Q. What's it like caring for a young person in residential care?
It's like being a parent, with the added dimension of a young person who has experienced some form of trauma. You'll help to set clear boundaries and routine within the household but there will be lots of time for play and fun with the young people, encouraging them to be curious and discover different interests and trying new things with them. You'll carry out responsibilities such as preparing meals, accompanying the young people to medical appointments, taking them to school, and after school activities such as swimming, football, or dance class. The main aim for the colleagues in the home is to establish a safe home environment for the young person to thrive.
Q. What if I have no experience of working with a young person with trauma?
That's okay! We don't expect you to know everything coming into the role as we'll provide comprehensive induction and ongoing training to help you approach each situation with the skills you need. Where a home needs specific knowledge of a young person’s complex needs, additional training is provided to make sure colleagues in the home can fully support. You'll attend regular meetings with your Registered Manager to ensure you have everything you need to be successful in the role.
Q. What do I do when the children are at school?
We have a 'ready by 10 am' rule, which means all hands-on-deck to clean, tidy and organise the home ready for visitors, which may include social workers, education specialists and OFSTED. There is various paperwork regarding the young people, home and health and safety to be completed as well as shopping for supplies to keep the home running, so there's never a dull moment. You'll also use this time to study for your qualification and attend training where appropriate.
Q. Will my role always be based in the home?
No, not all the time, as we like to give the young people opportunities for positive life experiences. This can be activities such as going on holiday to other countries or having trips to places such as theme parks and museums. If one of the young people were to show an interest in something, then we'd look to support that as best we can, whether that be a support worker accompanying a child to a heavy metal concert or joining the gym to support their physical wellbeing.
Q. Do you have Graduate roles?
We don’t have a specific graduate programme, however we have a variety of roles across the business filled by graduates that we would love to discuss with you. Just contact the recruitment team on recruitment@edison-yp.co.uk or 01782 345282 who’ll be happy to help you explore the right opportunity for you.
Q. Do you have any tips for the recruitment process?
We have some quick tips about all things recruitment, check it out here on Recruitment process and tips page
Q. Do I have a uniform?
No, we like our homes to have a relaxed atmosphere, so our colleagues do not wear a uniform. However, you are asked to dress in smart, casual clothing for comfort when undertaking the daily duties expected of a residential care worker.
Q. Why do you need criminal records checks?
Given the sector in which we work and to ensure the safeguarding of children in our care, I’m sure you’ll understand that employment is subject to a disclosure and barring service (DBS) check and receipt of satisfactory references that cover all previous roles in the childcare sector. If there’s something in your background and history that may appear on a DBS check, please share this during the interview stage so that the team can determine if this would prevent employment as each case is risk assessed based on the individual circumstances. Not all criminal convictions would prevent employment.
Q. Can I start immediately?
The role of a Children's Residential Care Worker is a challenging job, so we look for people who share our values. We use the PACE model of therapeutic care (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) that focuses on the whole child and not just their behaviours. Our values and ways of working which will be covered in detail during the induction training programme, however you can find more information on PACE here
Q. How can I be sure my application has been received?
You will receive an email from the team confirming receipt of application, detailing the next steps of the process. If you haven’t got it, please check your junk mail.