SENIOR RESIDENTIAL CHILDCARE OFFICER

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Residential Childcare Officer to work with some of our most vulnerable children and young people In Cardiff.

We are seeking a reliable, consistent, non-judgemental, trustworthy and motivated Senior Childcare Officer to become part of a vital team, providing a comprehensive service and delivering high quality care to the young people we serve here in Cardiff.

Cardiff Council is establishing new children's home and this new provision is an opportunity to be innovative in the way we understand the needs of this important group of young people. Our multi-professional model will work from a strengths-based (Signs of Safety) and trauma-informed approach to meet the needs of children, young people, and their families.

As Senior Residential Childcare Officer, you will take responsibility for the smooth and safe running of the establishment, ensuring that young people receive a sensitive service best meeting their social, racial, psychological, educational, cultural, physical identity and health care needs. The Senior Residential Childcare officer will be in a position to actively support the education plans for children and assume key worker responsibilities by implementing, monitoring and recording individual personal plans.

Key responsibilities as Senior Residential Childcare Officer will include:

• Participating in regular, planned and specific pieces of work to meet a young persons identified needs.
• Creating and maintaining good relationships with young people, ensuring they are fully involved in decision making that affect their lives and achieving self-advocacy and independence by developing their potential to learn and achieve.
• participate fully in the caring and supported living environment within the home which will involve household cleaning, maintenance, meal preparation and helping young people get around to events, activities, education, appointments and meetings.

Actively supporting and encouraging reading and intellectual development of young people by creating a positive environment for learning and support creating positive links with schools, attending events, activities and parents evenings as appropriate.

We and the children we look after are looking for a person who

• has experience of working with young people with emotional, physical, social, behavioural and complex needs and proven experience in the role of a Residential Childcare Officer.
• understands the importance and responsibility of the safeguarding and protection of children, and how to appropriately escalate concerns if they are raised
• enjoys a physically, actively and emotionally challenging role
• is enthusiastic, motivated and has a "can-do" attitude
• will provide individualised care through the development of professional and effective relationships.
• is able to work within a shift pattern of morning, evening, weekend and bank holiday working, plus sleep-in-duties.
• Is able to communicate well with children and young people, families, colleagues and external agencies.

You will need to have the ability, skills and knowledge of:

• Advocating for Young People or undertaking the role of Key/Link Worker or similar
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of children and young people in our society and their potential
• Understanding of children's rights
• Knowledge of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
• Understanding of childcare theory (child-centred approach) and the importance of routine, boundaries, consistency
• Ability to provide a positive role model for young people
• Skills in assessment, planning, recording and decision making.

In return:

As well as joining a vibrant, friendly and supportive team, you will contribute towards making a difference to the young people's lives we work with. You will also receive the following benefits package:

• In return we can support to undertake qualifications and continuous professional development opportunities
• Cardiff promotes a good work life balance, flexibility and autonomy to support your own family / work life balance
• Offer of hybrid working
• Support for the health and wellbeing of employees
• Credit of flexi time / toil
• An automatic entitlement to the excellent and secure Local Government Pension Scheme
• A generous annual leave entitlement
• Continuous professional development and access to training
• Cycle to work scheme
• Work with Team Managers and colleagues who are outstanding and passionate to achieve best outcomes for young people

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced checks.

This post has a requirement for registration with Social Care Wales.

Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for the Council. We aim to support children and vulnerable adults to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. Our services and schools are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults, and will take action to safeguard their well-being, and acknowledge that children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection. This is supported in the general ethos of the Council and all schools.

This vacancy is suitable for post share.

Due to the current interim working arrangements, we are unable to provide recruitment packs or accept application forms via the post.

If you have any concerns around your ability to participate in a virtual interview process please contact for a discussion.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

Please note the Council does not accept CV's. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on our website :

Important information you need read in order to complete your application:-

Job Category Social Services - Childrens

Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Permanent