Senior Support Worker

Description:

Senior Support Worker – Ofsted Childrens Service 
 
LOCATION:               Chatham 
 
SALARY:                   £25,500 - £26,500
 
DURATION:               Permanent 
 
HOURS:                     40 per week
 
SUMMARY OF THE ROLE
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Support Worker to join our client’s team at their Ofsted registered Children's Home. The Senior Support Worker will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality care and support to the children and young people. This position offers an excellent opportunity for personal and professional development in a rewarding field.
 
Day-to-day duties will include:
 
Direct Care and Support:

Provide direct care and support to children and young people in accordance with their individual care plans.
Foster a safe and nurturing environment, promoting their well-being and development.  
Leadership and Mentorship:

Lead by example and provide guidance and support to support workers.
Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members.  
Individual Care Planning:

Contribute to the development and review of individual care plans and risk assessments.
Implement strategies and interventions to meet the specific needs of each child.  
Behaviour Management:

Work closely with the team to manage and de-escalate challenging behaviours.
Support children in developing positive coping strategies.  
Record Keeping:

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including daily logs and incident reports.
Ensure records are compliant with regulatory requirements.  
Collaboration:

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, therapists, and educators.
Attend team meetings and contribute to care planning discussions.  
Responsibilities in the Absence of Registered Manager and Deputy:

Assume responsibility for all administrative and childcare functions at the Home.
Distinguish between immediate and deferred decisions effectively.
Make decisions in line with company, Registered Manager's, and Ofsted's expectations.
Familiarise oneself with the company's philosophy and policies.
Maintain the confidentiality of work.
Support the promotion of good childcare practice within the home, including:  
Supervision and Guidance of Staff:

Provide day-to-day supervision and guidance to staff on care standards, aligned with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 (CHR2015) and company guidelines.
Play a significant role in supervising Key Workers, encouraging their responsibility and accountability in child assessment, monitoring, planning, and evaluation.
Ensure comprehensive casework records for children are maintained and decisions are executed.
Assist the Registered Manager in ensuring specific plans are carried out.
Demonstrate good childcare practices in direct work with children, serving as a model for other staff.
Act as a shift leader when working directly with children and be a role model to staff and children.  
Child Safeguarding and Participation:

Actively participate in Case Conferences, Reviews, and Planning Meetings.
Compile written reports as needed.
Seek the views and opinions of children and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.
Support other staff in report compilation and involving children in reviews.
Attend and participate in case conferences, reviews, and planning meetings as appropriate.
Assist the Registered Manager in specific administrative tasks.  
Administrative Duties and Team Management:

Perform specific tasks delegated by the Registered Manager and Deputy.
Monitor and assist other staff in their administrative duties.
Take charge of all administrative functions and operations in the absence of the Registered Manager and Deputy.
Support the management of the staff team to maximize their output and potential.
Contribute to the development of the company’s childcare practices.  
Communication and Information Sharing:

Assist the Registered Manager in disseminating information and providing guidance to the staff team based on meeting outcomes.
Participate in planning and service provision and contribute to working groups when requested.
Effectively share information with the entire staff team through mediums like team meetings, supervisions, and handovers.  
Essentials:

A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar support worker role, within an Ofsted regulated Children's Home setting.
Previous experience working with children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties (EBD).
Minimum of Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care for Children and Young People or equivalent.
Minimum Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
ILM Leadership and Management – Level 3 minimum
A strong understanding of relevant legislation and regulations governing Children's Homes.
Knowledge of Child in Need, Child Protection & LAC Plans.  
For more information on this role please contact Emily Rex on (phone number removed)