Residential Support Worker

Confidential; Cobham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction & Training

Diploma sponsorship

Career progression

Job summary

Confidential in Cobham, England, seeks compassionate, resilient staff to join a specialist therapeutic children’s home, delivering care to young people with complex needs. You will build supportive relationships, model calm behaviour and promote wellbeing within a structured, therapeutic environment.

Role requires driving licence, DBS checks, and a commitment to Level 3 Residential Childcare. Sleep-ins and variable shifts may be needed to ensure continuous care.

Qualifications

• Compassionate, patient and resilient approach to care.
• Experience or knowledge in trauma-informed practice is valued.
• Ability to communicate non-judgementally with young people.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Provide emotional, practical and social support.
• Model positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Engage young people in meaningful activities and routines.
• Use de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations safely.
• Follow Care Plans and Risk Assessments.
• Maintain routines and boundaries for safety.
• Complete daily records and care documentation.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external professionals.
• Contribute to a safe, therapeutic home environment.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Relationship-building

De-escalation

Trauma-informed practice

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Job description

About the Role

We're recruiting on behalf of a specialist therapeutic children's residential home providing high-quality care and support for young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs.

The home offers a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment where staff work together to build positive relationships, promote emotional wellbeing and help young people achieve positive outcomes.

This is an ideal opportunity for caring, resilient individuals who are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and making a lasting difference in their lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Provide emotional, practical and social support, encouraging independence and community engagement.
• Act as a positive role model through your behaviour, communication and emotional regulation.
• Keep young people engaged through meaningful activities and structured routines.
• Use therapeutic approaches and effective de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations safely.
• Follow Behaviour Support Plans, Individual Care Plans and Risk Assessments at all times.
• Maintain consistent routines and appropriate boundaries to help young people feel safe and secure.
• Complete accurate daily records, incident reports and care documentation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals to deliver outstanding care.
• Contribute to creating a safe, nurturing and therapeutic home environment.

Shift Patterns

• Set day shifts: 10:00am 10:00pm
• Set waking night shifts: 10:00pm 10:00am
• Part-Time: 3:00pm 8:00pm (minimum 25 hours per week)
• Sleep-in shifts may be required when working back-to-back shifts.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for compassionate, patient and resilient individuals who understand the importance of relationship-based care.

Experience or knowledge of the following would be highly desirable:

• Therapeutic approaches to supporting young people.
• PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy).
• De-escalation and safe physical intervention techniques.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and recognising individual triggers.
• Using non-judgemental, child-centred communication.

A Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care or Residential Childcare is advantageous but not essential.

Essential Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must:

• Hold a full UK driving licence
• Have a current DBS registered on the Update Service or willing to obtain one
• Have at least 6 months' experience working with children or young people in one of the following settings: Children's Residential Care / SEN Schools / Youth Work / Children's Care or Support Services
• Have a good understanding of de-escalation techniques and managing challenging behaviour.
• Be committed to completing the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare if not already qualified.
• Be flexible to work a rota including long days, waking nights, weekends and sleep-ins where required.

What You'll Receive

• Full induction and ongoing training.
• Funded Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation.
• The opportunity to work in a therapeutic, child-focused environment.