Advanced Skills Worker Senior Residential Worker

Due to Ofsted regulations the successful candidate must be at least 23 years of age. Please note this role is based at The Maples in Harlow. The Maples is a short breaks children's residential home that supports young people with autistic spectrum disorders, physical and learning disabilities. Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda - one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. We're immensely proud of our flexible working options. The Role The Children and Families Social Care function supports vulnerable young people and their networks. This role delivers direct provision of services to young people with a learning disability and/or autism and reports to an experienced registered home's manager. This is a great opportunity to make a difference to young people's lives and work in a dynamic and person-centred way. The Advanced Skills Worker role is a new and exciting opportunity. The worker is responsible for leading on practice, both facilitating and supporting young people with a learning disability and/or autism to live safe, healthy and meaningful lives as part of their communities, from an Ofsted registered residential home setting. They work as a key part of a supportive and diverse team and have excellent skills to work independently alongside young people, their families, networks and communities. They will be an experienced and professional practitioner who clearly evidences their support of children and families, by working collaboratively with them to establish a positive working relationship. They know that if their intervention is based on their strengths, hopes and dreams that they will thrive. The role is responsible for the effective practice in a residential home environment, providing support and guidance to ensure robust support through excellent social care practice. It is essential that a caring, safe and secure environment is created on a day to day basis alongside specialist expertise to enhance the opportunities to improve outcomes for people. As an experienced and professional practitioner, the post holder will utilise their expertise in care planning and work directly with young people and colleagues to meet individual outcomes. They will also provide day to day practice guidance to other residential home staff and will formally supervise other residential workers and assistants as determined by the Homes manager. Role Specific Accountabilities Responsible for leading and managing shifts effectively to ensure you create and maintain a suitable safe and secure home environment for young people. Contributes to the progressive living and working environment which balances opportunities and risks within a therapeutic culture. Develops and supports trusting relationships between staff and families and ensures that the service is able to provide progression and development of independence within a residential setting that links with the local community. Responsible for ensuring adherence to a quality and policy framework in day to day practices. Work collaboratively with managers and appropriate stakeholders to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations as relevant to residential homes. Responsible for ensuring outcomes for people are developed on an individual basis whilst being proactive in identifying and monitoring risks and reviewing support plans. Responsible for supporting meetings both in the home and outside to ensure that they are beneficial to staff and the residents, supporting a positive learning culture within the home. Support the development of staff across the service, ensuring building specialist knowledge and expertise to enhance the capability of the service. Responsible for ensuring that the day to day functioning of the home supports the provision of high-quality service to children and families that is outcome focused . We are seeking people who are committed to enabling people with a Learning disability and/or autism to live meaningful lives, they will be: Educated to RFQ Level 3 or 4 Caring for Children and Families and/or willing to attain this within 24 months and/or equivalent by experience. Have an excellent understanding of the range of strengths, assets, risks and opportunities for people with a learning disability and/or autism. Experience of continued professional development and knowledge in a relevant professional setting. Have excellent communication and listening skills and the ability to engage with others effectively at all levels Knowledge of a broad range of theories and practices together with relevant policies and legislative framework. Experience of using relevant technology and supporting others. Experience of leading shifts and providing sleep-in cover at residential homes together with experience of leading and facilitating adult group meetings. Experience of using and supporting others to use person centred approaches and respect for dignity, privacy and promoting choice. Willing to undertake mandatory training and lead on areas of practice. Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. More information can be found on https://benefits Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.