Child Care Officer – Residential Special School
Location: Chelmsford | Pay: Scale 5 (£26,698 – £27,975) | Full-Time | Term Time Only + 5 CPD Days | Start Date: September 2024
Parker Smith Inclusion are working in partnership with a residential special school in Chelmsford that supports pupils across primary and secondary age groups, many of whom have complex social, emotional, and behavioural needs (SEMH). The school is looking to appoint a compassionate and enthusiastic Child Care Officer to join their dedicated care team from September 2024.
This is a term-time only role (plus five CPD days), with shift patterns between 7.30am and 9.00pm, Monday to Friday.
About the Role:
As a Child Care Officer, you will play a key role in supporting pupils' emotional wellbeing, social development, and independence outside of the traditional classroom setting. You will work both 1:1 and in small groups, offering pastoral care and engaging pupils in meaningful activities throughout the school day.
Your responsibilities will include:
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Supporting pupils with social, emotional and behavioural development
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Leading and participating in a variety of recreational and community-based activities
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Creating a calm, structured, and nurturing residential environment
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Acting as a keyworker to a small group of pupils, offering ongoing support and guidance
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Escorting pupils to external appointments such as medical visits, shopping trips, or leisure activities
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Administering medication and supporting personal care routines (with training)
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Assisting with behaviour management strategies and contributing to care plans and reports
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Attending team meetings, reviews, and training sessions as required
The Ideal Candidate Will:
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Have experience working with or caring for children, ideally those with SEMH or SEND needs
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Be patient, empathetic, and committed to promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable young people
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Remain calm under pressure and be confident managing challenging behaviour
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Be able to work both independently and as part of a close-knit team
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Hold a full, clean driving licence with business use
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Be willing to undertake behavioural intervention and de-escalation training
Additional Requirements:
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Enhanced DBS check (required)
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Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and a commitment to promoting pupil welfare
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Comfortable working in an environment where some pupils may present with complex behaviours
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Willingness to participate in sleep-in duties and respond to out-of-hours needs, if required
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A proactive attitude towards personal and professional development
What’s on Offer:
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Full-time, term-time only role (plus 5 CPD days)
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Pay in line with Scale 5 (£26,698 – £27,975 per annum), depending on experience
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Structured induction and access to ongoing training and development
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A supportive, inclusive school culture with opportunities for career progression
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A meaningful opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people
Keen to make a difference in a rewarding care-based education role?
Apply today or contact Parker Smith Inclusion to find out more about this fantastic opportunity in Chelmsford.