Lead Support Worker: Complex Youth Care

Young Crisis Hub; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Young Crisis Hub is seeking a Lead Support Worker for Complex Care Packages in the UK. You will oversee shifts, directly support young people with complex mental health needs, and guide the team to deliver the clinical plan on the floor.

You will lead on safeguarding, manage records, and respond to incidents with de‑escalation techniques while promoting safe, person‑centred care aligned with the plan and reviews.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children, young people or adults with complex needs.
• Experience of high risk presentations and responding calmly.
• Evidence of leading or senior responsibility on shift.
• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• Good written English and the ability to produce clear records.
• Safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries knowledge.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service, or willingness to obtain one.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including nights, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins.
• Training in a recognised de-escalation and restrictive intervention model (Team Teach, MAPA or PRICE).
• Experience of deprivation of liberty arrangements or other restrictive care.
• Experience of trauma-informed approaches or attachment-based practice.
• First aid or safe administration of medication, or MH first aid qualification.

Responsibilities

• Take charge of the shift, allocate tasks, run handovers and ensure staff and actions align with each young person’s plan.
• Deliver direct support, including personal care, routines, education and community access.
• Act as first escalation point on shift and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Lead and support the team through incidents, including de-escalation and post-incident support.
• Follow care plans, risk assessments and feedback when practice is not aligned.
• Build trusted relationships to support distress, routine and independence.
• Advocate for young people and involve them in care decisions.
• Support restrictive arrangements with least restriction and safety.

Skills

Leadership on shift

De-escalation training

Trauma-informed practice

Stakeholder communication

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Job description

Young Crisis Hub is seeking a Lead Support Worker for Complex Care Packages in the UK. You will oversee shifts, directly support young people with complex mental health needs, and guide the team to deliver the clinical plan on the floor.

You will lead on safeguarding, manage records, and respond to incidents with de‑escalation techniques while promoting safe, person‑centred care aligned with the plan and reviews.