Are you a caring, sociable person, at your happiest when you're looking after other people? Do you want the best for others, and often put their needs above your own?
Would you love to make a real difference in the lives of young people? If your answer is yes to all of the above, you could make an excellent Children's Support Worker.
A Children's Support Worker can be a truly rewarding role, looking after some of the most vulnerable children in society with care, nurture, and support.
What Can I Expect From A Children's Residential Support Worker Role?
As a Children's Support Worker, you will be working with a mix of children to provide support within their daily lives. You'll be responsible for providing the best care possible to those who need it.
Once you fully step into the role of a Children's Support Worker, you'll really start to see just how important your role is to the young person you're caring for, and how you'll become an integral and stabilising force in their life. They will be very reliant upon you in tasks such as meal preparation, washing, cleaning, shopping, cooking, taking them to school, getting them out into the community, taking part in activities, and updating any relevant paperwork.
The individuals you will care for as a Children's Support Worker will come from various backgrounds, and some of the homes you might work in specialise in working with children with emotional behavioural difficulties, learning disabilities, and special needs. Some children might have suffered abuse or neglect at home or may have lost their parents. What is common among these children is that they are impacted in such a way that they might shut down communication barriers, present challenging behaviours, or be prone to self-harming or at risk of harming others.
These children all need stability, and a Children's Support Worker who can work with them 24/7 to ensure their safety and well-being. You will need patience, compassion, and understanding to deliver the best service as these children have been let down and need their trust and confidence in others rebuilt. Your role will help these young people regain their own confidence, using therapeutic strategies they will learn the best coping methods for them and you will play a vital role in helping them find the best path to determine their future.
What Skills Do I Need To Become A Children's Support Worker?
- A passion to work with young people and strive for the best outcomes possible
- A positive, enthusiastic attitude
- Ability to approach sensitive situations with tact and confidentiality
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and deal with potentially challenging behaviours
What Qualifications Do I Need To Become A Children's Support Worker?
A Children's Support Worker role does require specific qualifications and/or experience working with children. The preferred qualification is the NVQ/QCF Level 3 Children and Young People's Workforce Diploma or equivalent (Wales) and a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (England). Once accepted for a role there will be ongoing training which will be provided by your employer.
It is often required for you to hold a UK Driving Licence due many of the individuals you care for will need to be taken on outings, to appointments, on day trips, or to school.
Due to the nature of this role and the emotional and behavioural difficulties (BED) of young people experience working as the following is beneficial:
- Scout Leader
- Martial Arts Trainer
- Volunteering at Youth Centres/Youth Work
- Working with children with learning difficulties
- Ex-military or forces, having worked in structured or disciplined ways
What is critical is a combination of core skills, attributes, and experiences to help you deliver the best approach to a young person's needs.
Why Should I Become A Children's Support Worker?
The role of a Children's Support Worker is truly rewarding. There is no denying it is a challenging role, but knowing that you have the ability to truly make an impression on these young people is why so many choose this career path.
How Vetro Recruitment Can Help
At Vetro Recruitment, we strive to place the best people into the best role, to ensure young people get the BEST they deserve. Please register to work with us here and the relevant consultant will be in touch or please email us your CV and cover email.
