Residential Support Worker Apprentice

• Provide day-to-day care and support in line with each young person’s placement plan, care plan, risk assessments, behaviour support strategies and agreed outcomes.
• Build trusting, professional relationships using a warm, respectful, trauma-informed and PACE-informed approach.
• Support young people with routines, education, health appointments, family time, hobbies, community activities and the development of independence skills.
• Act as a positive role model and promote dignity, choice, equality, participation and respect.
• Support the preparation of meals, household routines and the maintenance of a clean, welcoming and homely environment.
• Safely transport young people to school, appointments, activities and family time, following company procedures and individual risk assessments.
• Complete clear, accurate and timely records using the organisation’s electronic and paper systems, including daily records, key-work notes, incident records and handovers.
• Contribute to key-working sessions and to the review and implementation of plans for young people.
• Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns, disclosures, missing-from-home incidents, self-harm, exploitation risks and other welfare concerns in line with policy and management direction.
• Use approved behaviour support and de-escalation approaches, and only use physical intervention when trained, authorised, necessary and proportionate.
• Administer or support medication in accordance with training, competency assessment, policy and the young person’s plan.
• Participate in shift handovers, team meetings, supervision, appraisal, training and reflective practice.
• Work flexibly across days, evenings, weekends, bank holidays, sleep-ins and, where required, waking-night duties.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality and appropriate use of information at all times.
• Report maintenance, health and safety, fire safety and environmental concerns promptly and follow emergency procedures.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the responsibilities of the role.

The apprentice will complete their Level 4 apprenticeship in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner alongside their employment, gaining practical management experience within the residential childcare setting.

Training will be delivered by Acorn Training through a combination of workplace learning, online learning, virtual training sessions and independent study. The apprentice will have regular contact with their dedicated trainer and will receive ongoing support throughout the programme.

The apprentice will complete off-the-job training during their normal working hours, equivalent to at least 6 hours per week on average. This may include virtual training sessions, learning activities, research, professional discussions, assignments, assessment preparation and other activities that support the development of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the apprenticeship.

The apprentice will apply their learning directly within the workplace, developing their leadership and management skills alongside experienced colleagues

Successful completion of this apprenticeship will provide the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to progress within the residential childcare sector.

Guiding Light Residential Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, verification of identity and right to work, employment history checks and any role-specific suitability checks. Appointment is conditional upon the satisfactory completion of these checks.

Guiding Light Residential Care Ltd is a children’s residential care provider.