Residential Childcare Support Worker

About Early Years Ltd.; Aldershot; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

About Early Years Ltd. is recruiting for Apple Orchard, a residential care home offering safe, nurturing environments for young males aged 12–18. This Casual Residential Childcare Support Worker role provides flexible ad-hoc shifts with no contracted hours, in a rural setting across Aldershot and surrounding areas.

You will support young people through difficult experiences, setting boundaries and promoting positive strategies, with DBS checks and safeguarding at the core of the role.

Qualifications

• Experience with teenage boys or challenging behaviours preferred.
• Willingness to work toward Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• Ability to follow policies, procedures and safeguarding requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide a caring, supportive environment meeting each young person’s needs.
• Plan and deliver activities that promote learning and positive engagement.
• Follow legislation, regulations and Ofsted guidance to ensure high-quality care.
• Observe and record progress and maintain life books for key-work cases.
• Work with authorities, parents and carers to support development.
• Assist with daily home operations and household tasks when required.
• Collaborate with the Manager and team to uphold the home’s values.
• Maintain clear, professional, accurate records.

Skills

Teenage engagement

Behaviour management

Teamwork

Communication (verbal)

Driving licence

Flexible scheduling

Education

Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or equivalent

Job description

Residential Childcare Support Worker

We’re currently recruiting experienced Residential Childcare Support Workers and also welcome applications from people passionate about making a real difference to young people.

Salary: £13.05 per hour

Location: Aldershot, Hampshire

Contract: Casual

Specific Hours: Shift Pattern- ad-hoc cover

Apple Orchard operates five rural homes across Surrey and West Sussex, providing safe, nurturing environments for young males aged 12–18. As a Casual Residential Support Worker, you’ll have the flexibility to choose shifts that suit you, with no contracted hours.

We support young people to move forward from difficult or traumatic experiences by offering clear boundaries, achievable goals, and positive strategies such as reward systems and structured free time.

Our goal is to create warm, stable homes built on trust, strong relationships, and consistent, high-quality care.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide a caring, supportive environment that meets each young person’s individual needs.
• Plan and deliver activities that encourage learning and positive engagement.
• Follow all relevant legislation, regulations, and Ofsted guidance to ensure high-quality care.
• Observe and record young people’s progress accurately, including maintaining life books for key-work cases.
• Work effectively with local authorities, parents, and carers to support each young person’s development.
• Support the daily running of the home, including household tasks when required.
• Work collaboratively with the Manager and team to uphold the home’s values and approach.
• Keep clear, professional records that are factual, non-judgemental, and well-maintained.
• Already hold, or be willing to work towards, a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, Children & Young People, Health & Social Care, or equivalent.

Essential skills:

• Experience working with teenage boys or challenging behaviours, with a willingness to continue developing your skills.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle (public transport is not suitable for our rural locations).
• Ability to engage young people in activities and support them towards independence and adulthood.
• Flexibility to work a mix of days, evenings, and weekends (with every other weekend off).
• Confident in setting firm boundaries, challenging unacceptable behaviour, and providing individualised care.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to follow handovers and delegated tasks.
• Able to maintain policies and procedures effectively.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to listen and engage well.

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position