Children's Residential Support Worker - Skelmersdale WN - The Olive Branch Care Services

Description

Purpose of the Role

To provide consistent, nurturing, and therapeutic care to children and young people living in the home, helping them feel safe, valued, and supported to achieve positive outcomes.

You will act as a key adult, supporting emotional, social, and educational development, and promoting independence in line with each child's care plan.

Key Responsibilities

1. Providing High-Quality Care

• Build trusting, positive relationships with the child based on respect, empathy, and understanding.
• Provide consistent day-to-day care, including emotional support, education routines, meals, and personal care where required.
• Implement care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support plans in line with policies and regulations.
• Support the child to participate in education, leisure, family contact, and community activities.
• Promote healthy routines — including diet, sleep, and exercise — and support emotional regulation.

2. Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Always promote the safety and wellbeing of the child.
• Follow the organisation's safeguarding procedures and report concerns immediately to management or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Record and report all incidents, disclosures, and significant events accurately and promptly.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold confidentiality at all times.

3. Behaviour Support and Emotional Regulation

• Use trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches to help the child understand and manage their emotions.
• Implement agreed de-escalation and behaviour management strategies
• Participate in post-incident debriefs and reflective practice sessions.

4. Recording and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and timely records including daily logs, risk assessments, care plan updates, and incident reports.
• Contribute to reviews, placement plans, and multi-agency meetings where required.
• Ensure all documentation meets Ofsted and data protection standards.

5. Teamwork and Professionalism

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, managers, and external professionals (e.g., social workers, therapists, educators).
• Attend staff meetings, supervision, and training as required.
• Contribute positively to a supportive, reflective, and learning culture within the team.
• Uphold the home's ethos, values, and Statement of Purpose.

6. Personal and Professional Development

• Participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal.
• Undertake all mandatory training, including safeguarding, first aid, and behaviour support.
• Complete or work towards the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (England) within the first 2 years of employment (if not already achieved).
• Engage in reflective practice and continuous learning to improve quality of care.

Key Competencies

• Empathy, patience, and resilience when working with children who have experienced trauma.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and respond to challenging behaviour safely and effectively.
• Organisational skills and attention to detail in recording and planning.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Experience working with children or young people in a residential, educational, or social care setting.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles.
• Willingness to complete all mandatory training.
• Basic literacy, numeracy, and IT skills.

Desirable:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (England) or equivalent.
• Experience supporting children with trauma, attachment difficulties, or complex needs.
• Full UK driving licence.

Job Type: Freelance

Pay: £13.50-£15.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 24 per week

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person