Children's Support Worker

Teaching Personnel Ltd.; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel Ltd. is seeking a Children's Support Worker to assist young people aged 16-18 in a supported living setting. This is a full-time, permanent role, and it is not a personal care position.

You will mentor and support young people in developing life skills, independence, and confidence, while ensuring boundaries and safety within a team-based environment.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 6 months' experience working with children or young people.
• The ability to remain calm, patient and resilient in challenging situations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• An understanding of professional boundaries.
• Confidence supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A genuine commitment to helping young people become confident, happy and independent adults.

Responsibilities

• Teaching practical life skills such as cooking, cleaning, shopping and budgeting.
• Supporting young people to manage their own home and daily responsibilities.
• Accompanying them to appointments, activities and community opportunities.
• Helping with CV writing, job searches, applications and interview preparation.
• Providing encouragement during difficult times and celebrating achievements along the way.
• Building positive, professional relationships that offer consistency and stability.
• Working alongside a dedicated team to create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.

Skills

Experience with children

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

Children's Support Worker - Supported Living (16-18 Year Olds)

Full-Time | Permanent Position

Help Young People Build Confidence, Independence & Brighter Futures

Not every young person gets the start in life they deserve. For those who have experienced trauma, emotional challenges, or difficult life circumstances, the right support can be life-changing.

We're looking for caring, reliable and motivated Children's Support Workers to join a supported living service for young people aged 16-18. This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to support young people as they develop essential life skills, grow in confidence and take positive steps towards independent adulthood.

More Than a Care Role

This is not a personal care position.

Instead, you'll act as a mentor, role model and source of encouragement, helping young people navigate everyday life and develop the skills they need to thrive independently.

The young people within the service are largely independent, with varying levels of support needs. Some may only need occasional guidance, while others benefit from more regular encouragement and emotional support.

Many have experienced trauma, disrupted childhoods, or challenges relating to their social, emotional and mental wellbeing. Your role will be to help them recognise their strengths, overcome obstacles and believe in their own potential.

What Could Your Day Look Like?

No two days are ever the same. You could find yourself:

Teaching practical life skills such as cooking, cleaning, shopping and budgeting

Supporting young people to manage their own home and daily responsibilities

Accompanying them to appointments, activities and community opportunities

Helping with CV writing, job searches, applications and interview preparation

Providing encouragement during difficult times and celebrating achievements along the way

Building positive, professional relationships that offer consistency and stability

Working alongside a dedicated team to create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment

Shift Pattern

This role operates on a three-week rolling rota and includes long-day sleep-in shifts.

Typical Shift

Start: 9:00am

Working Hours: 9:00am - 11:00pm

Sleep-in: 11:00pm - 7:00am

Working Hours: 7:00am - 9:30am

Finish: 9:30am

While sleep-ins are typically quiet, there may occasionally be situations where a young person requires support overnight. Any active support provided during sleep-in hours is paid.

Example Rota

Week 1

Wednesday
Saturday

Week 2

Monday
Friday
Sunday

Week 3

Tuesday
Thursday

Who Would Be a Great Fit?

We're looking for people who are passionate about helping young people succeed and who can remain positive and supportive when challenges arise.

You'll Need:

A minimum of 6 months' experience working with children or young people

The ability to remain calm, patient and resilient in challenging situations

Strong communication and relationship-building skills

An understanding of professional boundaries

Confidence supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs

The ability to work effectively as part of a team

A genuine commitment to helping young people become confident, happy and independent adults

Why This Role Matters

The support yo