At Woodlands we have four non-negotiable values of:
· To provide excellent care so that all young people know and understand care that they can then offer others in the future.
· Life skills that allow young people to be positive citizens and make a valuable contribution to society and be the leaders of the next generation.
· Moral duty to provide education that changes lives and broadens horizons.
· To ensure that therapy empowers young people to lead ‘Good Lives’.
We want to ensure that everyone who works with us provides the best care that we can to young people. We value high quality care, education and therapy which are illustrated by our inspection reports which can be found on our main website.
We put young people at the heart of the work that we do. By virtue of coming to a residential children’s home, a young person will have suffered trauma and distress which may result in challenging and concerning behaviour.
Training
Taking on the role of professional parent to a young person requires resilience and compassion. In order to support you in this role we provide a programme of high quality training including up to date knowledge and information about best practice and new initiatives.
We pride ourselves in the training opportunities provided for staff. Staff are encouraged to attend conferences to develop their own skills and knowledge as well as to network with other professionals in the sector. As an organisation we take an active and lead role in the delivery of training for Social Care Wales.
Role
As a residential care worker you would be working within a team which would help and support you throughout. The team would be that of the care sector and the holistic community of Woodlands. Just as we would not like our young people to feel isolated and alone the same values apply to staff. The caring and nurturing environment provided for young people extends to the staff at Woodlands.
The role of residential care worker cannot be defined into an exhaustive list and the Person Specification gives an outline of responsibilities. The need for flexibility is essential as working shift patterns can require a short term, short notice change of hours. As employers, we understand the value of ensuring that staff have a meaningful work-life balance and work hard as a whole team to support staff to achieve this.
Person Specification
Personal attributes and child centred approach
Essential
Child centred approach
Flexible attitude
Ability to engage with young people in a positive and proactive approach
Sense of humour
Self-motivated and a positive nature
Self organisation
Sensitive and reflective
Calmness
Honesty and reliability
Ability to listen and empathise
Ability to assess risks effectively
Ability to work as part of a team
Desirable
Motivate others
Influence others and persuasiveness
Positive leadership skills
Develop innovative solutions
Coaching skills
Welsh Speaking
Job related knowledge and skills
Essential
Effective communication skills: recording and report writing and verbal communication
Awareness of non-verbal communication i.e. eye contact and personal space etc.
A professional and caring value base i.e. consistency and empathy
You must hold a Full UK Manual Driving Licence
Desirable
Knowledge of:
Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) 2016 (RISCA)
The Children Act 1989 & 2004
Children’s Rights
Every Child Matters
Ability to assess risks
IT literate
Work Experience
Essential
Working individually and within a team
Desirable
Experience of working with children.
Experience of working with children in residential childcare
Work Experience
Essential
Be committed to completing QCF level 3 award in Health & Social Care (Children) within 12 months of registration (This is a statutory requirement for all employees wishing to work in childcare)
Desirable
QCF level 3 award in Health & Social Care (Children & Young People) or Caring for Children and Young People
Training
Essential
Committed to continuous personal / professional improvement
Working Conditions
Essential
Sleeping in duties
Willing to work additional hours to cover sickness and holidays and to work in other homes within the organisation.
Willing to work Bank Holidays & Christmas Holidays
Have good medical health
Salary
Hourly rate of pay: £12.50
Level 3 qualified is £13.00 per hr
Progression Level: Team Leader is £15.00 per hr
Supplementary payments for undertaking additional roles i.e. link worker, therapy support worker
* above rates effective from 1st April 2024
Employment Status
The post of Residential Childcare Worker is permanent.
Hours
We offer various contracts:
Part Time: 117 hrs per calendar month = 27 hrs average per week
Full Time: 160 hrs per calendar month = 36 hrs average per week
As & When required (hrs not guaranteed)
Allowance
An allowance of £65.50 will be paid per sleep-in.
Annual Leave & Holidays
Generous holidays
You will be required to work bank holidays, Christmas and New Year holidays as this forms part of your contracted hours, enabling the children and young people in our care to be supported through, essentially, family orientated occasions.
In recognition of your commitment around these occasions we pay the following rates - Christmas Eve - Double Time - Christmas Day - Double Time - Boxing Day - Time + 1/2 - New Years Eve - Double Time - New Years Day - Double Time
Place of work
You may be required to work across any of our houses
Probation
You will be subject to a 6 month probationary period dependant on the competency of the individual
Pension
We will observe our obligations under auto enrolment.
Equal opportunities
In line with our Equal Opportunities, Anti-Oppressive and Anti-Discrimination policy contained within our Employee handbook every effort is made to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and equitably, and decisions on recruitment, selection, training, promotion and career development are based solely on objective and job related performance criteria.
Employee Benefits
Help & Financial Support to gain Diploma Level 3
Eye Care Package
Team Development Days
Additional holidays for length of service & annual non sickness
Discounts on vehicle repairs and MOT’s
Quarterly Bonus Raffle
Employee of the Month
If you are interested in joining our team then please get in touch via info@woodlandslimited.com