We are currently recruiting…

Residential Support Workers – Waking Watch, to work within the Fostering, Adoption and Residential Team at Lancashire County Council. We currently have part time opportunities for 21 hours per week (rota basis) – 9-hour shifts working between the hours of 10pm and 8am. This is a progressive, heart-warming and challenging role with a real chance for career development and to make a difference to the lives of children and young people.

Our service is proud to announce we have been awarded the Best Council Services Team at the MJ Awards,  https://bit.ly/3LcxhmP . We're also rated "Good" by Ofsted, so we have lots of accomplishments within our service to be proud of and build upon.

Our Childrens Residential Service manages 11 mainstream children's homes and we complement this with a fantastic outreach team, enabling us to provide high quality support for vulnerable children, young people and their families. In addition, we have an adolescent support unit that also supports outreach and has respite beds. Our service aims to provide an outstanding service to children and young people aged 11-17 who live in residential care, whilst providing key outreach services and access to our short break facilities. If you want to join a fabulous and supportive team, with excellent career opportunities then we'd really love to hear from you

What we are looking for…

Passion – you'll be passionate about making a difference to the lives of children and young people; taking a supportive approach to the challenges that they may be facing from mental health to normal teen worries and concerns – you'll be honest and reliable; someone who has the confidence to work alone each night whilst the day team get some much needed sleep (onsite) – you'll support children and young people each evening so ensuring everyone is safely in their rooms and be available for drinks, chat, and advice - whilst still respecting their boundaries - and simply providing that reassurance that you’re there whilst they sleep

Challenge – your biggest challenge will be showing our young people that you care even when their behaviour can be challenging and sometimes due to emotional difficulties related to previous trauma - knowing that you still care despite their behaviour makes a huge difference and providing that stability, that many haven't had previously, is key to their future outcomes – no two nights are the same; from quiet ones where you may have some light housework to do and have the opportunity to study or read, to ones where you're liaising with police or out looking for someone who hasn’t returned home, to evenings where they can't sleep and just need someone to listen

Values driven – supportive, innovative, respectful and collaborative – our values are key to the way we behave and the way we work – you'll ensure that diversity and inclusivity are considered regarding each child's heritage and work collaboratively with the team, children, young people and families to deliver the right communication at the right time to ensure the best outcomes - you'll really care about building a home from home for our children and young people, a safe and caring space where they feel supported and loved

Benefits: A plethora of discounts and benefits from dog care to day care to days out or in, log cabins by Snowdon or holidays abroad, pampering and fitness for your mind, body and soul, long service awards, Medicash, support groups, public service pensions, cycle to work schemes, credit union and eye tests plus many more

Development: you'll get support and development along the journey – there will be time for supportive reflection and supervision for yourself, opportunities for personal and professional qualifications, the ability to make a difference, feel valued and achieve the job satisfaction you've always wanted – we have lots of opportunities for progression, a caring and supportive team, excellent training and real career options for those that want to progress - plus all the benefits of working for Lancashire County Council

Inclusivity: We are committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone is equally valued and able to work in an environment where individual differences are celebrated. To support this, we would especially welcome applications from those from a diverse background who would enhance our service by joining us and we have some great support groups and forums available for anyone to join

How to apply…

Please feel free to contact us for an initial informal and confidential chat:

Sian Buckley on Sian.Buckley@lancashire.gov.uk or apply directly [web link for application]

Job description and person specification

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.