Childrens Residential Support Worker

WILDERNESS WAY; Whitehaven; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift patterns

Annual leave (up to 7 weeks)

Compassionate leave

Sick pay (enhanced)

Healthcare benefits

Life assurance

Diploma funded

Induction programme

Career progression

Discounts

Refer a friend bonus

Company pension

Job summary

Wilderness Way is recruiting Residential Support Workers to help children feel safe, valued and supported in a nurturing home environment. You will build relationships, support education and wellbeing, and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team across homes.

Open to experienced candidates and those aiming for a Level 3 Diploma, with opportunities to mentor others and progress your career within Wilderness Way. Driving is part of the role in some cases.

Qualifications

• Experience with children, young people or vulnerable individuals.
• Willingness to pursue Level 3 qualification if not already held.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and eligibility to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with children.
• Create a safe, structured and nurturing home environment.
• Support children with education, health and wellbeing.
• Encourage independence, confidence and resilience.
• Help children access new experiences and opportunities.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Empathy

Resilience

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Transform Lives as a Children's Residential Support Worker

What if your job could change someone's life?

At Wilderness Way, that's exactly what happens every day.

Whether you're bringing experience from residential childcare, education, care, youth work, or you're looking for a rewarding new challenge, this is your opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children who need support, stability, and someone who believes in them.

We recruit for Residential Support Worker opportunities across our homes and will assess your experience, qualifications and skills throughout the recruitment process to ensure you're considered for the most suitable role. Based on your experience and qualifications, this may include opportunities at Residential Support Worker or Senior Residential Support Worker level.

Why Join Us?

When you spend your career changing children's lives, you deserve a company that invests in yours.

That's why we offer:

• Set shift patterns including sleep-ins.
• Up to 7 weeks annual leave.
• Paid Compassionate Leave from day one.
• Enhanced Sick Pay, Maternity Pay and Paternity Pay.
• Medicash healthcare benefits, including dental and optical cashback plus 24/7 GP access.
• Life Assurance worth 2x your annual salary.
• Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• A dedicated induction and six-month welcome programme.
• Clear opportunities to progress your career with Wilderness Way.
• Discounts across gyms, retail, restaurants and more.
• £1,000 Refer a Friend bonus.
• Company pension scheme.

Your Day-to-Day

No two days are ever the same.

One day you might be helping a young person prepare for school. The next, you'll be supporting an outdoor adventure, teaching life skills, celebrating achievements, cooking a favourite meal, or simply being the trusted adult they need during a difficult moment.

You’ll:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with children.
• Create a safe, structured and nurturing home environment.
• Support children with education, health and wellbeing.
• Encourage independence, confidence and resilience.
• Help children access new experiences and opportunities.
• Support children to express their wishes, feelings and aspirations.
• Use trauma-informed approaches to support emotional wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with Managers, Therapists, Outdoor Specialists and Multi-Disciplinary Teams to help children achieve positive outcomes.

For colleagues appointed at Senior Residential Support Worker level, there will also be opportunities to mentor and support less experienced colleagues, role model best practice and help maintain high standards of care across the home.

What We're Looking For

The most important thing is your ability to lead by example, develop others and create an environment where children can thrive.

You’ll also need to:

• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals, whether in care, education, youth work, healthcare, support work or a similar environment.
• A positive and resilient approach.
• Strong communication skills and a genuine passion for helping children reach their full potential.
• A willingness to work towards a Level 3 qualification if you don't already hold one.
• Be 21 or over (or turning 21 soon) due to requirements within children's residential care.
• Have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we're unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and be comfortable driving as part of your role, as you'll help children access the people, opportunities and experiences that matter most to them.

For Experienced Candidates

If you already hold a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) and have residential childcare experience, we'll consider you for opportunities that reflect your skills and experience, including Senior Residential Support Worker positions.

Make a Difference Every Day

It's a chance to help children feel safe, valued, understood and excited about their future.

With only 10-11 working days per month, exceptional support from your team, and genuine opportunities to develop your career, you'll have the chance to build a rewarding future while helping young people build theirs.

All roles at Wilderness Way are subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including references, an enhanced DBS, and online/social media screening for successful candidates.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, experience, or protected characteristics.