Children’s Residential Support Worker

Wokingham Borough; Wokingham; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Annual Leave

GP Helpline

Employee Assistance Programme

Free Onsite Gym

Salary Sacrifice Car and Cycle to Work

Local & Lifestyle Discounts

Move through Menopause Course

Sports & Social Group Activities

Job summary

Wokingham Borough Council invites applications for a Children’s Residential Support Worker to provide compassionate, child-centered care in our residential homes in Wokingham.

You will work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and progress through the team with training and potential to progress to Grade 6, with DBS checks and extensive staff benefits.

Qualifications

• QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare or equivalent, or willingness to work towards within statutory timescales.
• Ability to engage with children and teenagers who have complex emotional needs.
• 2 years’ experience in Social Care is desirable.
• Ability to work the required shift patterns including weekends, overnights, late shifts and bank holidays.

Responsibilities

• To take on the role of a corporate parent, providing our children and young people with love and direction.
• The ability to connect with and build meaningful relationships with children and young people who have had complex early lives.
• To take immediate action when the welfare or safety of children or young people is at risk.
• To ensure that the wishes, thoughts and feelings of our children and young people are advocated.
• Delivery of high-quality support and guidance in order to promote the best outcomes possible for children in placement.
• To support the Homes Manager to exceed expectations at Inspection and Regulation 44 visits in terms of delivering positive outcomes for young people.
• To be flexible and willing to do activities with the children and young people along with attending appointments.

Skills

Engaging with children with complex 0?

Education

QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare, or equivalent

Job description

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £29,542 - £32,047 per annum (plus benefits)
Location: Wokingham
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Evenings/Flexible Hours/Full Time/Nights/Weekends
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 01/11/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 712859, 712862, 712864

Children’s Residential Support Worker

Make a positive difference to young people!

Wokingham Borough Council has a range of fantastic opportunities for established, or aspiring Children’s Residential Support Worker’s to join our residential children’s home.

As a Children’s Residential Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of a professional, child-centered service in accordance with the relevant regulations, legislation, and policy and procedures.

You will take on the role of a corporate parent, ensuring the welfare and safety of children and young people, and provide high-quality support to ensure the best outcomes.

We have a variety of opportunities available, so we’re keen to hear from experienced Support Workers with a children or young person background, as well as individuals with the transferable skills and the desire to positively impact young people's lives.

We can offer ongoing support and training, and the option to complete your QCF Level 3 upon successful completion of your probation period.

Key Responsibilities

• To take on the role of a corporate parent, providing our children and young people with love and direction.
• The ability to connect with and build meaningful relationships with children and young people who have had complex early lives.
• To take immediate action when the welfare or safety of children or young people is at risk.
• To ensure that the wishes, thoughts and feelings of our children and young people are advocated.
• Delivery of high-quality support and guidance in order to promote the best outcomes possible for children in placement.
• To support the Homes Manager to exceed expectations at Inspection and Regulation 44 visits in terms of delivering positive outcomes for young people.
• To be flexible and willing to do activities with the children and young people along with attending appointments.

Candidate Requirements

• Professional qualification in (recognised and current) QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare, or equivalent, or willingness to work towards this within the statutory timescales.
• The ability to engage with children and teenagers who have complex emotional needs.
• 2 years’ experience in Social Care is desirable.
• Ability to work the required shift patterns including weekends, overnights, late shifts and bank holidays.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop and advance to a Grade 6 once all progression criteria's have been met.

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• Generous Annual Leave- 31-36 days per annum (rising by 5 days with 5 years continued local government serviced), plus Bank Holidays
• GP Helpline- Available 7 days a week
• Employee Assistance Programme- Including a 24/7Your CareHelpline
• Free Onsite Gym- Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes- IncludingCarandCycle to Work schemes
• Local & Lifestyle Discounts- Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
• Move through Menopause Course
• Sports & Social Group Activities– Including running, football, cricket & more
• And more!

For an informal discussion, please contact: [e-mail] (Children's Homes Residential Manager)

Interviews: TBC. Will take place in person, in Wokingham's main offices

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.