Support Worker

Protective Care Group; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job description

Protective Care Group are looking for our next Support Workers to join our January 2025 cohort who are committed to supporting the children and young people in our care by creating a safe, caring and loving environment.

Our young people have faced incredibly challenging beginnings in life. As a result of their past trauma, they are now navigating not only the complexities of being a teenager but also the difficult process of healing and understanding their experiences. This does often result in some very challenging behaviour; therefore, you must be comfortable with behaviours and needs such as absconding, self-harm, sexualised behaviour, attachment disorder, trauma, criminalisation, and physical violence.

While this role can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding and, most importantly, FUN. Our young people love getting out and being active—we’ve spent days hiking, kayaking, playing football, cooking nutritious meals, and enjoying pamper nights. If a young person wants to do something, it’s our job to ensure it happens safely and with care.

Considerations before applying:

1. You will be placed in a team anywhere within the North East of England, so flexibility in travel and staying away from home is essential.
2. A full UK manual driving license is a requirement for this role; our young people like to get out and about!
3. We adopt a flexible approach to working as all of our young people are different. Shifts will typically follow a 4 on, 4 off pattern, including both 12-hour day and 12-hour waking night shifts; often your day shifts will be followed by a sleep in.
4. If you hold a Level 3 qualification in Child and Residential care (or a suitable alternative), that's a bonus, but for the right person, we will support you in obtaining this.
5. If you have an outgoing personality, are willing to get stuck in, and have fun, this could be the perfect role for you!
6. An understanding of trauma and its effects on behaviour will be an advantage, but training will be provided.
7. Understanding of what safeguarding means and the importance of safeguarding within this role.
8. Full right to work in the UK and a valid UK manual driving license.

The ultimate reward for this job is knowing that you’ve made a difference to a young person’s quality of life and future prospects, but our Support Workers also benefit from:

1. Security - PAYE role, so no need to worry about consistency of shifts and pay.
2. Remuneration - competitive basic salary of £32,000 plus uplifts for each shift you work with a young person and for sleeping nights, paid annual leave, company sick pay, company pension.
3. Investment in you - training you need to do your role well, including paying for you to complete your NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare if you do not already have it, progression plan, and training to help you get to where you want to be.
4. Dedicated wellbeing support from management, internal Wellbeing Specialist, and free confidential counselling services.
5. Active and generous refer a friend scheme.