Residential Support Worker

Action for Children; West of England; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days annual leave + bank holidays

Training and development opportunities

Free parking

Pension with employer contributions

Staff discount portal and Blue Light K

Job summary

Action for Children in Almondsbury, Bristol is seeking a Residential Support Worker (Shift Leader) to provide safe, developmental support for children and young people. The role includes supervising a team, leading shifts, and supporting with personal care and daily tasks to foster wellbeing.

The post offers a permanent full-time contract (37 hours) with shift work between 7am–10pm and some weekends, along with a competitive benefits package and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience engaging with children and young people in care or education settings.
• Ability to supervise a team and lead shifts effectively.
• Commitment to safeguarding and high-quality service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide case and care planning management, including risk assessment and reviews.
• Administer medication according to care plans and protocols.
• Deliver personal care in line with individual plans.
• Lead shifts to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Coordinate responsibilities within the service and prepare reports.
• Attend professional meetings and contribute to reviews.
• Supervise a team of residential support workers.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Team leadership

Positive attitude

Independent working

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Role: Residential Support Worker (Shift Leader)

Salary: Up to £28,500.00 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)

Location Almondsbury, Bristol

Contract/Hours: Permanent - Full Time – 37 hours a week - shift work is expected between 7am-10pm and some weekends.

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave.
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.
• Free Parking.
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover.
• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers’ discounts.
• 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.

Why Action for Children?

We are one of the largest children’s charities in the UK and have been making a difference to the lives of the UK’s vulnerable children for over 150 years.

Find out more about Action for Children here: Action for Children and on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.

The difference is what you do. You can learn more about why we do it, by checking outour 'Driven by Love' video.

A bit about the role

We’re looking for dedicated Residential Support Workers (Shift Leaders) to join our team. Our Residential Support Workers create a safe and supportive environment for children and young people to grow and develop. You will be supporting with any needs by assisting them with tasks such as personal care and household chores. The level of support will vary depending on the individual needs, focusing on fostering a sense of accomplishment and well-being.

About the service

Russell House is a short break home providing overnight accommodation and support for children and young people have both physical and learning disabilities.

The home provides a warm, caring and comfortable environment where young people feel safe, have fun, where they gain and develop skills and achieve maximum quality of life.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

• Providecase/care planningmanagement, including assessing, reviewing and managing risk.
• Administer medication.
• Provide personal care in line with the young people’s care plans.
• Lead shifts with the primary aim of the provision of a high-quality service.
• Co-ordinatingresponsibilitieswithin theservice,withmulti agency and producing familyinformation, includinganalysisand written reports.
• Attendance atprofessionalmeetings including reviews.
• Supervise a team of residential support workers.
• Leadby examplewiththeapplicationofActionforChildren\'s policy procedures andprofessionalpractice standards and in linewithregistrationrequirements.

Let's talk about you as a Residential Support Worker

Ideally you will:

• Understand how to engage with young people.
• Have supervisory skills and be able to lead a team.
• Have a positive approach and ‘can do’ attitude.
• Ability to work on your own or as part of a team.
• 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.

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?

Diversity, equality and inclusion

At Action for Children, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive. We know that racism and discrimination create barriers, and we’re 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.