Job Description

Job Opportunity: Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

Salary: 32,000 - 34,000 per year

Job Types: Full-time

Location: Werrington

About the Role

Are you looking for a rewarding role and have the chance to directly impact the lives of children and young people who need it most, providing them with the care, guidance, and support they require to overcome challenges and thrive. Your expertise in Residential Childcare, combined with your empathy and dedication, will empower these young people to develop resilience, build positive relationships, and achieve their full potential. You will work closely with other professionals including, education providers, healthcare and social workers, to create a nurturing environment that fosters emotional healing and personal growth. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve developing personalised care plans, implementing therapeutic interventions, and ensuring the safety and well-being of each child under your care. If you're driven by a commitment to making a meaningful difference, this position offers not just a job, but a fulfilling career where you can truly change lives and be a pivotal figure in their journey toward a brighter future.

In this role, you'll have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people, providing them with the support and care they need to thrive. You'll work in a nurturing environment where each day brings new challenges and rewards, helping children build confidence, develop essential life skills, and work towards a brighter future. Whether you have previous experience in childcare or are looking to start a new career path, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities to help you succeed. Join us and be part of a team that truly values each member's contribution and shares a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children.

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the lives of the children and young people in our care, providing them with the support, guidance, and stability they need to thrive. We value dedication, empathy, and a genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of others. In return, we offer a nurturing and supportive work environment where your personal and professional growth is encouraged. Whether you are looking to start a career in childcare or seeking to further your experience, this role offers meaningful work with the potential to positively impact lives for years to come.

Key Requirements:

- NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Residential Childcare: Essential qualification for the role. We will consider a senior working towards their level 4

- Age Requirement: Must be 21 years or older.

- Experience: Minimum of one year working in Children's Residential Care.

- Focus on Safeguarding: A strong commitment to safeguarding practices.

- Driving Licence: A valid driving licence is required or a willingness to obtain one within a year.

- Work Authorisation: Must be authorised to work in the UK.

Job Responsibilities:

As a Senior Residential Childcare Worker, you will play a crucial role in the daily lives of young people. Your responsibilities will include:

Key Responsibilities:

- As a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, planning and overseeing shifts is a critical responsibility that ensures the smooth operation of the home and the well-being of the children in care. This involves coordinating with other team members to create shift schedules that meet the needs of both the staff and the young people, balancing workloads, and ensuring that all shifts are adequately covered. Additionally, overseeing these shifts requires constant communication and supervision to address any issues that may arise, provide guidance and support to staff, and ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with regulatory standards and the home's policies. This role demands strong organisational skills, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of children in residential care.

- To manage risks in accordance with United Children's policies and procedures, it is essential to establish a robust framework that prioritises the safety and well-being of all involved. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments in various activities and environments where children are present. Once identified, appropriate mitigation strategies must be implemented and maintaining clear communication channels for reporting concerns. Regularly reviewing and updating these policies ensures they remain effective and aligned with evolving standards, safeguarding the children and upholding United Children's commitment to their protection.

- Effectively communicating daily plans with your team is crucial for maintaining alignment, boosting productivity, and ensuring that everyone is working towards common goals. By setting clear expectations for the day's tasks during a handover. This should include priorities, deadlines, and any potential challenges that might arise. By promoting an environment of transparency and collaboration, you help the team stay on track and adapt quickly to any changes, ultimately driving success for united Children.

- Ability to effectively use our paperless systems designed to streamline the reporting and documentation process, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in every aspect of your workflow. Ability to utilise these digital tools allow real-time updates, seamless collaboration, and secure storage, making it easier to track progress, share insights, and maintain comprehensive records.

- Regularly reviewing and updating care plans and associated documentation is crucial in ensuring that the young people's care remains relevant, effective, and responsive to their evolving needs. Additionally, accurate and timely documentation is essential for maintaining clear communication among relevant professionals meeting regulatory requirements. Regular updates also help in identifying and addressing any gaps in care, ultimately improving young people's outcomes.

- You will ensure you display positive parenting and exceptional communication creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children. By focusing on positive reinforcement, you can encourage desirable behaviours from the young people, promoting a sense of self-esteem and confidence. Exceptional communication, actively listening to young people, understanding their needs and emotions, and responding with empathy and curiosity. This will in raising well-adjusted, emotionally resilient, and confident individuals who feel secure in their relationships and empowered to express themselves.

- Staying informed on current legislation, such as the Children's Homes Regulations 2015. These regulations set out the legal framework and standards that govern the operation of children's homes, ensuring that the safety, welfare, and developmental needs of children are prioritised. By keeping up to date with any amendments or new guidance related to these regulations, you can ensure that practices remain compliant with the law and reflective of best practices. This helps to safeguard the well-being of children.

- Supporting young people in developing a healthy and balanced lifestyle goes beyond simply addressing their immediate physical needs; it also involves nurturing their emotional and mental well-being. This includes creating safe spaces where they feel valued and heard, encouraging open communication about their feelings and experiences, and promoting resilience through coping strategies and stress management techniques. By fostering an environment of trust and understanding, we can help young people build self-esteem and a positive self-image, equipping them with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges and make informed, healthy decisions that will benefit them in the long term.

- Assisting in the creation and planning of activities that promote cognitive stimulation and personal growth. These activities can be tailored to individual interests and needs, ensuring that they are both engaging and beneficial. By incorporating a variety of exercises, such as puzzles, memory games, creative arts, and physical activities, we aim to keep the mind sharp and the body active. Moreover, we consider the importance of social interaction, designing group activities that encourage collaboration and communication, which are essential for mental well-being. By regularly updating and adapting these activities based on feedback and progress, we ensure that the young people remain motivated and continue to experience personal development.

- Identifying Strengths: Identifying strengths is not only about recognising what young people are good at but also about fostering a growth mindset that encourages exploration and resilience. By helping them understand their unique abilities and passions, we can guide them toward paths that align with their natural talents and personal values. This process often involves exposing them to a variety of experiences and challenges, allowing them to test their skills in different contexts. As they gain confidence in their abilities, they become more open to pursuing unconventional opportunities or fields they might have previously overlooked. This self-awareness not only boosts their self-esteem but also empowers them to make informed decisions about their future, whether in education, career, or personal development.

- Promoting Well-being: Promoting well-being in the workplace goes beyond just physical safety; it encompasses mental, emotional, and social aspects as well. Ensuring a positive and supportive environment fosters a sense of belonging and engagement among both young people and staff members. This can be achieved by implementing programs that encourage open communication, providing access to mental health resources, and creating opportunities for professional development. By addressing the holistic needs of everyone involved, United Children can cultivate a culture of mutual respect and care, leading to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.

What We Offer:

- Progression and Training: Full training provided, along with opportunities for career advancement.

- Supportive Environment: Consistent and reliable support from a team that values your contribution.

- Healthy Work-Life Balance: Promoting a balanced lifestyle for both staff and young people.

- Additional Benefits:

- Casual dress code

- Company pension scheme

- Free food

- Free on-site parking

Work Schedule: - Shifts: Day shift, Night shift, Overtime, and Weekend availability required.

Work Location: In-person, Werrington

Application Process:

If you are a motivated and caring individual looking to make a real difference in the lives of young people, we would love to hear from you! Join us and be part of a team that truly cares. Together, we can create brighter futures for the children and young people in our care.

Apply now and embark on a rewarding career with us!

United Children is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all sectors of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract

Pay: 32,000.00-34,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 - 45 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress On-site parking
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: UCLST29EB1