Children's Senior Support Worker

Excelcare Holdings; Histon; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 Days annual leave incl BH

Competitive pay

Paid breaks and meals

Service bonus scheme

EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)

DBS check paid by us

Annual salary review

Blue Light Card scheme

Induction and professional development

Management support

Refer a Friend £500

Well-being initiatives

On-site parking

Job summary

Excelcare Holdings is hiring a Senior Support Worker – Residential Childcare in Histon, Cambridgeshire. You will lead shifts, supervise a team and provide trauma-informed care for children aged 6–17, under the guidance of the Registered Manager.

A Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare is essential, with driving licence beneficial. The role offers full-time, permanent employment with a salary of £16.50 per hour plus sleep-in payments (£62 per night) and a comprehensive range of benefits,

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare.
• Safeguarding Level 3 would be desirable.
• Full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and supervise a team of Residential Support Workers.
• Support the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager to deliver high standards of care.
• Contribute to induction, performance management and ongoing professional development.
• Ensure safeguarding, risk management and staffing levels meet regulatory standards.

Education

Level 3 in Residential Childcare

Job description

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role now or in the future.

To be suitable for the role you must hold a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare.

We are recruiting a dedicated and experienced Senior Support Worker to join a beautifully presented residential children’s home supporting children aged 6–17 years.

You’ll be part of a supportive leadership structure, working closely with the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager to provide consistent, trauma-informed care in a safe and nurturing environment. This is a key role for someone who enjoys leading shifts, supporting teams and role-modelling excellent practice, while remaining closely connected to direct work with children.

Job role: Senior Support Worker – Residential Childcare

Location: Histon, Cambridgeshire

Salary: £16.50 per hour plus additional sleep in payments

Shift Pattern: Full-time hours, working shifts with occasional sleep ins - £62.00 per night.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

• 28 Days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays


• A highly competitive rate of pay


• Paid Breaks and meals provided.


• Length of Service Bonus Scheme


• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)


• Free Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check and Annual Update Fees paid for by us


• Annual salary review


• Blue Light Card Scheme paid for


• Comprehensive induction, training and professional development opportunities to complete further qualifications


• Support from an experienced Registered Manager, Deputy Manager and a wider senior leadership team


• Refer a Friend Scheme rewarding £500 for every person you refer*


• Free access to well-being initiatives


• Free on-site Parking

Senior Support Worker - key responsibilities:

As a Senior Support Worker, you’ll play a vital role as part of a dynamic residential team, helping to create a safe, supportive space where children can thrive. Your work will be essential in empowering children, strengthening relationships and building the foundations for long-term stability and positive change.

You will support the Registered Manager and Deputy Manger to ensure high standards of care and support in a safe, nurturing environment for the children. You will supervise, mentor and support a team of Residential Support Workers, helping them deliver outstanding care that promotes stability, growth, independence and positive outcomes.

This is a key role in shaping the future of the home, leading by example and taking responsibility for ensuring that shifts run safely and that all routines, risk management processes and sufficient staffing levels are adhered to. You’ll participate in the induction of new team members, as well as being involved with performance management including supervisions and appraisals and ongoing professional development.

You will form part of the wider team to help ensure the home meets all legislation, including Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards, Safeguarding and company policies.

• Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)


• Safeguarding Level 3 would be desirable.


• At least 1 year of experience as a Senior Support Worker or minimum of 2 years’ experience working within a Residential Children’s home as a Support Worker, ready to take the next step.


• If you’ve had experience supporting with audits, Regulation 44 reviews or Ofsted inspections this would be beneficial.


• Understanding of Ofsted legislation and safeguarding procedures.


• Proactive, enthusiastic and a strong people person with a hands‑on, inclusive approach.


• A calm, reflective approach to managing conflict and behaviour.


• Experience with rotas and basic operational tasks (desirable, not essential)


• Full UK driving licence.

*Terms and conditions apply

If you have professional integrity and a commitment to making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.