Advanced Skills Worker, Colchester

Advanced Skills WorkerPermanent, Full Time£34,024 to £38,898 per annum (includes allowance)Location: ColchesterClosing Date: Monday 23rd September 2024 at 11.59pmAre you interested in working with children and young people to make a difference in their lives? If so, then this could be the right opportunity for you.It is an exciting time to join Essex County Council as we invest in and expand our residential provision and not only have we been named Outstanding by Ofsted, we are delighted to have been crowned Social Work Employer of the Year for the second time in the last three years!Why work with us?26 days annual leave (Full Time Equivalent) plus bank holidays (normally 8 days per year). 37 hour working week. Monday to Sunday, over a mixture of early (7am - 2.30pm) and late shifts (2pm - 9.30pm) with every other weekend off.Opportunity for overtime. Local Authority Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. For more details please visit: https://www.essexpensionfund.co.uk/Use your skills to make a difference to the lives of local children and families who experience difficulties and inequalitiesWork for a team with great team morale and friendly, helpful, and supportive colleagues.Access high quality training and development to help develop your career within the child and family sector.This role will be based on-site at New Farm Road, Colchester (CO3 0PG) at a newly refurbished short-term home for five 12-17 year olds, and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team around the child you will support them to develop the skills and resilience to return to their families, or onto longer-term care.Being an Advanced Skills Worker requires a special kind of person. Day to day your main focus will be on providing nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, supporting and caring for them as a parent would, and each day brings unique experiences, filled with both highs and lowsAs an ASW you will be part of the management team, responsible for the effective day to day running of the home and creating a caring, safe, and secure environment. You will line manage a team of staff, providing guidance and regular supervision to enable them to support children/young people to meet agreed outcomes and achieve their full potential.It is important to be open minded and have a flexible and adaptable attitude and be able to manage challenges with a calm and patient demeanour. You will have an ability/willingness to understand and manage challenging behaviour including aggression and violence using a range of de-escalation techniques. You will also need to have effective written and verbal communication.Previous experience in a Children's Home or transferrable line management experience is essential and if you don't already have a Level 3 Diploma you will need to complete this within 2 years of starting employment. We will provide you with all the training you need for the role along with good quality, regular supervision. This, together with the right attitude and access to a full in-house induction, will enable you to start your career with Essex County Council with confidence.If shortlisted the interview process will be a one stage process where you will attend the care home for a face-to-face interview. Due to nature of this role any applicants need to be at least 21 years old in order to undertake this post.The salary offered is made up of a basic salary £30,931 to £35,361 per annum and a guaranteed allowance of 10% - £3,093 to £3,536 per annum, paid monthly, alongside the basic salary.