Residential Worker

Residential Worker

Permanent, Full Time

£26,834.50 up to £34,244.10 per annum (includes allowance)

Location: Colchester

Closing Date: Monday 14th October 2024 at 11.59pm

Are you interested in working with children and young people to make a difference in their lives? If so, then this could be the right opportunity for you.

It is an exciting time to join Essex County Council as we invest in and expand our residential provision. New Farm Road will be a newly refurbished short-term home for five 12-16 year olds, and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team around the child you will support them to develop the skills and resilience to return to their families, or onto longer-term care.

Being a Residential Worker requires a special kind of person. Day to day your main focus will be on providing nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, supporting and caring for them as a parent would, and each day brings unique experiences, filled with both highs and lows.

Previous experience of working in a children's home, would be beneficial however there are many skills that you might have that would make you suitable for the role. It is important to be open minded and have a flexible and adaptable attitude and be able to manage challenges with a calm and patient demeanour. You will have an ability/willingness to understand and manage challenging behaviour including aggression and violence using a range of de-escalation techniques. You will also need to have effective written and verbal communication.

If you don't already have a Level 3 Diploma you will need to complete this within 2 years of starting employment. We will provide you with all the training you need for the role along with good quality, regular supervision. This, together with the right attitude and access to a full in-house induction, will enable you to start your career with Essex County Council with confidence.

You will work 37 hours over a mixture of early (7am - 2.30pm) and late shifts (2pm - 9.30pm) and have every other weekend off.

If shortlisted you will have an initial interview to explore the detail you provide in your application and give you an opportunity to discuss the role and ask any questions. This can be virtual or in person. If you are successful at this initial interview you will be invited to a 2nd interview at the home, where you will meet some of the team, answer a written question and some further set interview questions.

Due to nature of this role any applicants need to be at least 21 years old in order to undertake this post.