The Role

Have you a passion for working with children and young people with disabilities?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

We are looking to recruit senior residential workers, residential workers and night workers on either a casual/permanent basis and join our amazing team and help play a central role in ensuring high quality care for our children and young people!

About Oakdene residential unit

Oakdene Respite and Chestnut Long-stay units provide residential care for children and young people aged 5-18 years who have moderate to severe learning difficulties. Some of our children and young people exhibit challenging behaviours whilst others may have high medical needs. Our latest Ofsted was GOOD.

About the role

We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, have plenty of energy, are patient, understanding and enjoy a challenge.

The successful candidate will be expected to fulfil a range of responsibilities, subject to skills and experience these will include:

• Taking keyworker responsibility for children in residence.
• Develop programmes and creates warm stimulating experiences for children and young people in residence. (For example, out of unit activities such as holidays).
• Plan, prepare and facilitate group work with a range of users.
• Prepare and carry out agreed plans.

The post holder will need to be supportive to others, adaptable and creative. Good observations and assessments skills plus dedication to providing a safe stimulating environment for children are essential qualities required.

In order to be considered you will need to have a recognised qualification and recent experience of working in a childcare environment with the ability to work weekends.

Benefits

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays.  

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, HMRC childcare scheme, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

Wandsworth is a vibrant borough with great transport links. There are excellent shops, local leisure facilities and each area of the borough has its own unique range of amenities.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

• Closing date: 11:59pm on Wednesday16th December 2020
• Shortlisting date: Wednesday 23rd December 2020
• Interview date: Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th January 2021

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are pleased to be Disability Confident employer.

Important Information

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to apply?

To be considered for interview please click the apply button on the right-hand side of the page.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Devon Hobbs by email devon.hobbs@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk or Lynn Thomas by email lynn.thomas@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils