Residential Support Worker

Acorn Homes is a provider of residential care homes for vulnerable children. We currently have multiple homes that have been rated "OUTSTANDING" by Ofsted and are adding more homes to the Acorn family. We are always looking for more enthusiastic and dedicated people to join our team.

So, if you feel you can make a difference to young people’s lives, please do not hesitate to apply. You could be a click away from a career that will change your life and the lives of children in need.

Acorn Homes is looking for a Residential Support Worker to join our home in Herne Bay. The worker will encourage and motivate children, young people and young adults to develop life skills, and participate in a range of leisure activities, educational interests and social opportunities within a safe and structured environment.

We offer:

• £30,160 per annum (approximately £12.50 per hour), including two sleep shifts per week (£40 per sleep)
• Funding for NVQ Level 3 in childcare

A Support Worker will deliver high standards of care, protection and support to children and young people, facilitating their physical, psychological, emotional and recreational development in line with individual care plans.

• The ability to organise, plan and take responsibility.
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both with colleagues and children, verbally and in writing.
• The ability to motivate, aid and guide children in their self-development.
• The ability to set appropriate examples for children at all times.
• The ability to listen and respond responsibly with sensitivity.
• The ability to manage children who display disruptive or challenging behaviour and to guide/direct staff in managing that behaviour.
• The ability to understand and implement Quality Standards.
• The ability to react calmly in stressful situations.
• The ability to maintain administrative records as required by the organisation.

• Various contracted hour shifts available
• Flexible working to promote work‑life balance
• Maternity and paternity packages
• Staff Loyalty Scheme – extra annual leave days and monetary awards each year
• £40 paid per sleep
• Refer‑a‑friend reward scheme (up to £2,000 per referral)
• Birthday gift worth £40 from the company each year
• Blue Light Card offering a range of discounts and rewards
• 28 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
• Discretionary travel cost scheme
• NVQ Level 3 in childcare paid for by the company
• Plus £250 or £100 gift card for NVQ completion
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Program
• Full induction programme
• Ongoing training and development; opportunities to progress within an expanding company and be part of an effective and supportive team

• Hold or be willing to achieve a Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care with Children and Young People.
• Be prepared to work early, late and night shifts (including sleepovers) on a rota basis.
• Be over the age of 21 (Employer has claimed an exemption under the Equality Act 2010).

• Two years’ experience working in a Children's Home.
• Full UK driving licence.

You will be joining a family‑owned company, owned by a patron of the NSPCC. Acorn has an enviable reputation with local authorities for delivering good outcomes for young people and demonstrating resilience. Acorn currently operates eight registered homes all rated Good or Outstanding, and you would become a successful part of the team within the home with full support from an active and engaged Deputy and Manager, head office and senior management team.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Acorn Group are committed to ensuring the safety of our young people is upheld at all times, therefore all positions require an enhanced disclosure and satisfactory references. As an employee of Acorn Group it will be expected that you demonstrate the same commitment by following our policies and procedures, as well as attending all mandatory training.