Children's Support Worker

Carestaff Solutions; Greater London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

An established staffing agency is seeking care workers to provide high-quality, person-centred support to children and young people in residential care settings. The role emphasizes emotional stability, safeguarding, and development through therapeutic practices. Candidates should have experience working with young people, a strong understanding of safeguarding, and hold an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. This position requires flexibility for varied shifts and a commitment to child-focused care.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people in residential, education, or care settings.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and attachment-based care approaches.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care and support to children and young people.
• Establish nurturing relationships and act as Keyworker for assigned young people.
• Develop and review individual care plans in collaboration with professionals.

Skills

Experience working with children and young people

Understanding of safeguarding practices

Knowledge of trauma-informed care

Ability to form therapeutic relationships

Flexibility to work varied shifts

Education

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality, person-centred care and keyworking support to children and young people living in residential care settings. The role focuses on promoting emotional stability, safeguarding, development, and independence through therapeutic and trauma-informed practice, in line with care plans and organisational policies.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Care & Support:

• Establish consistent, nurturing, and supportive relationships with children and young people.
• Act as the named Keyworker for assigned young people, supporting their care journey and advocating on their behalf.
• Assist with personal care where required and support children in maintaining hygiene, health, and daily routines.
• Support children with emotional regulation, behaviour management, and de-escalation using approved strategies (e.g., PRICE, Team Teach).

Keyworking Duties:

• Develop, implement, and review individual care plans, placement plans, and risk assessments in collaboration with the team and multi‑agency professionals.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records, including keywork sessions, progress updates, incidents, and safeguarding concerns.
• Attend and contribute to Looked After Child (LAC) reviews, statutory meetings, and staff handovers.

Safeguarding & Compliance:

• Actively promote and adhere to safeguarding procedures to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.
• Remain vigilant and report any safeguarding concerns promptly in line with local authority and organisational protocols.
• Ensure a safe and structured environment by adhering to health and safety procedures and completing daily checks.

Emotional and Behavioural Support:

• Support children who present with emotional and behavioural difficulties, mental health needs, trauma, attachment disorders, and developmental challenges.
• Deliver consistent boundaries, routines, and responses to challenging behaviour using trauma‑informed approaches.
• Help young people understand and manage their feelings and behaviours, encouraging resilience and coping strategies.

Promoting Development & Independence:

• Encourage and support children to engage in education, social activities, and life skills development.
• Promote independence in areas such as budgeting, cooking, laundry, transport, and managing appointments (as age‑appropriate).
• Celebrate achievements and milestones, helping to build confidence and self‑worth.

Teamwork & Communication:

• Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team to deliver continuity of care.
• Communicate professionally with colleagues, external agencies, families (where appropriate), and other stakeholders.
• Support colleagues during incidents or crisis situations, following agreed procedures and using de‑escalation where necessary.

Requirements

Essential:

• Experience working with children and young people in residential, education, or care settings.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed and attachment‑based care approaches.
• Ability to form trusting and therapeutic relationships.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and nights.
• NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• Enhanced DBS (Children’s Workforce) – registered on the Update Service or willing to undergo a new check.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Training in behaviour management techniques (e.g., PRICE, Team Teach, MAPA).

Personal Attributes:

• Calm, patient, and empathetic.
• Resilient and emotionally intelligent.
• Professional and reliable.
• Child‑focused and committed to positive outcomes.
• Able to maintain professional boundaries.

Note: This role is delivered on a temporary basis through Carestaff Solutions’ provision of staff to residential children’s homes. As such, the successful candidate will be expected to represent Carestaff Solution’s professionally while adhering to the policies and culture of each individual placement.