

The ability to empathise and support individuals in situations which are physically and emotionally demanding

Understand and appropriately respond to difficulties associated with learning disabilities

Create and record achievements met by the young people

Plan and prepare evidence to achieve recognised awards

Plan and prepare activities to suit the needs, abilities and experience of each group

Explain, advise on and demonstrate activities

Follow guidance set from the organised facility provider, including safety equipment to promote safety

Check weather conditions before starting any session

Assess the hazards and manage risks

Motivate and encourage in order to support all participants

Appropriately respond to situations of difficulty and distress

Provide supportive and helpful solutions to emotional crisis

To work in a clear and concise manner that supports learning for all who are participating

Work in line with young people's care plans

Promote young people's participation, to ensure young people are actively involved in the environment and day to day activities

Be innovative in your approach to engage young people

To comply with the code of conduct as required by the SSSC

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people through the night time period.

To implement de-escalation and physical intervention strategies as necessary and appropriate in line with mandatory training

To be fully aware of safeguarding and child protection issues

To fully understand the reporting process of child protection within the home

To understand the principles of safeguarding young people, staff and self

To have a full understanding of the emergency call out procedures of the house

To promote structure, boundaries and routines whilst learning to promote safety

To work in line with young people's care and placement plans

To work in accordance with the National Care Standards and co-operate with any inspection process

Provide a positive role model for the young people, presenting yourself in a highly professional manner

Work in partnership with families and other agencies to the benefit of the young people

Participate in, and complete records for statutory reviews and meetings concerning the young people were required

Undertake relevant training programmes and be responsible for your own training required by the Company, such as medication training, Total Communication and Therapeutic Crisis intervention

To have an up to date knowledge of current Legislation and Guidelines

Complete and maintain administrative records as required by the home

Take part in Handovers to ensure communication is robust and all relevant information is shared with your team.

Develop effective professional working relationships with colleagues, children and families and maintain these relationships

Utilise resources that best support learning and communication impairments

Apply Therapeutic interventions and strategies directly linked to learning disabilities and brain development, such as Total Communication Approach

Attend, participate and make productive use of supervision and staff meetings as required in the National Care Standards

To work as part of a team with colleagues and other professionals to meet the social, emotional and educational health and mental health needs of young people

Adapt and respond positively to changing patterns and work situations

Awareness and responsibility for the Health and Safety of the home, recognised activities, children, young people, colleagues and yourself

You must cooperate with the company in complying with the Health and Safety requirements and are therefore expected to follow Company policies, to acquaint yourself with the Fire, Health and Safety Procedures at your place of work and report any unsafe practices and conditions

Supporting young people with education in a non-teaching capacity

Manage recordings linked to gaining qualifications for the young people

Organise and implement activities that build upon social skills and well being

Demonstrate an alternative approach to the curriculum by delivering innovative approaches to outdoor learning.

The post holder may be reasonably expected to undertake other duties commensurate with the level of responsibility that may be allocated from time to time.

To provide cover to other Spark of Genius Residential houses when required.

You will ideally have:

Good understanding of the developmental needs and milestones of young people.

Experience of working with children and families.

Driving Licence Preferred but not essential

Ability to communicate, engage and form positive relationships with young people, parent/carers and other professionals.

Ability to produce clear and concise written reports and records of good standard and verbally present information and views.

Ability to challenge individuals where necessary, remain calm and objective in difficult situations.

HNC in Social Care, SVQ level 3 in Care or equivalent qualification, or the ability to undertake these qualifications

Benefits

As part of this role, we offer a range of specialist training programmes to support you in your work and invest in your professional development. These include:

Fully Paid induction programme

Every Second Counts: bespoke training on the role of a residential childcare worker

Therapeutic crisis intervention training to assist young people in regulating their emotions when they are in crisis.

Child protection training

Relax kids training

Attachment and trauma training

Full suite of e-learning modules available that provide continuous knowledge and development.

In support and recognition of our colleagues who will help us deliver our employer strategy, we offer a fantastic benefits package. This includes;

Full Time Contract

Competitive Rates of Pay

Free PVG check

Pension Scheme

Free Training

Paid Induction

1000 Recommend A Friend Bonus!

500 Welcome Bonus

Due to the nature of the role, it will be necessary for all Residential Childcare Workers to be subject to a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check by Disclosure Scotland and achieve membership of the scheme prior to commencing work with us. CareTech will cover the cost of this check.

Any data received in applications will be used for recruitment purposes within Spark of Genius and CareTech only.