Children’s residential recruitment drive launches with Open Day
20 Sep 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Hear from the team about the rewards of working in children's residential care
We're excited to be launching a recruitment drive ahead of the opening of our new children’s residential homes.
Over 22 new jobs are being created as part of a major investment in our long-term vision to make sure all children get the support they need to reach their full potential as close to home as possible.
The council is keen to hear from people passionate about making a difference to young people’s lives - helping to create a home-from-home environment full of warmth, fun and laughter.
The new roles range from management posts through to those looking to take the first steps into a career in care including full and part-time residential support workers.
First to open will be the new Pegsworth House in Pegswood which will provide an exceptional family-focused environment where up to four children and young people can feel safe and thrive.
Six smaller satellite homes will follow – offering young people the chance to develop more independent living skills as they prepare for adulthood.
An open day will take place next month on October 7, giving potential applicants the chance to learn more about day-to-day life in a children’s home, speak to staff and shine a spotlight on the vital role they play in transforming lives.
Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member for Inspiring Young People, said: “We’re investing in expanding our children’s homes as part of our ambition to make sure as many young people as possible can get the care they need and stay close to family, friends and local schools, which is better for their wellbeing.
“We are very proud of our passionate teams who go above and beyond to create a caring family environment full of warmth and laughter and who support some of our most vulnerable children on their journeys to overcome any challenges they may face.
“We hope this open day will help to shine a light on day-to-day life in our children’s home and the many rewards and opportunities that working in children’s social care can bring.”
In Northumberland, the council currently has 434 children in its care. The majority are placed with foster families, but for some children who need additional support, short or longer periods in residential care may be required.
The council operates five other children’s homes and the service employs approximately 200 care staff and 30 support services staff across the five sites – all of which are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.
The new homes will increase the number of places available in children’s homes to 21 and mean more of the county’s most vulnerable young people can stay closer to their communities.
Adam Hall is the council’s Children's Services Residential Lead Manager. On leaving school, he began an engineering apprenticeship - but after taking on casual shifts as a residential support worker, decided to switch to a career in care when he found out it enabled him to combine his love of the outdoors with making a difference to the lives of children and young people.
Over two decades later, Adam is a qualified social worker and leads the council’s residential services team.
He said: “I started out my career as a residential support worker with a few casual shifts. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to take the kids out on the bike, play football, watch a film or listen to music with some great young people.
“I knew then that I wanted a career in care and over the last 27 years I’ve been supported by the council with opportunities to gain qualifications including my degree in social work and experience in lots of different roles.
“Being a residential support worker was probably one of the most enjoyable roles that I’ve had as I had the most contact with young people. I don’t think I’ve had so many laughs at work – both with the adults I was working with and the children I was supporting.
“Your typical working day is a typical day in the home – you have a routine to follow: waking young people up in the morning, cooking meals and planning our activities.
“Everyday can bring new rewards as we help to prepare young people for adult life.
“The most rewarding and motivating thing for me was always making sure that the children had the same opportunities and experiences as I would want my child to have.
“Over the years, I’ve been wild camping, canoeing, abseiling, coasteering, taken children to football matches, cubs and scouts, or supported them to find new interests.
“It’s an exciting time to join the team with lots of opportunities to progress your career in care.
“Everyone wants the best for our children and will do everything they can to achieve that.”
Hear from the team about the rewards of working in children's residential care