Residential Child Care Worker - The Orchard - Taunton Taunton, England
Job description
Start or continue a rewarding career in child care as a Residential Child Care Worker
Step in to summer with Five Rivers Child Care, we have an exciting opportunity for more caring individuals to join our team at The Orchard, a home for up to three children aged 6 – 12 on admission. You will be working with an experienced team and in a culture where children are respected, listened to and involved in as many decisions as possible.The home is easily commutable from towns such as Taunton, Bridgewater, Ilminster and Langport.
Could you be that someone who can connect with a child and change their life? If so, read on to find out more about this highly fulfilling job.
As a Residential Care Worker, your day will be varied and interesting whilst also following a planned structure, so you know what to expect. You will support our children to learn healthy routines, take them to appointments, help with schooling, complete household tasks and ensure electronic records are up to date. You’ll also be able to take the children on trips - how many people can say they get to go kayaking, watch a film or go to a theme park in their working day?
Our leadership team 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. 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 Orchard team, 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 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.
Our Team at The Orchard
We are a friendly group of 18 residential workers, and we’re looking for new people to join our family. We work from a beautiful detached house on the Somerset Levels, surrounded mostly by fields of cows and sheep. There is a big garden, allowing the children (and adults!) to play, have fun, eat, and socialise all year round. The role is hugely rewarding but often challenging, so we make sure we’re always there for each other when times get hard. We can’t wait to welcome another member of the team and we will make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
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
- Must have a Full UK Driving license.
- 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 follow the lead of a shift leader.
- QCF Level 3/4 in Children and Young people is desirable. If you do not have either of these qualifications, we will give you this training.
- Be committed to ongoing professional development and achieve the Level 4 diploma in Children and Young people.
If you have experience working with children or simply have the passion to make a difference, we would love to hear from you!
Please do not delay in applying. Apply directly and fill out an application form or call the recruitment team on 01722 435750 (option 4) for more information.
To view the role profile in full, please click apply
Role_Profile_RCW_1.1.pdf
Five Rivers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children and Young People. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including employment references and a DBS check.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Five Rivers is an Investor in People and Equal Opportunities employer. In 2021 we were named Employer of the Year award at the National Children and Young People Awards. Why? Find out here: https://bit.ly/3xt21u9
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £21,514.55-£24,936.26 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Referral programme
- Store discount
- Wellness programme
Schedule:
- 12 hour shift
- Day shift
- Holidays
- Night shift
- Overtime
- Weekend availability
Supplemental pay types:
- Bonus scheme
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: On the road
Reference ID: VA559
