Residential Care Worker Role (Children)

Purpose of position

To provide high standards of nurturing and therapeutic care to children living in the home who have experienced traumatic life experiences to help them reach their full potential. The home follows a therapeutic approach based on the principles of Dyadic Developmental Practice. Training is provided and all staff are expected to work to this model.

Principal responsibilities

Caring for the children / young people

  • To strive to build positive relationships with each child/ young person at the home.

  • To promote inclusion and equal opportunities for all and challenge any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any child/young person, colleague, or other individual on the grounds of race, religion or belief, disability, age, gender, gender re-assignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference.

  • To use and promote the principles of ‘Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy’ (PACE) in everyday working with the aim of providing attachment security through consistent and attuned approaches.

  • To value and nurture each child/ young person as an individual with talents, strengths and abilities that can develop over time.

  • To take an interest in all aspects of the young person’s life, health, and well-being; and to ensure that generalised needs are met.

  • To treat each child/ young person with dignity and respect.

  • To help each child/ young person to express their views, wishes and feelings; and advocate for each child/young person when needed.

  • To contribute to ensuring that key stages in the stay of a young person such as admission and discharge, are managed properly with sensitivity.

  • Where appropriate, and as agreed with Management, to offer on-going contact or support to young people that have left the organisation.

  • To support each child/ young person’s therapy (facilitating appointments, assisting with homework, encouraging discussions, and practicing therapeutic strategies) as required.

  • To support children/ young people to enjoy and achieve both at home and within the local community.

  • To promote development of positive relationships with peers and adults (at the home, within families, and in the community).

  • To actively promote and support each child/ young person’s education, training, or employment.

  • To help each child/ young person to develop resilience and skills that prepare them for adulthood.

  • To support and encourage children/ young people to participate in decision making and planning of their futures.

  • To contribute to cleaning and maintenance at the home and ensure that the children/ young people are supported in all domestic aspects regarding their personal space and the communal areas of the home.

  • To ensure that health and safety regulations are complied with including environmental health and fire regulations.

  • To ensure that the home environment is maintained to promote a sense of order, safety, and well-being, as well as a sense of pride.

  • To report immediately to management any major structural problems with the house.

  • To maintain the vehicle in a safe condition, encouraging staff and children/ young people to take good care of this.

Safeguarding and child protection

  • To recognise, respond, record, and refer any safeguarding concerns in line with the home’s Safeguarding Policy.

  • To work in line with each child/ young person’s risk assessment and behaviour management plans.

Training, supervision and development

  • To promote the philosophy and objectives of the organisation.

  • By the relevant date to have attained the Level 3 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare; or a qualification that the registered provider considers to be equivalent.

  • To undertake any other training and professional development as directed by the registered provider.

  • To have good working knowledge of and comply with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015; the Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations including the quality standards (April 2015); and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).

  • To engage in monthly supervision sessions with the named supervisor; and to use supervisions for self-reflection of practice, reactions, and triggers.

Communication

  • To record any incidents in line with the home’s Incident Reporting Policy.

  • To participate in Home Meetings and Team Meetings and participate in CLA Reviews/ PEP Meetings/ Professionals or Planning Meetings as required.

  • To deal with email and telephone enquiries as required.

  • To maintain a professional liaison and co-operate with external agencies e.g., Local Authorities, YOS, doctors, hospitals, police, consultancy staff and others concerned with the welfare of the children/ young people.

Administration

  • To contribute to children/ young people’s placement plans and risk assessments.

  • To maintain the children/ young people’s care files, as directed by management.

  • To maintain accurate records; and ensure that all records held within the house are signed, as per legislation requirements.

  • To apply the home’s Statement of Purpose.

  • To contribute to report writing as required.

  • To sign any measures of control, discipline, or restraint for the home.

  • To manage any financial transactions for the home as directed by the Manager.

Other

  • To participate in the general activities of the home and to use any personal skills you may have to maximise opportunity for each young person.

  • To work flexible hours in response to the needs of the young people and sleeping in duties on a rota system.

  • To carry out any other duties that may be reasonably requested.

The above job description forms part of your main terms and conditions of employment, although does not include or define all tasks. The registered provider reserves the right to vary duties and responsibilities at any time.

Note: The above job description forms part of your main terms and conditions of employment, although does not include or define all tasks. The registered provider reserves the right to vary duties and responsibilities at any time.

Person specification

Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge

Essential:

  • How to meet the emotional, physical, and developmental needs of children and young people.

Desirable

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of the additional needs of ‘looked after’ children and young people.
  • Knowledge of the effects of trauma, abuse, and attachment disruption.
  • Working knowledge of Dyadic Developmental Practice (including the attitude of PACE – Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity & Empathy).
  • Working knowledge of The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015; the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the Quality Standards, 2015’; and Working together to Safeguard Children 2018.
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Skills

Skills

Essential:

Essential

  • Able to apply clear and consistent boundaries.
  • Able to communicate and engage with children/ young people/ colleagues/ families and carers.
  • Ability to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children/ young people.
  • Good level of literacy and numeracy to maintain written records, write reports keep cash records.
  • Knowledge of using IT systems (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Desirable:

Desirable

  • To hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Personal attributes

Essential:

Essential

  • Caring, accepting and empathic approach.
  • Willingness to play and join in with activities.
  • Ability to stay calm and regulated under pressure.
  • Openness.
  • Reflective practice.
  • Ability to take on feedback.
  • Pro-active, enthusiastic, and motivated to help children/ young people to reach their full potential.
  • Emotional resilience.
  • Creativity.
  • Flexible approach to working hours.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.