Job Description

About Us

Ardent RCS is a brand new Ofsted registered 4-person capacity residential Children's Home in the Medway area. The Home is catering to children aged 12-17, with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties (EBD).

About the Role:

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Residential Support Workers to join our team at our Ofsted registered Children's Home. The Residential Support Worker will play a crucial role in providing direct care and support to the children and young people under our care, helping create a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive.

Our Ideal Candidate:

An individual who is committed to the safety and well-being of children and young people. A fun, kind, safe and dependable role model. Someone who can maintain composure, exhibit enthusiasm, showcase creativity, and possess a great sense of humour. A team player, who is eager to develop their skills and abilities. Someone who is willing to work flexible hours to accommodate the needs of our children. Resilient, emotionally intelligent, and even-tempered Able to perceive beyond outward behaviour and to aim to understand needs being communicated.

Key Responsibilities

1. Direct Care and Support:

Provide daily care and support to children and young people in accordance with their individual care plans and with a strong commitment to their safety and well-being. Promote a positive, safe, and nurturing atmosphere, ensuring their emotional and physical well-being and working to support young people in maximising their potential. Work to achieve the highest standard of service delivery as measured by Ofsted against the Children's Homes National Minimum Standards.

2. Behaviour Support:

Assist in managing challenging behaviours by implementing strategies and interventions as directed. Document and report any incidents or concerns in accordance with protocols.

3. Daily Activities:

Engage children in age-appropriate activities, helping them develop life skills and hobbies. Supervise and support with homework, meals, and bedtime routines. Maintaining, reviewing, and revising care plans and risk assessments in an effective and appropriate manner.

4. Record Keeping:

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of daily activities, incidents, and observations. Ensure records are compliant with regulatory requirements.

5. Collaboration:

Work collaboratively with the senior support worker and other team members to meet the needs of the children. Attend team meetings and contribute to care planning discussions.

Requirements

A minimum of one year of experience in a similar support worker role, within an Ofsted regulated Children's Home setting. Previous experience working with children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties (EBD). Ideally a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent, or Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care for Children and Young People or willingness to work towards. At least a basic understanding of relevant legislation and regulations pertaining to The Children Act 1989, The Children's Home (England) Regulation 2015 & The 9 Quality Standards for Children's Homes. Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills Effective verbal and written communication abilities skills in order to communicate effectively with carers, children, families and colleagues. Knowledge of Child in Need, Child Protection & LAC Plans. Capable of both working independently and collaboratively with others. A commitment to providing high-quality of care and support to children. A willingness to work flexible hours and participate in an on-call rota. Flexible and able to demonstrate resilience in challenging situations. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

Additional Requirements

An enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) is required. Full, clean driving license. Must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job (e.g., lifting, instances requiring physical restraint) with or without a reasonable accommodation.

What We Offer:

Company Pension Scheme 28 Days Annual Leave (inc. Bank Holidays), dependant on contract Comprehensive Induction Training Access to Further Professional Development

Safeguarding Children

The safety and well-being of the young people in our care is of the utmost importance to us. As such, our recruitment process is designed to establish and uphold a safe workforce through thorough screening measures. Prospective candidates will be selected based on satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check, and verification of right to work in the UK. To be considered for the position, you must undergo a comprehensive safer recruitment process and employment background check.

Equal Opportunities

At Ardent RCS, we prioritise equality and diversity in our workforce and strive to create a staff community that is representative of the diverse group of children and young people we serve. To uphold this goal, we encourage applications from individuals from all ethnic backgrounds.

If you are passionate about providing high-quality care and support to children and have the skills and experience required for this role, please apply today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 12.50-14.50 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension On-site parking
Experience:

residential childcare: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (preferred) Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent (preferred) Level 3 NVQ Health & Social Care for Children & Young People (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person