Residential Support Worker

About the role

Our new Children's Home accommodates children and young people aged 6 - 17 years old who have complex psychological, emotional and behaviour needs which have unfolded in the context of traumas. The home will accommodate up to 3 young people.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Support Worker to make a huge difference to our young people's lives by working with their care and support plan to provide personalized care and creating a calm, safe living environment. You will work in the community and integrate with agencies creatively to improve the experiences and outcomes of the children and young people and support their transition from a children's home back to a family home, either with their birth family, a carefully matched foster carer or supporting their transition to independence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning social and leisure programs for young people
• Escorting young people to appointments and activities including therapy sessions
• Assisting your Manager with planning and leading shifts
• Maintaining up to date and comprehensive records
• Supporting your colleagues

You'll need to be happy to work on a seven days rota system, including some sleep-in duties, weekend work and working according to the needs of the Home.

Read the job description and person specification before clicking 'Apply' to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact Sophie.Nzenwa@Barnet.gov.uk

About You

We would like to invite applicants who enjoy working in the community and integrating with agencies creatively to improve the experiences and outcomes of the children and young people. You should have the resilience to deal with behaviours that are challenging and experience of working with children who struggle to self-regulate.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• Have experience as a Support Worker in residential childcare settings
• Be committed to nurturing young people's needs and can empathise with their needs
• Demonstrate resilience to deal with challenging behaviours
• Have experience working with children who struggle to self-regulate
• Be willing to work flexibly according to the needs of the Home

Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures. We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months.

Barnet Offer to You

Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centers, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. As an organisation, our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.

Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview.

• 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents
• Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time
• A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers
• Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Employee well-being training programs including confidential employee assistance