Residential Support Worker

Pharmacyupdate; Cobham; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full induction and training

Diploma funding

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Pharmacyupdate, on behalf of a specialist therapeutic children’s residential home, seeks compassionate staff to support young people with complex needs. You will help build trusting relationships, provide emotional and practical support, and work within a trauma-informed, therapeutic setting.

Ideal candidates are patient, resilient and committed to relationship-based care, with awareness of de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed practices.

Qualifications

• A caring, patient and resilient approach to relationship-based care.
• Experience or knowledge of therapeutic approaches with young people is desirable.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare is advantageous but not essential.
• Full UK driving licence and current DBS (or willingness to obtain) required.
• Flexibility to work rota including long days, waking nights, weekends and sleep-ins.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Provide emotional, practical and social support, encouraging independence.
• Act as a positive role model through behaviour and communication.
• Maintain structured routines and safe boundaries for safety.
• Complete accurate daily records and care documentation.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external professionals to deliver outstanding care.

Skills

Compassionate demeanor

Patience

Resilience

Communication skills

De-escalation techniques

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

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 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.

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.