Residential Support Worker

About the role

We’re looking for a Children’s Residential Support Worker to join our ever-growing team in a short breaks service for children with disabilities. You'll be a role model and mentor and play a key part in the support system for children who have experienced significant trauma. You'll play a vital role in helping them build healthy relationships and discover the benefits of education. It's tough, it's challenging but it's incredibly rewarding.

Applications are invited who have appropriate experience and have a professional approach to carry out all aspects of personal and direct care in supporting children with various disabilities. You will be introducing children to new activities and supporting them to be as independent as possible. Some of the children we work with have difficulty forming relationships, following routines and accepting boundaries and can display challenging behaviour.

We'll look to you to

Plan and provide child-centred cultural, physical, play and recreational activities

Think creatively about – and contribute to – effective care planning

Provide appropriate therapeutic relationships with the children

Develop your understanding of therapeutic childcare practice

Monitor the care and treatment of your assigned children within the household

We work to a flexible working rota 365 days of the year including long days, sleep shifts, waking nights

We'll care for you too

You're not just part of a team, you're part of our family. Support echoes through every part of our community, and your colleagues are always here to lend a hand or share a smile. We also offer the following benefits to make your journey with us even more rewarding:

Sleep-in allowances which means you could earn up to £4k more annually.

Paid overtime (based on operational requirements)

Generous annual leave in addition to bank holidays with the ability to buy additional leave annually

A comprehensive range of informal and formal wellbeing support

Excellent employer contribution pension

Access to Vivup employee benefits

Access to electric car lease scheme

Access to a wide range of training, learning and development

A full induction programme including 80 hours shadowing period, induction booklet and regular supervision/probation.

Salary benefits include double time for bank holidays, time and a half for Sunday hours, 0.33 extra for waking nights, £84 for a sleep plus 9% for overtime.

Sick pay

Free flu jabs

What’s more, we’re deeply invested in your professional growth and development. As part of your role, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a fully accredited and funded Diploma for residential care level3/4.

About you

We're looking for someone who embodies resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. Someone who can believe in the untapped potential of these children when others have given up. Drawing on your life experiences, you can provide valuable guidance and support to help them thrive. You'll also need:

Staff to have a willingness to work towards or hold the recognised NVQ 4 or QCF diploma in working with children and young people in Residential care, or equivalent relevant Children’s Residential work

Staff have a willingness to complete or to hold the recognised HSC 375 medication or equivalent.

Desire to undertake further education / training

Training or qualifications that demonstrate a clear ability to communicate effectively and think critically

A valid and full UK driving licence

The legal right to live and work in the UK

About the Middlesbrough Council Children’s residential services

At Middlesbrough Council we are passionate about the children of Middlesbrough. We believe that with support and opportunities, children can overcome challenges and shape their future. We see their untold stories, possibilities, dreams, and untapped potential – and we believe in their ability to rewrite their destiny.

Our Residential services include:

Fir Tree and Willow Tree provides care for children aged 8-18 who may have social, emotional and behavioral difficulties as well as complex needs.

Rosecroft Residential & Staying Close Service cares for children aged 16-18 with the aim of supporting and transitioning these young people on to independence.

Holly Lodge Children’s home cares for children aged 8-17 who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder or other learning disabilities.

Gleneagles Resource Centre for Children with Disabilities is a short break service for children and young people who have been diagnosed with a medium to severe learning, physical and disability.

Future for Families provides which is our NWD service accommodation for children and young people who, for a variety of reasons, cannot currently live with their families or need a short break to remain with their families or current foster carers.

Daniel Court provides supported accommodation for 16-18 years in self-contained flats.

Apply now

Please note: This is a part time vacancy working 20 hours a week.

If you believe that you have the experience and expertise required to succeed in this role, please apply.

All applicants shortlisted for interview must be willing to attend a visit day and complete an application form (for regulatory purposes).

If you have any question about the role or the work we do, please email Jackie_baxter@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Middlesbrough Council is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be able to provide evidence of having the right to live and work in the UK.

The above post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.