Residential Child Care Worker (Sessional/Casual) | Job in Islington

Welcome to an exciting opportunity for a passionate and dedicated Residential Child Care Worker in the heart of London! This role is ideal for individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people within our care.

*Responsibilities: *

• Provide high-quality residential care, ensuring the emotional, educational, and social needs of each child are met.
• Collaborate with the team to create and implement individualized care plans for each child.
• Contribute to a safe, secure, and stimulating environment that supports children's growth and development.
• Develop positive relationships with children, promoting trust, understanding, and emotional wellbeing.
• Work closely with other professionals involved in the children's lives, such as social workers and educational specialists.
• Assist with daily routines, including meal preparation, homework help, and leisure activities.
• Maintain accurate records and reports regarding each child's progress and wellbeing.
• Participate in ongoing training and development to enhance your skills and knowledge in childcare.

*Qualifications: *

• Proven experience working with children in a residential care setting is essential.
• A relevant qualification in Child Care, Social Work, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with children and colleagues alike.
• Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• A genuine commitment to the welfare and development of children in care.
• A valid Enhanced DBS check or willingness to obtain one.

Join us in our mission to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for the children in our care. Apply today to take your career in childcare to the next level!

Competencies

• Understanding of Childcare: Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of child development principles, and the ability to apply these in a residential setting. This includes an awareness of children's rights, safeguarding, child protection, and equality and diversity.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with children, young people, colleagues, and external agencies.

• Empathy and Patience: A genuine care for the well-being of the children in your care, combined with patience, understanding, and the ability to provide emotional support when needed.

• Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting colleagues in providing high-quality care. This includes being adaptable and flexible in your approach.

• Resilience: The ability to remain calm under pressure, maintain professionalism, and cope effectively with challenging situations that may arise in the residential setting.

• Physical Stamina: A good level of physical fitness, as the role requires the ability to undertake manual handling tasks, such as lifting and moving children safely.

• Creativity and Resourcefulness: The ability to plan and implement a range of engaging activities that promote children's personal, social, and educational development. This includes being able to think creatively and resourcefully when faced with unexpected challenges.

• Professional Qualifications: A relevant Level 3 or above childcare qualification is desirable. Relevant experience will also be considered if the candidate can demonstrate a sound understanding of childcare principles.

• Registration: Registration (or willingness to register) with the appropriate professional body, such as the National College for Teaching and Leadership or Ofsted, would be advantageous.

• Experience in Residential Childcare: Experience working in a residential childcare setting, particularly with children who have complex needs.

• First Aid Training: First aid at work or paediatric first aid training is beneficial, as is any other relevant training, such as manual handling or safeguarding.

• Understanding of Therapeutic Care: Knowledge and understanding of therapeutic care approaches, particularly those that support children with complex needs, would be advantageous.

• Language Skills: Proficiency in a second language could be beneficial, depending on the needs of the children in our care.

• Driving License: A full UK driving license (or willingness to obtain one) would be beneficial, as the role may require travel between different residential settings.

Applicant Profile

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Residential Child Care Worker to join our team at our childcare facilities in London. The ideal candidate will be committed to providing the highest quality of care and support to children in need.

• Relevant qualification or experience in childcare, social work, psychology, or a related field is required.

• Registered (or eligible for registration) with Ofsted, the regulatory body for children's services in England.

• Proven experience working with children in residential settings, preferably within the local authority or charity sector.

• A strong understanding of child protection procedures and safeguarding best practices.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with both children and colleagues.

• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with children.

• Ability to handle challenging behavior in a calm and effective manner.

• Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for the children.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively.

• Flexibility and adaptability, as the role requires working on a sessional/casual basis, including evenings, weekends, and school holidays.

• A non-judgmental approach and the ability to respect the individuality of each child.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively.

• Speaking a second language would be beneficial for communication with children from diverse backgrounds.

• Experience in working with children who have complex needs, such as those with learning difficulties or behavioral challenges.

• Knowledge of therapeutic approaches or interventions used in childcare settings.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and possess the skills and attributes outlined above, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application along with a covering letter explaining why you believe you would be an excellent addition to our team. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Daily Activities

In this role as a Sessional/Casual Residential Child Care Worker in London, your days will be filled with meaningful and rewarding interactions that make a significant difference in the lives of children. Here's an overview of your daily activities:

• Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment: You will work collaboratively with the residential team to ensure the safety, well-being, and happiness of each child in our care. This includes maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming living space for all residents.

• Providing Emotional Support: Building trusting relationships with children is crucial. You will offer emotional support, guidance, and encouragement to help them navigate through their challenges and achieve personal growth.

• Planning and Facilitating Activities: Every day brings new opportunities for learning and fun! You'll be responsible for planning and leading age-appropriate activities that foster creativity, social skills, and educational development. These could range from arts and crafts sessions to outdoor games, academic tutoring, or life skills workshops.

• Collaborating with the Team: Effective communication and teamwork are essential. You will work closely with other care workers, social workers, and managers to ensure each child receives consistent, high-quality care. Regular meetings and discussions will help you stay informed about individual children's needs and progress.

• Documentation: To maintain a comprehensive record of each child's progress and wellbeing, you will be required to document observations, interactions, and any significant events. This helps us provide the best possible care for every child in our program.

• Following Policies and Procedures: It is essential that you adhere to all relevant policies, guidelines, and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in our care. You will also be expected to participate in regular training sessions to stay updated on best practices in child care.

• Promoting Cultural Awareness: Our organization values diversity and inclusivity. As a Residential Child Care Worker, you'll help create an environment where every child feels valued, respected, and understood, regardless of their background or circumstances.

• Collaborating with Parents/Guardians: Open and honest communication with parents or guardians is key to supporting the children in our care. You will work closely with them to ensure consistency between home and residential life, and to provide regular updates on their child's progress and wellbeing.

By joining us as a Sessional/Casual Residential Child Care Worker, you'll be part of a dedicated team that is passionate about making a positive impact in children's lives. We look forward to your application!

Company Background

*About Us *

We are a non-profit organization based in London, dedicated to providing high-quality residential care for children and young people who require safe, nurturing, and supportive environments. Established over 30 years ago, our mission is to empower vulnerable children and young people to achieve their full potential by offering them a stable, loving home where they can thrive.

Our organization is regulated by Ofsted and adheres to the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and Children's Homes. We are committed to providing exceptional care that respects each child's individuality, fosters their emotional well-being, and supports their development towards independence.

*Our Vision *

Our vision is a world where every child grows up feeling loved, safe, and valued. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.

*Our Values *

• Child-centered: We prioritize the needs, feelings, and perspectives of each child we care for.
• Empowerment: We empower our children to make choices that will positively impact their lives.
• Collaboration: We collaborate with our team members, other professionals, and the wider community to provide holistic support to our children.
• Respect: We treat all children, staff, and stakeholders with dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Learning: We value continuous learning and development for both our children and staff members.

*Current Opportunity - Residential Child Care Worker (Sessional/Casual) *

We are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as Residential Child Care Workers on a sessional or casual basis. If you have a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people, we would love to hear from you. As a Residential Child Care Worker, you will play a crucial role in providing emotional support, guidance, and care to our children, ensuring their well-being and helping them to develop essential life skills.

Join us at this exceptional organization that offers rewarding opportunities to make a real impact on the lives of some of London's most vulnerable children. Help us create a brighter future for these incredible young people, one day at a time. To apply, please visit our website and submit your application via our online portal. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Offered Benefits

In this role as a Sessional/Casual Residential Child Care Worker, we offer a range of benefits designed to support and reward your contributions towards our shared mission of providing a safe, nurturing environment for the children in our care. Here's an overview of the benefits you can expect:

• Competitive Pay Rates: We offer competitive hourly rates for both sessional and casual workers, ensuring that you are fairly compensated for your time and dedication.

• Flexible Working Hours: Our schedule allows for flexibility, making it possible to balance your professional and personal commitments effectively. You choose when you work based on our needs and your availability.

• Comprehensive Training Programs: We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure you have the skills and knowledge required to deliver exceptional care. This includes both in-house training and external courses relevant to childcare and safeguarding.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP offers free, confidential counseling services to help you manage personal or work-related issues that could impact your wellbeing.

• Holiday Entitlement: You will accrue paid holiday leave in line with the UK statutory guidelines, allowing you to take a well-deserved break when needed.

• Pension Scheme: We offer a workplace pension scheme, giving you the opportunity to save for your future while working with us.

• Employee Referral Program: Refer a friend or colleague who successfully joins our team, and you could receive a referral bonus as a token of our appreciation.

• Supportive Team Environment: Work alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. Our team is committed to supporting each other and creating a positive work atmosphere.

• Recognition Programs: We value hard work and dedication, which is why we have various recognition programs in place to celebrate your achievements and milestones within our organization.

• Opportunities for Career Progression: Demonstrate your commitment and skills as a Residential Child Care Worker, and you may be eligible for advancement opportunities within our organization.