Job Description

About Us

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

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Residential Waking Night Support Workers to join our team at our Ofsted registered Children's Home. The Residential Waking Night Support Worker will play a crucial role in providing direct care and support throughout the night to the children and young people under our care, helping create a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive. The successful applicant will have a good knowledge of Safeguarding and the MISPER process, the ability to record accurate information and follow local reporting protocols to Out of Hours and the police.

Waking night and sleep-in shifts will be available.

Key Responsibilities

1. Direct Care and Support:

- Provide care and support to children and young people, throughout the night 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 MISPERs, incidents, activities 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.

Overall Responsibilities

Establishment and Maintenance of Home Environment:

Contribute to the establishment, maintenance, and development of a nurturing home environment that fosters emotional security and personal growth for children.

Become well-versed in the company's philosophy and policies.

Actively participate in planning and engaging children in recreational and social activities.

Maintain the confidentiality of work.

Children's Care:

Cultivate positive relationships with children based on confidence, trust, understanding, and mutual respect, serving as a role model for all staff.

Encourage children to adhere to socially acceptable standards of behaviour.

Offer guidance and counselling of a personal and social nature to all children.

Share responsibility for safely supervising children and maintaining adequate control.

Act as a Key Worker for young people, handling casework, report writing, and the initiation and execution of individual care plans.

Staff Team:

Take responsibility for your own professional development.

Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, supervisions, and appraisals as necessary.

Engage in relevant In-Service Training.

Be involved in the induction and initial support of new staff.

Assessment, Recording, and Reporting:

Utilize the company's mechanisms for recording children's progress and development effectively.

Contribute to accurate report writing as required.

Attend and contribute to the Annual Multi-disciplinary Review, care planning, or other meetings as needed.

Resource Management:

Make efficient use of available resources within the home and remain aware of resources provided by the company and within the community.

Maintain orderliness and cleanliness in children's living and social areas, especially in emergencies.

Management, Organization, and Administration:

Objectively monitor the quality of relationships among children and between staff and children, continuously striving for improvement.

Ensure comprehensive casework records are maintained for all children under your care.

General Duties:

Perform any reasonable task requested by the Registered Manager, Deputy, or Senior Support Worker.

Act as a driver and/or escort for transporting children to and from school, appointments, and activities.

Fulfil sleeping-in duties as required.

A minimum of one years' 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).

Minimum of Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care for Children and Young People or equivalent.

Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.

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.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Zero hours contract

Pay: 12.50-14.50 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Free parking Transport links
Application question(s):

Are you willing to work weekends ?
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:

Ofsted regulated residential childcare: 1 year (preferred) children's residential home: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (preferred) NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person