Residential Support Worker

Apple Inc.; Horsham; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-in payments

Every other weekend off

Fully funded qualifications

Career progression

Job summary

Apple Orchard seeks a Residential Support Worker to help children in a safe, therapeutic home setting. You will support routines, education, activities and emotional wellbeing while modelling calm, caring behavior and consistent routines.

Applicants should have a passion for making a difference, resilience under pressure, and willingness to work varied shifts including sleep-ins. DBS clearance is part of the process.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Patience under pressure

Caring nature

Flexibility

Team player

Education

Level 3 Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner/Health & Social Care qualification

Job description

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.

• 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

If you are compassionate, reliable and ready to help children feel safe, supported and able to achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.

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 an enhanced DBS check.

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

Up to £17,222.40 pro rata, including sleep-in shifts, dependent on performance and experience (up to £30,803.97 FTE)

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.