Residential Support Worker (must have driving license)

Purpose of the Post
To assist the manager in achieving the aims and objectives of the Statement of Purpose. To deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager/Deputy Manager. To support and manage the staff to enable them to meet the needs of the children and young people. To undertake direct work with children and young people as appropriate. To work in partnership with other professionals to achieve optimum outcomes for young people.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Responsible for supervising junior home staff as directed

Equal Opportunities
All young people are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. All staff members responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and for challenging any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any young person or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation or any other perceived difference.

Accountable To
Deputy House Manager, Registered Manager and The Responsible individual

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

To meet the needs of children through:

• To provide a caring, supportive and nurturing environment in which children/young people can feel secure and free from harm.
• To actively promote the child's/young person's education by assisting with and encouraging school attendance, homework, school liaison, attending parent's meetings/evenings, PEP's etc, in particular with the Education Department.
• To act as a positive role model to any child within the organisation. To bring into practice a therapeutic approach in dealing with any child regardless of age.
• To assist the Support Workers in their roles as Key Workers and act as a link worker to the Children/Young People when their Key Worker is not available.
• Ensuring that each member of staff is aware of each child's care plan and their responsibilities for its implementation
• Attending childcare reviews and planning meetings to provide information and achieve best outcomes for young people
• Undertaking direct work with young people and acting as an appropriate role model.
• To be responsible for, the maintenance of good quality written records and reports regarding the children/young people in our care. To ensure that all paperwork is clear and eligible.
• Chairing children's meetings and facilitating consultation with young people generally
• Acting as an appropriate adult where appropriate.

To manage a staff team through:

• Providing direction in relation to staff duties and responsibilities.
• Taking responsibility for planning shifts and ensuring their smooth running when on duty.
• Providing consultation and informal advice and support to staff in relation to day to day matters.
• Contributing to team and staff meetings to facilitate good communication and staff development
• To co operate with the company's relevant health and safety legislation, policies and procedures in the performance of the duties of the post
• Ensuring staff work within the Homes policies, procedures and National
• Minimum Standards requirements

General Responsibilities:

• To assist the Registered/Deputy Manager in the implementation of all aspects of the Statement of Purpose
• To drive company vehicles - subject to policies and procedures
• To work on a rota basis according to the needs of young people
• To ensure that resources are allocated appropriately and financial records are accurately maintained
• To receive supervision in line with National Minimum Standards and to take responsibility for personal development and progress of individual training needs

Special Conditions

• Minimum NVQ level 3 in residential childcare and a minimum of 2 years' experience in working within a children's residential home
• This post requires the holder to do varying shifts, which include early morning and late evening work and an on call rota system. The post holder also is required to work weekends as part of a rota and Bank Holidays when required. Sleeping-in duties are also required which is paid at an additional rate.
• On occasions you may be requested to change your rota at a given notice as per your contract, to ensure the contingencies of the service are covered. This may also include covering an additional sleep-in duty as an emergency measure.
• In accordance with the guidelines on Health and Safety, to accept responsibility for working within these guidelines and reporting any concerns to the Registered Manager.
• To undertake such other duties appropriate to the grade of the post and the needs of the Organisation in order to develop and maintain service delivery. However the Organisation will be mindful at all times to ensure that these duties are not so onerous as to prevent the Senior RSO fulfilling their role.
• This post requires the holder to have a clear Criminal Records Bureau check at all times Changes to personal circumstances which may effect this must be notified to your line manager immediately. Post holder will require to be on the DBS update service.