Assistant Children's Support Worker

About the role

We usually respond within three days
Reporting to the Children's Home Manager
Salary: £28-32,000 per annum
With 33 days annual leave, ethical workplace pension, wellbeing benefits, training and development opportunities and career progression.

Responsibilities

• Supporting daily life in the home

• Help maintain a warm, welcoming and well organized home environment.
• Support children during daily routines including meals, activities and bedtimes.
• Preparing meals, shared household tasks and everyday family life.
• Encourage children to participate in play, outdoor activities and creative experiences.

• Building relationships with children

• Spend time with children through play, conversation and shared activities.
• Support children to feel welcome and comfortable in the home.
• Help children learn routines and expectations within the house.
• Show patience, kindness and consistency when children feel anxious or unsettled.

• Learning therapeutic practice

• Learn about trauma-informed care and relational approaches to behavior.
• Observe and practise how experienced staff support children through emotional moments.
• Develop skills in helping children regulate and feel safe.

• Supporting children joining the home

• Help welcome new children into the home.
• Support settling-in routines and help children learn the rhythms of the house.
• Provide reassurance and practical support during early transition periods.

• Night time routines

• Support calm bedtime routines such as baths, reading and quiet time.
• Assist with reassuring children who struggle to sleep or feel unsettled at night.
• Participate in sleep-in shifts as part of the team rota once trained.

• Team practice

• Work alongside experienced staff and follow guidance from shift leaders.
• Attend team meetings, training sessions and reflective discussions.
• Learn how the team works together to provide safe and consistent care.

• Recording and learning professional practice

• Learn how to record observations and daily events.
• Support colleagues with documentation and reporting where appropriate.
• Develop confidence using digital recording systems over time.

• Safety and physical aspects of the role

• Be active and engaged with children during play, activities and daily routines.
• Support staff during emotionally heightened situations while maintaining a calm presence.
• Learn safe ways to support children when they are distressed or dysregulated.

Qualifications and Skills

• Essential:

• Interest in working with children and young people.
• A caring, patient and empathetic nature.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Reliability and good communication skills.
• Willingness to work shifts including evenings, weekends and sleep-ins.
• Commitment to completing the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.

• Desirable:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
• Experience in residential care, education, youth work or therapeutic environments.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory or therapeutic parenting.
• Understanding of safeguarding processes and statutory frameworks.
• Confidence with digital recording systems.

Benefits

• A competitive salary of £28-32,000 per annum, based on experience and qualifications.
• Annual Leave Entitlement of 33 days, inclusive of bank holidays
• Generous workplace ethical pension
• Access to the Blue Light Card providing discounts to hundreds of retailers and venues
• Access to our Pirkx Benefits Package, offering a wide range of perks and services including online GP and physio consultations, 24/7 counselling, employee assistance programs, health and eye care benefits, as well as discounts on retail, leisure and entertainment activities
• Access to a coach and regular personal and group supervision sessions, providing guidance, support and mentorship as you navigate your career journey with us
• Access to a variety of professional development opportunities tailored to enhance your skills and expertise, empowering you to excel in your role and beyond
• Following one year of good performance we will work with you to develop a personalised reward and recognition plan; we want to make sure that we are rewarding you in a way that works best for you
• You will also enjoy access to home-cooked meals, unlimited tea, fresh fruits and biscuits. Plus, we all like baking!

Other Requirements

• Flexibility to work overnight shifts (incl. weekends and holidays).
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Full drivers licence.