Residential Support Worker (AWDO-P13899) in Bristol)

AWD online; Bristol; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established organisation in Bristol is seeking a Residential Support Worker for women reintegrating from prison. The role requires excellent communication skills and empathy, along with the ability to build supportive relationships. Shifts are 4 on/4 off, with a salary range of £27,712 - £31,055. If you are confident and comfortable working with diverse backgrounds, this rewarding role may be for you.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Free meals during shifts

Annual salary review

Refer a friend scheme

Qualifications

• Applications can only be accepted from women candidates due to the gender specific nature of this role.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills required.
• Ability to work independently and confidently with a diverse range of people.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily living skills, leisure, and creative sessions.
• Support residents to address issues and build independence.
• Induct new residents and explain rules and policies.
• Maintain presence on shift with regular building checks.
• Act as Fire Warden and First Aider when required.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Numeracy and literacy

Understanding of safeguarding

Job description

Overview

Residential Support Worker who has excellent communication skills and empathetic ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with women returning to the community from prison is required to work in a Criminal Justice Approved Premises for a well-established organisation based in Bristol, South West England.

ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE CONSIDERED.

Ideally you have worked in a residential setting or have experience working within the criminal justice sector / criminal justice approved premises. However, we appreciate that not everyone can tick every single box, just so long as you are confident and are comfortable working with a diverse range of people from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances, then this job could be for you.

KEY REQUIREMENT: Due to the gender specific nature of this role, applications can only be accepted from women candidates. Gender is considered to be a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

SALARY: £27,712 - £31,055 per annum (includes unsociable hours) + Benefits

LOCATION: Bristol, South West England (BS16)

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

WORKING HOURS: Shift pattern of 4 shifts on and 4 shifts off, rotating 2 x 08:00 - 20:00 and 2 x 20:00 - 08:00, 12 hours per shift

Job Overview

We’re offering an exciting opportunity for a Residential Support Worker in a Criminal Justice Approved Premises for women. The role calls for excellent communication skills and empathy to build positive relationships with women returning to the community from prison or fulfilling a residential requirement as part of a community sentence.

Working as a Residential Support Worker you’ll join a specially trained workforce in a premises housing up to 26 residents. Your responsibilities will include delivering structured activities and skills sessions, supervising residents, maintaining discipline, and creating a safe, supportive environment that promotes successful reintegration.

As the Residential Support Worker you will you ideally have experience in a residential or criminal justice setting, but we welcome applicants who are confident working with people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

This is a rewarding role where you can make a real difference, helping residents regain the skills and confidence to rebuild their lives in the community.

Duties

• Lead daily living skills, leisure, and creative sessions
• Support residents to address issues and build independence
• Induct new residents and explain rules and policies
• Maintain presence on shift with regular building checks
• Record, report, and escalate key resident information or concerns
• Act as Fire Warden and First Aider when required
• Keep accurate records and computer-based systems up to date
• Communicate clearly with empathy, tact, and discretion
• Enforce boundaries appropriately and manage stressful situations independently

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Due to the gender specific nature of this role, applications can only be accepted from women candidates. Gender is considered to be a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010
• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• An understanding of safeguarding
• Able to work alone, without guidance
• Work on a shift which covers days and weekends
• Being empathic, with the ability to use tact and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive issues

Desirable

• Previous experience of working within a residential setting
• Previous experience of working with women
• Experience of working with groups or individuals in order to support, motivate and change behaviour
• An understanding of factors relating to multiple, compound needs
• Knowledge and experience of the work within the Criminal Justice System

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave (pro-rata) + Birthday Day off (with the opportunity to buy additional days)
• 2 Volunteer Days
• Pension - 5% Employee 5% Employer
• Healthcare Cash Plan, incl. 3 x salary life assurance
• Annual salary review
• Refer a friend scheme
• Free access to Benefit Hub - an online portal with access to a wide range of retail discounts, cycle to work scheme, and additional voluntary benefits
• All meals provided while on shift by their in-house cooks

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with the additional barred list check. All required checks will be undertaken as part of the pre-employment process for any successful candidate.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share and uphold this commitment in conjunction with the requirements of the Prevent Duty and the positive promotion of modern British values.

How to apply

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to our Recruitment Team who will review your details. CV’s of Job Applicants meeting this requirement will be submitted to our Client for consideration. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.

JOB REF: AWDO-P13899

Note: This summary omits site-specific and recruitment network boilerplate and focuses on the role, requirements and application process. This content is for job seekers in Bristol, South West England.