Join our dynamic team in a newly created role as a therapeutic care workers within the children and young people’s ward.
Are you passionate about supporting and empowering children and young people with mental health challenges? Do you thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment? We are currently seeking compassionate and dedicated Band 4 therapeutic care workers to join our team and play a vital role in our children’s ward. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with and be supported by a team of clinical practice educators. Our dynamic, enthusiastic, and supportive senior nursing and mental health teams will provide mentorship and guidance to help you grow and thrive. In addition, we offer numerous opportunities for professional development – including mentoring and dedicated mental health supervision. Furthermore, our Trust is proud to be awaiting the rebuild and launch of our purpose-built paediatric emergency department, providing an innovative and well-equipped environment for patient care. If you are dedicated to making a positive impact on the mental health and well being of children and young people we want to hear from you.
The Therapeutic Care Worker role has been developed to provide support to registered nurses in meeting the needs of children and young people with both physical and mental health needs.It is envisaged that this will be a developmental role suitable for highly motivated individuals looking to gain clinical experience before pursuing further professional training in either nursing or psychological therapies. The post requires excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills and an aptitude for developing a range of practical and listening skills.The post offers a comprehensive induction, clinical supervision from the CAMHS team, and health care assistant training. Previous experience of working with young people is essential. The post holder will need to work flexibly to address the unique requirements of the children and young people’s service, involving rotational shift patterns, nights and weekend work.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding care workers in the United Kingdom
1. What does a care worker do?
A care worker provides support and assistance to individuals who need help with daily living due to illness, disability, old age, or other factors. This includes helping with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, mobility assistance, and companionship.
2. What qualifications do I need to become a care worker?
While there are no mandatory qualifications to become a care worker, having a GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths can be helpful. Some employers may require specific qualifications, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. Care workers are also encouraged to complete training courses related to safeguarding, first aid, and other care-related skills.
3. What skills are required to be a care worker?
Essential skills include:
- Empathy and patience
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to handle sensitive information
- Basic healthcare knowledge
- Teamwork and adaptability
- Time management
4. What is the average salary for a care worker in the UK?
The salary can vary depending on experience, location, and employer. On average, care workers in the UK earn between £18,000 and £22,000 per year. Senior care roles or positions in areas with higher living costs may offer more competitive salaries.
5. What are the working hours for a care worker?
Working hours can vary. Many care workers work full-time or part-time shifts, and may also be required to work evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts depending on the needs of the individuals they are caring for. Some positions may also require on-call work.
6. Do care workers need to be registered with a governing body?
Yes, care workers in the UK working in regulated roles (such as in adult social care) must adhere to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, although they do not need to be individually registered with the CQC. However, some roles (like social workers or nurses) require professional registration with specific bodies.
7. What is the difference between a care worker and a healthcare assistant?
Both roles involve providing support to individuals in need, but healthcare assistants typically work alongside healthcare professionals (such as nurses or doctors) in medical settings, assisting with medical tasks, while care workers generally provide personal care and support in non-medical settings such as homes or care homes.
8. What types of care settings do care workers work in?
Care workers can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Residential care homes
- Nursing homes
- Home care (supporting individuals in their own homes)
- Supported living services
- Hospices
- Day care centers
9. What are the career progression opportunities for care workers?
Care workers can progress to higher-level positions such as senior care worker, team leader, or care manager. With further qualifications and experience, some may move into roles like social worker, health and social care trainer, or care coordinator.
10. How can I find a job as a care worker in the UK?
Job opportunities for care workers can be found through:
- Local care agencies and care home providers
- Online job boards (e.g., Indeed, NHS Jobs)
- Recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare and social care
- Word-of-mouth or community networks
11. Do care workers need background checks?
Yes, care workers are required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the recruitment process to ensure they do not have a criminal history that would make them unsuitable for working with vulnerable individuals.
12. What is the role of a care worker in supporting mental health?
Care workers often support individuals with mental health conditions by assisting with everyday tasks, offering companionship, helping with medication management, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Some may receive training to help them understand specific mental health needs and challenges.
