Residential Care Worker

Job Title: Support Worker

Salary: £18,137.60

Location: Acorn Park School, Norfolk

Hours: 40 on Average, 3 week rota. 1 in 3 weekends. 

Contract: Permanent

If you really want to make your mark in a rapidly growing business that is committed to improving the lives of children and young people, we have the role for you!

We’re looking for a Residential Childcare worker to join our team at Acorn Park based in Banham, Norfolk. Someone who is motivated by helping others, patient and resilient would be perfect for this role.

About the School

Acorn Park is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) School and Residential home. We help care for and support young people who have complex needs and specialise in the communication and learning challenges associated with Autism.

The site is situated within Norfolk’s picturesque and tranquil countryside, close to the town of Banham. Due to the location, it would be beneficial for candidates to have a driving licence.

The aim of the site is to provide enough support to unlock each child’s potential, so they can live fulfilling and productive lives. We provide the young people with as much freedom as possible in a safe and supervised environment. This is achievable due to the dedication and support from a range of employed professionals who are passionate, reliable and understanding.

About the Group

We are part of Acorn Care and Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career.

We provide Education and Care across a number of schools and residential homes nationally. Our specialist SEN provision, coupled with our expertise within residential care means we offer thousands of vulnerable children and young people across the UK a holistic, wraparound care, residential and education service, empowering them with everything they need to flourish. It is by no accident that 94% of our homes are rated as Outstanding or Good.

We welcome staff who share our commitment to help children experience better days and better lives. Through ongoing development and training, we ensure our staff are well prepared for their jobs and given every opportunity to extend their skills.

About the role

Do you want to start a rewarding Career? To make a positive difference to young people and their lives? Are you patient, empathetic, resilient and supportive? Yes? - We want you!

Don’t worry about having much experience, we will train, support and promote you, to ensure you have an amazing career. All you need is the drive to make a difference.

We want the young people to retain as much responsibility over their lives as possible and develop over time. Therefore, you will be working with the children within their day to day lives; Cook with them, play games and do activities, help them within their day and night routines and assist with any problems or personal care needs the young people may have. A key responsibility is to Safeguard all who are in our care and ensure they are safe and healthy.

This role however, does come with some potential challenges such as long hours, behaviour management and ensuring the personal care of each young person is upheld.

Who are we looking for?

Acorn Park wants responsible, friendly and thoughtful individuals who has a passion for caring for and ultimately, making a difference to young lives. You will ideally understand some of the challenges that you could be faced with as it will be a challenging yet rewarding role.

We need someone who can be a role model, work well within a team, has great communication skills, can manage their workload and be prepared for the varying difficulties the role may present.

Key Responsibilities

Provide a safe, caring and healthy environment where children can thrive and develop independence

promote and celebrate diversity

provide a wide range of exciting and challenging opportunities that meet the individual needs of the children

Safeguard all young people and support them with their individual needs

Integrate into the supportive team

To record a log, details of incidents etc., as required by procedure

Please see the Job description for further responsibilities.

Essential criteria

         You must be available to work the shifts required

         You must have the desire to complete a funded NVQ 3 at Acorn Park

         You must understand some of the difficulties that children on the Autistic Spectrum may present

Why work for us?

         Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference

         Be part of a supportive and dedicated team

         Continuous professional development and training

         Internal Promotion

         Staff meals

         Potential overtime

         Funded NVQ

         Social activities

         “Your Wellbeing Matters” 

           Employee Rewards Hub

Other information

Acorn Care and Education are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to fully Enhanced DBS. We expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment and strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for everybody in our care. A full application form must be completed with all employment dates accurate and gaps in employment accounted for.