I have a new job!!

[SimpleAsABC]

Working within Residential Units for children.

I have no idea what to expect and I am excited and nervous in equal measures.

Any advice or words of wisdom??

A Very Well Done To You x

Big*

Thanks.

Has anyone done anything like this before?

I realise it's not strictly childminding, nannying or au pairing... But I was a nanny before and that's how I found the site!

Would I be better posting in adoption or fostering? Or maybe employment issues with a better title.. I was just too excited!

My suggestions are to read some books:

Authors: Shane Dunphy, Cathy Glass

Shane has worked in Residential, but writes about his work with a charity helping families in need. It may give you some background into residential work - what sort of children are in residential care for example.

Cathy Glass (her pen name) is a foster carer. So not quite the same as residential but could be the step those children been in prior to coming into residential. Thus again may give you some background as to what to expect.

I'm impressed that you have managed to get a job in Residential without a social worker background. I had thought that those working in Res were more likely social workers, rather than childcarers. However that difference could well make a difference to those children. So big congratulations on getting the job.

Posting in Fostering / Adoption could well help... as foster carers may know something about Res and will have dealt with similar children.

well done and best of luck. x

fab

well done

Thanks everyone.

Nick, I'm doing the post graduate in Social work in September (hopefully!) once i've finished my degree.

However, i'm sure it's an HNC level qualification which they look for, for residential, be it social care or childcare.