Residential Worker

Location: Forres, Moray

Hours: Permanent, Part time (working 858 hours a year / 16.5hrs per week)

Salary: £24,500 per annum pro rata, salary dependent on qualification and experience

How do Action for Children work?

Action for Children does what's right, does what's needed and does what works for children in the UK. Every year, our team changes the lives of 301,000 children, young people and families.

We provide quality residential care for up to 12 young people across Moray aged 11 - 18 years who cannot live at home and who are not yet able to live independently. 2 of the houses are purpose built small children's homes which opened in 1998 & 1999, are owned and managed by Action for Children and the third house is owned by Moray council and leased by Action for Children.

We aim to provide a secure and nurturing environment in which young people feel safe, can discover their value and worth as individuals and gain a sense of their own self. They are encouraged to participate fully in the decision making process and given opportunities to help and support one another. This is achieved by stressing the positive roles of care and focuses on the needs and rights of the young people. We adopt a flexible approach to all aspects of care

You'll be working 16.5hrs per week on an annualised contract (858 hrs per year) shift rota basis including weekends, evenings and sleep-ins (including bank holidays and the festive season). Please be aware that the hours may increase or decrease per week depending on the service needs but will be no more than the allocated 858 hours per year. This will be worked out in advance with your line manager.

How will you make a difference?

By having the ability to work flexibly.

To be able to cope well under pressure.

By building strong relationships with the young people you are working with.

By being committed to taking residential trips with young people.

By promoting a safe environment, where young people can thrive and try out new experiences and have fun.

By advocating on behalf of the children and young people

By becoming part of the staff team and providing support for young people during their stay

By working as part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency team

What will you need?

Flexibility to work as part of a rota
Previous experience of working in a residential life space
SVQ Level 3 in children and young people and a HNC in social care or the willingness to work towards this (salary dependant on qualifications and experience)
Experience of working in a residential life space, ideally with experience of key working responsibilities.
Ability to work under pressure while maintaining drive and enthusiasm
Comprehensive knowledge of child development and attachment.
To be able to effectively and safely deal with children and young people with challenging behaviour
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
Good knowledge of IT and ability to work confidently using it - specifically word and email
Ability to write reports electronically and be committed to the requirement of using technology
Good knowledge of Safeguarding, and keeping young people safe
To be SSSC registered
Own car / access to a car or vehicle desirable

Please see attached documents for a more detailed job description and experience requirements.

How will we reward you?

Minimum 29 days' holiday
Flexible working, including maternity, paternity and adoption packages
Season ticket travel loans
Company pension scheme
Discounts at major high street retailers.

Plus, there's a lot more besides.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable children's lives and to build a fulfilling and meaningful career with a leading UK children's charity.

Action for Children is committed to safer recruitment practices, designed to protect the welfare of the children and young people using our services.

Apply now!

Please note: Interviews are being held on w/c 4th Nov 2019 in Moray.

If you would more information about Action for Children come to our open day on 9th October 2019 2-4pm which we are holding in Winchester House, 1 King Street, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1EU. Come and chat directly to our staff who can answer all your questions on what we do, how we do it and how much you will enjoy it.

Guidant is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.