Residential Support Worker

Action for Children; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid annual leave

Cycle to work scheme

Training opportunities

Flexible family leave

Life assurance

Blue Light Card discounts

Wellbeing day

Job summary

Action for Children in Ipswich is seeking a Residential Support Worker to help young people transition into the service, supporting confidence, independence and life skills. You will engage in hands-on activities, from arts and crafts to outdoor adventures, creating meaningful experiences daily.

The role offers varied shifts (day and waking night) within a permanent full-time contract, with opportunities for professional training and career progression.

Qualifications

• Experience in a care setting and developing positive relationships through trust.
• Ability to communicate with service users and families effectively.
• Demonstrate a solution-focused approach and emotional resilience.

Responsibilities

• Provide lead case/care planning management, including assessing, reviewing and managing risk.
• Coordinate responsibilities within the service with multi-agency involvement and produce reports.

Skills

Care experience

Relationship building

Emotional resilience

Communication with families

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Equivalent qualification

Job description

Job title: Residential Support Worker
Salary:c.£25,949 - £27,000 Dependant on qualifications and experience
Location:Ipswich, Suffolk
Contract/Hours:Permanent Full-time 37 hrs per week. We have day and Waking night shifts available.
Benefits:

• Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
• Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
• Up to 7% employer contribution and life assurance cover
• Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers
• As part of our commitment to staff wellbeing, you'll receive a paid annual Wellbeing Day to use however you choose, supporting a healthy balance between work and life.

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you'll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

A bit about the role

As a residential support worker, you will play a vital role in helping young people transition into our service working closely with them to understand and meet their unique needs. You'll support them in building confidence, independence, and life skills- maximising their opportunities for a bright and positive future.

This is a hands‑on rewarding role where no two days are the same. Whether it’s playing on the Xbox, getting creative with arts and crafts, cooking, bouncing around at jump In or enjoying a sunny day at the beach, you'll be actively involved in the fun, creating meaningful experiences with the children every day.

If you're enthusiastic, caring and ready to make a genuine difference whilst having fun along the way we'd love to hear from you.

Residential support workers at both entry and senior levels are warmly welcome. Please note that while some aspects of the job description may not apply to you at an entry level this should in no way discourage you from applying.

What you do could make a difference

• Provide lead case/care planning management, including assessing, reviewing and managing risk.
• Co-ordinating responsibilities within the service, with multi agency and producing family information, including analysis and written reports.
• Attendance at professional meetings including reviews, court work etc.
• Creating a fun and safe environment for both staff and children in the home and in the community.

Let’s talk about you

• Demonstrable experience of working in a care setting and developing positive relationships through trust.
• Application of a range of techniques to co-ordinate and communicate with service users and their families.
• Demonstrate a solution focused approach to address problems, individually and in a team setting.
• Demonstrate emotional resilience to respond to the challenging nature of the role.
• Possess a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or recognised equivalent) or if you do not possess this you must be prepared to complete this within 2 years of commencing employment with us, full support will be provided.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you'll help us change that where it really matters.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we'll be here.

Will you join us?

About the Service

Hestia House is a warm welcoming 4-beded residential home supporting children 8-18years with disabilities and complex needs. We are passionate about creating a safe, fun, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. We have a can-do attitude where we believe each individual child can fit into our activities, and we tailor for their individual needs. Focusing on fun experiences.

Our Commitment to Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism

At Action for Children, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive. We know that racism and discrimination create barriers, and we are taking active steps to challenge these inequalities in our organisation and in the communities we serve.

We strongly welcome applications from people who are Black, Asian, or from other racialised and ethnically marginalised communities, as well as disabled people, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. We are committed to removing barriers in our recruitment processes and ensuring fair access to opportunities.

We also encourage applications from men, who are under-represented in our Children’s Services roles. We recognise that people hold multiple identities, and we value the richness this brings to our team.

Want to know more about Action for Children?

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.

Job Description

See below for further information about working with us:

AfC Commitment Statement

Make a Difference - A Career in Residential Services