SEHSCT Residential Child Support Worker Band 5

Job details

• Branch: Trustwide (SEHSCT)
• Location: Trustwide (SEHSCT)
• Salary: Band 5 (£31,049 - £37,796)
• Contract Type: To create a waiting list
• Opening Date: 27/05/26
• Closes: Wed, 10 June 2026 @ 5:30 PM
• Interview Dates: To be confirmed

Notes

If you are submitting a manual application, please post it to: Recruitment Shared Services, Rosewood Villa, Longstone Hospital Site, 73 Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7PR. Applications received after the advertised closing date/time cannot be considered, so please allow enough time for postage. “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title of Post: Residential Child Support Worker

Band of Post: Band 5

Directorate: Children’s Services

Location: Trustwide

Reports to: Registered Manager / Home Team Leader

Accountable to: Director of Children’s Services & Executive Director of Social Work

A Trust wide waiting list will be compiled for any similar Permanent / Temporary / Full-Time / Part-Time posts that may arise over the next 6 months

The Band 5 Residential Child Support Worker will undertake allocated duties of care under the supervision of the Registered Manager / Home Managers of young people placed within the Home aged between 12 and 18 years.

The profile of many young people in residential care have experienced multiple adverse experiences in childhood, and present with difficulties with increased generalised levels of anxiety, poor emotional self-regulation, impulsivity, hyper vigilance, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, and associated behavioural difficulties, including self-harm, suicidal attempts, violence. These difficulties are associated with traumatic victimisation and insecure attachment.

The commissioning model for the service is primarily social work based and the therapeutic / intervention models of care are; Sanctuary Model, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Restorative Practice. A Residential Child Support Worker is required to practice effectively within the these models whilst undertaking their duties to ensure that the young people receive a high standard of care, using a person centred trauma informed approach in meeting their assessed needs and in evidencing best outcomes.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical / Professional / Specific Responsibilities

Under the supervision / direction of the Home Managers/ Residential Social Workers, the Band 5 Residential Child Support Worker will:

Have shared responsibility for the day-to-day care young people. This may include primary keyworker responsibility for one or more of the young people.

Ensure that appropriate records are maintained in accordance with legislation, Trust policies and procedures.

Participate in Co-Working arrangements with Fieldwork Staff and other professionals to formulate and progress care and/or therapeutic plans for the young people accommodated. The Residential Social Worker will overview these arrangements and provide support/ guidance to the Residential Child Support Worker as required.

Be a member of a multi-disciplinary team and as such is expected to maintain a ‘team approach’ to the care and treatment of our young people.

Participate in assessment, planning, implementation and review of the care/treatment plan for each young person in the facility.

Be expected to develop appropriate relationships which will promote the growth and development of our young people.

Must be aware of and implement requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Order (NI) 1979 as it pertains to this post and fully comply with the Trust’s Safety Policy.

Be required to be active throughout their shift in their care / supervisory duties and in carrying out specific instructions as directed regarding the supervision and monitoring of young people to ensure their safety.

Appropriately support / care for young people in a crisis / significant event. This will require relevant knowledge, skills and values including emotional intelligence and resilience (TCI & Sanctuary Seven Commitments). Care staff will receive training and development relevant to their role.

Ensure that environmental safety is maintained; this would include completing checks within the immediate home / building (secure care) and responding to any alerts by safety / security systems (Fire Panels / PinPoint).

Demonstrate effective practice in ensuring that all tasks within their remit are carried out to the highest possible standards, and in accordance with current Legislation (Statutory Functions), Regulations and Trust policies.

Ensure the maintenance of appropriate records in accordance with The Regional Policy for NI (Jan 2015) Administrative Systems Recording Policy, Standards and Criteria.

Ensure that all daily home records / event reports / contact records are fully completed to required standards as per regional policy and agency expectations in respect of the young people in their care. This would include the recording of significant information such as; completing risk assessments, incident reports, use of electronic communication as required.

Engage / participate / lead (as required) in handovers both at the beginning of the working shift; to ensure that effective communication and a team approach in the care of the young person is maintained.

Ensure that they have a working knowledge the Risk Assessments / Individual Crisis Management Plans for each young person in their care. Residential Child Support Workers must report any new risks / behaviours of concern to the Residential Social Worker at the time / or report to Home managers if during hours that a Residential Social Worker is not on site. Band 5 Residential Child Support Workers will update risk assessments / ICMP’s / daily records as appropriate.

Ensure that they take appropriate action to identify and manage risk to maintain safety of young people, themselves and others according to Regional / Trust Safeguarding procedures. All safeguarding events must be reported to the appropriate personnel / professionals by the Residential CCW.

Use a partnership working approach with other professionals / agencies in the assessment, planning and implementation of actions agreed in relation to any event that occurs within the night time period.

Work in partnership with the other care workers to ensure that care / intervention given to young people is linked and appropriate to the needs of each young person as per their Residential / Therapeutic Plans.

Have a working knowledge / practice application of current legislation / regulation and standards that is relevant within the context of their role / duties;

Be required to adhere to Trust data protection / confidentiality policies.

If required; contact the Senior person in charge for advice / direction and guidance.

Provide transport to young people as required as part of the overall service within the Children’s Directorate.

Ensure they have a working knowledge and required skills (achieved through training / mentoring) in relation to the Home’s Evacuation Plan & Fire Safety.

Maintain registration with The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC).

Ensure personal accountability in accordance with NISCC Standards of Conduct and Practice.

Be responsible for the management of his / her work and participate in identifying and addressing own developmental needs.

To participate in the appraisal system to identify his / her training needs on an annual basis which includes key objectives within the Service and South Eastern Trusts 6 Key Objectives.

Attend all mandatory training and any other training or development as required.

Prepare / contribute to supervision in line with Trust procedures.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust’s Raising Concerns Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The post holder will be required to

Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.

Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example

Smoke Free policy

IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct

standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.

Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.

All employees of the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the [org name] policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within the Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.

eHealth

The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust has invested in eHealth to deliver better, faster, safer care to our community and is committed to supporting staff to utilise associated information systems that directly and indirectly inform care. Trust staff are therefore required to commit sufficient time to ensure that they acquire and/or retain the core technology skills required to support their role.

Personal and Public Involvement (PPI)

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal and Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information. PPI_leaflet.pdf (hscni.net)

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE Residential Child Support Worker

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Children’s Services

SALARY Band 5

HOURS Full Time/Part Time

Ref No: LEAD

A Trust wide waiting list will be compiled for any similar Permanent / Temporary / Full-Time / Part-Time posts that may arise over the next 6 months

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience and Qualifications

Degree in a relevant care related subject i.e. Youth work, social care plus 1 year experience working with young people aged between 12 and 18 years living in residential care

Or

HNC/D in a care related subject plus plus 2 years’ experience working with young people aged between 12 and 18 years living in residential care

Or

NVQ Level 3 in a care related subject plus 3 years’ experience working working with young people aged between 12 and 18 years living in residential care

Successful applicants must prior to commencing employment, complete registration with NISCC or other Council e.g. GSCC

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

Must successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training within 3 months of appointment.

Successful applicants must maintain TCI accreditation (through completion of yearly refresher training involving written / practical testing) or agency equivalent throughout employment with South Eastern Trust.

Hold a current full driving licence on application which is valid for use in the UK which enables the holder to drive a manual transmission vehicle. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities

Ability to successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training within 3 months of appointment.

Ability to work under stressful and demanding conditions.

Good recording skills and report writing.

Computer skills

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing

Ability to complete assessments/risk assessments

Time management and organisational skills

Evidence of decision making and assessment

Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team

Interview / Test

Knowledge

Knowledge of Trauma based therapies and how this may impact on presenting behaviours of young people.

Knowledge of relevant legislation / policies & procedures.

Interview / Test

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Applicant has already successfully completed Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training and accreditation is current.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications

Have additional qualifications relevant to the post which are equivalent or above.

Shortlisting by Application Form

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

To access a copy of the Access NI Code of Practice, please Click here

The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust has guidance on the Recruitment of People with Criminal Convictions. To access a copy of this guidance, please Click Here

Protecting and using your information

To access a copy of the Trust’s Data Protection Policy Statement,

Click Here

THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants

may be required to attend for a Health Assessment

can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. Request for recognition of previous service with non-direct NHS/HSC organisations towards starting salary and incremental credit must be made via the Retained Recruitment team within 3 months from commencement of employment. Requests made after 3 months will not be considered. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.

are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times