Job Description
About Us High Trees is an 'Outstanding' Ofsted-rated home. Our home is small and inviting and we look after the individual needs of children with severe and complex learning disabilities and their families.We are ideally located in a lovely area, with a large, open garden with a patio area and are very much a part of the community.Our dedicated and skilled staff team are keen to ensure that children who stay with us, whether full time or for short breaks, feel at home and feel safe, have many opportunities for both fun and learning and reach their full potential in a range of creative ways.What do people say about us:“The level of commitment and flexibility from High Trees, who I have to say have gone above and beyond, has been exceptional. I am especially impressed with both the keyworker and the manager who really are committed to supporting and achieving consistency and the best outcomes for the people they support. (Feedback from the transition worker of a child moving into Adults’ Services.)” The Opportunity Salary:£26,421 - £27,803 per annum including weekend working allowance (pro-rata for part time, salary £25,119-£26,421 plus weekend working allowance of £1,302 - £1,382).You will also receive an additional Crawley Allowance.Working Pattern: Part time and full time (37 hours full time) + rota for evening and weekend workContract: PermanentLocation: CrawleyChildren’s Residential Recruitment and Retention Payment scheme - £1500 during your first 18 monthsTo support recruitment into this vital area West Sussex County Council offer £1,500 during the employee’s first 18 months where they are recruited to a new permanent role which is identified as hard to recruit and remain in the County Council’s employment during this time. The scheme consists of two payments: £500 after successful completion of 6 months employment (including successful completion of probation where relevant) and £1,000 after 18 monthsTo succeed at this role, you will help to provide a nurturing, positive and safe environment for our children and young people, ensuring that we meet our statutory obligations to the highest standards possible. With direct responsibility for designated children or young people, you will ensure that each person is given the appropriate care and support to achieve their full potential.For more information, please visit our dedicated Residential Shifts and rotas - for day work, you will be required to work on a shift rota between 07:00 – 22:00, which will include every other weekend and sleep in duties when needed. This will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate. Experience and Skills Essential Good standard of literacy e.g. ability to write reports around individuals and significant incidents and to be able to write application for level 3 diploma if required. Could be gained through formal education or vocational experienceLevel 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent. If you do not have this, the service will support you to complete this qualification; you must achieve this within two years of appointment as it is a statutory requirement of this post Desirable Awareness of the development needs of children in residential care.Knowledge of Children’s home regulations 2015 (England)Knowledge of how to support children who have experienced trauma, harm or abusePrevious childcare experience, preferably in a residential settingExperience of working with children with disabilities, complex high-risk adolescents or related experience e.g. adults with disabilities If you do not hold a Maths and English GCSE or equivalent, you will need to apply for Maths and English Keyskills before undertaking your Childcare qualification and being considered for this role. You can find out more about gaining a Maths and English Keyskills on the Government website Improve your English, Maths and IT Skills.Please be advised you are required to bring certificates for your Maths and English (C and above) and any Childcare qualifications you hold. Rewards and Benefits As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.In addition to working within a great team and a brilliant opportunity you will receive: For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.