Address
Form of work
SalaryLOCATION: Chatham
SALARY: £25,500 - £26,500
DURATION:Permanent
HOURS: 40 per week
SUMMARY OF THE ROLE
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Support Worker to join our client’s team at their Ofsted registered Children's Home. The Senior Support Worker will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality care and support to the children and young people. This position offers an excellent opportunity for personal and professional development in a rewarding field.
Day-to-day duties will include:
Direct Care and Support:
- Provide direct care and support to children and young people in accordance with their individual care plans.
- Foster a safe and nurturing environment, promoting their well-being and development.
Leadership and Mentorship:
- Lead by example and provide guidance and support to Support Workers.
- Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members.
Individual Care Planning:
- Contribute to the development and review of individual care plans and risk assessments.
- Implement strategies and interventions to meet the specific needs of each child.
Behaviour Management:
- Work closely with the team to manage and de-escalate challenging behaviours.
- Support children in developing positive coping strategies.
Record Keeping:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including daily logs and incident reports.
- Ensure records are compliant with regulatory requirements.
Collaboration:
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, therapists, and educators.
- Attend team meetings and contribute to care planning discussions.
Responsibilities in the Absence of Registered Manager and Deputy:
- Assume responsibility for all administrative and childcare functions at the Home.
- Distinguish between immediate and deferred decisions effectively.
- Make decisions in line with company, Registered Manager's, and Ofsted's expectations.
- Familiarise oneself with the company's philosophy and policies.
- Maintain the confidentiality of work.
- Support the promotion of good childcare practice within the home, including:
Supervision and Guidance of Staff:
- Provide day-to-day supervision and guidance to staff on care standards, aligned with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 (CHR2015) and company guidelines.
- Play a significant role in supervising Key Workers, encouraging their responsibility and accountability in child assessment, monitoring, planning, and evaluation.
- Ensure comprehensive casework records for children are maintained and decisions are executed.
- Assist the Registered Manager in ensuring specific plans are carried out.
- Demonstrate good childcare practices in direct work with children, serving as a model for other staff.
- Act as a shift leader when working directly with children and be a role model to staff and children.
Child Safeguarding and Participation:
- Actively participate in Case Conferences, Reviews, and Planning Meetings.
- Compile written reports as needed.
- Seek the views and opinions of children and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.
- Support other staff in report compilation and involving children in reviews.
- Attend and participate in case conferences, reviews, and planning meetings as appropriate.
- Assist the Registered Manager in specific administrative tasks.
Administrative Duties and Team Management:
- Perform specific tasks delegated by the Registered Manager and Deputy.
- Monitor and assist other staff in their administrative duties.
- Take charge of all administrative functions and operations in the absence of the Registered Manager and Deputy.
- Support the management of the staff team to maximize their output and potential.
- Contribute to the development of the company’s childcare practices.
Communication and Information Sharing:
- Assist the Registered Manager in disseminating information and providing guidance to the staff team based on meeting outcomes.
- Participate in planning and service provision and contribute to working groups when requested.
- Effectively share information with the entire staff team through mediums like team meetings, supervisions, and handovers.
Essentials:
- A minimum of two 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.
- Minimum Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
- ILM Leadership and Management – Level 3 minimum
- A strong understanding of relevant legislation and regulations governing Children's Homes.
- Knowledge of Child in Need, Child Protection & LAC Plans.
For more information on this role please contact Emily Rex on
