Residential Support Worker - Maternity

Shaw Trust; Upper Gravenhurst; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-in allowance

Ofsted Bonus Scheme

Enhanced Family Friendly Leave

Wellbeing support

Cycle to Work

Meals during shifts

Refer a Friend bonus

Job summary

Homes2Inspire, part of Shaw Trust Group, is hiring a Residential Support Worker on a maternity contract to cover 6–9 months. Based in Gravenhurst (MK45), you’ll work 40 hours weekly with 1–2 sleep-ins per week, supporting children and young people up to 18 in a safe, nurturing home.

You’ll contribute to wellbeing, life skills development, and daily care while pursuing QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare. Full UK driving licence essential.

Qualifications

• Caring approach to safeguarding and wellbeing.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
• Build trusting relationships and act as a positive role model while setting clear boundaries.
• Assist with daily routines, household tasks and meals.
• Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
• Transport young people to school, medical appointments and activities.
• Help young people develop life skills, including managing finances.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork.
• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins (1–2 per week).

Skills

Compassion

Communication

Calm under pressure

Full UK driving licence

Education

QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare

Job description

Childrens Residential Support Worker (Maternity cover)

Employer: Homes2Inspire (part of Shaw Trust Group)

Contract: Maternity contract, full time - 40 hours per week

Salary: £29,767 - £31,579 (pro rata) + sleep-in allowance - £50.00 per sleep

Location: Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire – MK45

Ofsted: Good

About Homes2Inspire

Homes2inspire, are part of Shaw Trust Group, a charity dedicated to transforming lives across the UK. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are driven by purpose—not profit. We are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people, particularly those who have experienced trauma and adversity.

Since opening our first children’s home in 2007, Homes2Inspire has grown to become the UK's largest charity-owned provider of residential children's homes. We support over 150 children across 54 homes and 2 semi-independent leaving care facilities and high-needs foster care provision.

Vacancy

We are looking to employ a residential support worker on a fixed term contract to cover a period of maternity leave for approximately 6 – 9 months. There may be opportunity for the vacancy to become permanent at the end of the maternity contract.

About the Home

Orchard House is a 2 bedded childrens residential homes based in Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire – MK45. Supporting children and young people up to the age of 18 – the home provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment by offering emotional and practical support to help children develop life skills and build confidence.

The Role

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
• Building trusting relationships and acting as a reliable, positive role model, whilst setting clear boundaries.
• Support with daily routines, household tasks, and meal preparation.
• Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
• Transport young people to school, medical appointments, and activities.
• Help young people develop life skills, including managing finances.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork.
• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins (1–2 per week).

What You’ll Bring

• Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Willingness to work towards QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (fully funded).
• Honesty, empathy, and a commitment to being a positive role model.
• Drivers with a FULL UK license are essential.

Hours

• Contracted to work 40 hours per week
• Sleep in are required on average 1 – 2 per sleep per week.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary £29,767 - £31,579 (pro rata)
• Sleep-in allowance - £50.00 per sleep.
• Ofsted Bonus Scheme for homes achieving Good or Outstanding inspection outcomes.
• Enhanced Family Friendly Leave.
• Award and Recognition Vouchers celebrating outstanding performance and achievements.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Comprehensive training and career development pathways.
• Generous annual leave, with option to purchase 5 extra days.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.
• Unum Healthcare - App-based access to healthcare reimbursements, mental health support, remote GP, and wellbeing perks
• Aviva Digicare - Access free healthcare services including Digital GP consultation, Annual Health Check and Mental Health Assessments
• Refer a Friend bonus.
• Discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays, plus Blue Light Card access.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Subsidised days out with young people.
• Recognition awards for long service and attendance.
• Meals included during shifts.

Important Information

• We cannot offer sponsorship or part time hours
• Drivers with a FULL UK licence are essential