Residential Support Worker

Polaris; Horsham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-in allowances

Every other weekend off

Fully funded qualifications

Career progression

Company pension

Employee discounts and wellbeing

Job summary

Apple Orchard is seeking a Residential Support Worker in Horsham, West Sussex. The role is full‑time and permanent, 40 hours per week with a shift pattern, including sleep‑in duties.

You will help create calm, therapeutic homes for children who have experienced trauma and disruption, supporting routines, education and wellbeing. No prior residential childcare experience is required; full induction, ongoing training and development are provided.

Qualifications

• A genuine passion for making a positive difference in children's lives.
• Caring, resilient and patient approach; ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and sleep-ins.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment where children feel valued.
• Support daily routines, education, hobbies and activities that build confidence and life skills.
• Build stable, trusting relationships and be a consistent, positive role model.
• Use calm, therapeutic and consistent approaches to support children through difficult moments.
• Keep clear and accurate records of progress, behaviour, achievements and important information.
• Work closely with colleagues, managers, families, local authorities and other professionals to maintain high standards of care.

Job description

Residential Support Worker

Company: Apple Orchard

Location: Horsham, West Sussex

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Specific Hours: 40 hours per week - shift pattern

Salary: Up to £32,623.97, including sleep in shifts, dependent on performance and experience

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and sleep-in allowances (£35 per night, typically one per week)
• Every other weekend off
• Fully funded qualifications and professional development
• Clear promotion pathways and career progression
• Company pension
• Access to employee discount and wellbeing programmes

Do you want a role where every day you can help a child feel safe, supported and more hopeful about their future? At Apple Orchard, our Residential Support Workers play a vital role in creating calm, caring and therapeutic homes for children who have experienced trauma, disruption or difficult life experiences.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is caring, resilient and committed to making a lasting difference. You do not need to have worked in residential childcare before; if you bring the right values, attitude and willingness to learn, we will provide a full induction, hands‑on support, ongoing training and the development you need to build confidence and succeed in the role.

Why join Apple Orchard?

• Competitive salary with regular sleep‑in payments
• A healthy work‑life balance, including every other weekend off
• Full induction, ongoing training, regular supervision and fully funded qualifications
• Clear career progression, including routes into senior and leadership roles
• Supportive managers, experienced colleagues and a team culture where you will not be expected to learn alone
• Company pension, employee discounts and wellbeing support
• Practical support to complete your Level 3 qualification and develop your confidence in therapeutic residential care
• Training and support from day one

We know that starting a role in residential childcare can feel like a big step, especially if you are new to children's homes. That is why we provide structured training, regular supervision and practical support from experienced managers and colleagues. You will be supported to understand each child's needs, use therapeutic approaches confidently, follow safeguarding procedures and develop the skills needed to progress in your career.

About Apple Orchard:

Apple Orchard runs five residential children's homes across Surrey and West Sussex, providing calm, therapeutic environments for boys aged 12-18. Many of the children we support have experienced trauma or disruption, and our homes are designed to help them feel safe, build trust and develop the confidence they need for the future.

You will be part of a dedicated team that values compassion, consistency, resilience and teamwork. This is a role where small moments matter - from helping a child manage a difficult day to celebrating progress, building confidence and supporting them towards greater independence.

What You'll Do:

As a Residential Support Worker, you will be a trusted adult in the daily lives of the children we care for. You will support them with routines, relationships, education, activities and emotional wellbeing, while helping to create a safe and positive home environment. You will:

• Create a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment where children feel valued
• Support daily routines, education, hobbies and activities that build confidence and life skills
• Build stable, trusting relationships and be a consistent, positive role model
• Use calm, therapeutic and consistent approaches to support children through difficult moments
• Keep clear and accurate records of progress, behaviour, achievements and important information
• Work closely with colleagues, managers, families, local authorities and other professionals to maintain high standards of care

What We're Looking For:

Essential:

• A genuine passion for making a positive difference in children's lives
• A caring, resilient and patient approach, with the ability to stay calm under pressure
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and sleep‑ins
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, due to the rural location of some homes

Helpful but not essential:

• Experience working with children, care, education, youth work, mental health, residential services or similar settings
• Level 3 Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner/Health & Social Care qualification, or willingness to work towards it
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A team‑focused attitude, good sense of humour and emotional resilience
• Confidence following procedures, writing reports and contributing to care plans

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