Childrens Residential Support Worker - Harpury House

Prospects; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-in allowance

Ofsted Bonus Scheme

Enhanced Family Friendly Leave

Award and Recognition Vouchers

Overtime opportunities

Career development pathways

Generous annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Unum Healthcare access

Aviva Digicare access

Refer a Friend bonus

Cycle to Work scheme

Subsidised days out with young people

Job summary

Homes2Inspire, part of Shaw Trust Group, in Bedford (MK40), is hiring a Residential Support Worker to help children and young people in a safe, nurturing home. You will safeguard, support daily routines, encourage community activities, and help build life skills.

Role requires 40 hours per week with sleep-ins; full training and funded qualifications are provided. A full UK driving licence is essential; sponsorship or part-time hours are not available.

Qualifications

• Compassion and empathy for children and young people.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to stay calm and patient in challenging situations.
• Willingness to work toward QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (funded).
• Drivers with a FULL UK licence are essential.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
• Support with daily routines, household tasks, and meal preparation.
• Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
• Transport young people to school, medical appointments, and activities.
• Act as a positive role model, setting clear boundaries and building trust.
• Help young people develop life skills, including managing finances.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork.
• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins (1–2 per week).

Skills

Compassion

Excellent communication

Patience

Resilience under pressure

Full UK driving licence

Education

QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare

Job description

Childrens Residential Support Worker

Employer: Homes2Inspire (part of Shaw Trust Group)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent, 40 hours per week

Salary: £29,767 - £31,579 per annum + sleep-in allowance (£50.00 per sleep)

Location: Bedford, MK40

Have you ever thought about a career in children’s residential care but don’t have the experience? Homes2inspire offer full training and industry qualifications to support you in your career to work with children and young people.

We are looking for people who genuinely want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people who live in residential care, who have the right values, attitude and willingness to learn.

If you are emotionally resilient, able to stay calm under pressure, and confident supporting young people who may display behaviours that challenge then we want to hear from you!

About Homes2Inspire

Homes2inspire, are part of Shaw Trust Group, a charity dedicated to transforming lives across the UK.

Since opening our first home in 2007, Homes2Inspire has grown to become the UK's largest charity-owned provider of residential children's homes. We support over 150 children across 54 homes and 2 semi-independent leaving care facilities and high-needs foster care provision.

With ambitious growth plans for 2026 / 2027, we are looking for exceptional team members to be part of our exciting journey.

About The Home

Harpury House is a 4 bedded children's home based in Bedford – MK40. Supporting children and young people up to the age of 18 – the home provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment by offering emotional and practical support to help children develop life skills and build confidence.

The home currently supports children and young people between the ages of 11 – 15, whom are all very active and outgoing and enjoy taking part in activities both in the home as well as out in the community. We are therefore looking for support workers who enjoy being busy and active!

The Role

As a Residential Support Worker, you will:

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
• Support with daily routines, household tasks, and meal preparation.
• Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
• Transport young people to school, medical appointments, and activities.
• Act as a positive role model, setting clear boundaries and building trust.
• Help young people develop life skills, including managing finances.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork.
• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep‑ins (1–2 per week).

What You’ll Bring

• Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Willingness to work towards QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (fully funded).
• Honesty, empathy, and a commitment to being a positive role model.
• Drivers with a FULL UK license are essential.

Shifts

Contracted to work 40 hours per week

Double shift with sleep in Eg 0730 – 2230 plus 1 – 2 sleeps per week

Week one - 2 shifts per week / week two – 3 shifts per week

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (£29,767 - £31, 579) per annum).
• Sleep-in allowance (£50.00 per sleep).
• Ofsted Bonus Scheme for homes achieving Good or Outstanding inspection outcomes.
• Enhanced Family Friendly Leave.
• Award and Recognition Vouchers celebrating outstanding performance and achievements.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Comprehensive training and career development pathways.
• Generous annual leave, with option to purchase 5 extra days.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.
• Unum Healthcare - App-based access to healthcare reimbursements, mental health support, remote GP, and wellbeing perks
• Aviva Digicare - Access free healthcare services including Digital GP consultation, Annual Health Check and Mental Health Assessments
• Refer a Friend bonus.
• Discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays, plus Blue Light Card access.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Subsidised days out with young people.
• Recognition awards for long service and attendance.
• Meals included during shifts.

Important Information

• Must be able to work 40 hours per week plus sleeps
• Sleep‑ins are required (average 1–2 per week).
• We cannot offer sponsorship or part time hours
• Drivers with a FULL UK licence are essential

Please Note

• All successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment safer recruitment checks in line with Ofsted regulatory requirements and Homes2Inspire Safer Recruitment Policy.
• Candidate applications will be reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to interview candidates before the advertised closing date of this role.