Childrens residential support work

[C7682]

I have a job interview on Wednesday for the role of a childrens residential support worker.. I'm trying to be prepared but not having much luck on Google/youtube. I've previously worked with adults with challenging behaviour and often come across younger service users in the same kind of situations so I have some knowledge. My problem is the interview. Im terrified because of it being a new field. Hoping to get some guidance on what questions will be asked and what answers will be expected. If anyone has any personal experience and could offer advice I'd be really grateful. TIA

I think you’d likely get asked a safeguarding question which you can use previous examples for , you might be asked about the values of the organisation and how they might be integrated into the work you do. Think about examples around working with other services- eg social workers. You want to demonstrate your understanding around the difficulties children and young people might face- understanding risk and additional vulnerabilities for looked after children , how you might support in the absence of parents and carers eg with transitions eg. college, work etc. examples around how you communicate if someone is in distress , dealing with difficult situations. Also if children are living there permanently how you can engage them,’make the home welcoming etc. I’d recommend looking at some legislation relating to children and young people and your local safeguarding children’s board should have lots of info on it. You may have a ‘what skills knowledge and experience can you bring to the role’ question so look at the job description and pick out some key points.
If you have transferable experience with adults try and feel confident that you can talk about examples to answer the questions and write your examples down first so you remember! Good luck!!

Hello I used to work as an RSW . In the interview I was asked if I could recall a challenging experience, how I dealt with it and what I would do differently next time.

I think I was asked why I wanted the job (standard). What kinds of challenges the children living in the setting may be facing. What I would bring to a team.

This was a long time ago (15+ years!) but hopefully that helps. It sounds like you are experienced so emphasise that. I also think demonstrating your compassion is inportant - yes there will be challenging behaviour but children in these settings have often lived through a lifetime of trauma. Good luck!

I would look into trauma and attachment as a lot of children in residential will be impacted by this. Looking behind any behaviours at the cause is crucial.

If this job is for a company called Cambian/care tech avoid like the plague they have been on panorama to.

Thank you, your reply was so helpful, I suspected these kind of questions but kind of just wanted clarity from someone who might have a better idea of the setting. Anyhow I got offered the job on the spot and I'm over the moon! Thanks again 🙌

Ahhhh congratulations! That's great news. Well done you.

Amazing congratulations!