Residential Support Worker - The Elms

Somerset County Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Sleep-in pay

Flexible hours

Weekend work

Job summary

The Elms, part of Somerset County Council, is recruiting a Residential Support Worker to provide high‑quality care for children and young people with complex health needs and learning disabilities. You’ll support safety, wellbeing, development and independence in a warm, home‑from‑home setting.

Join a friendly team with flexible hours, sleep‑ins and weekend work. We offer development opportunities, a supportive leadership team, and Ofsted OUTSTANDING ratings across all areas as part of our

Qualifications

• Experience caring for children and young people in care, education or support roles.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and professional boundaries.
• Willingness to learn Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Ability to work as part of a team to provide consistent care.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts with medication management and smooth handovers.
• Build trusted relationships as a key worker.
• Support daily activities and create a nurturing home.
• Contribute to care planning and reviews.
• Work with families and professionals.
• Maintain clear records.
• Participate in meetings and training.
• Support sleep-ins and flexible shifts.

Skills

Child care experience

Trauma-informed awareness

Safeguarding knowledge

Record keeping

Strong communication

Team player

Resilience

Time management

Flexibility (evenings/weekends)

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Tools

IT systems

Job description

Closing date: 28/09/2026

Salary: Grade 13, Ranging from £26,847 - £29,071 per annum, pro rata, plus a £1,500 per annum, pro rata, recruitment allowance until 30/09/2027.

The Elms, located in Curry Rivel, offers care and support to children with complex health needs and learning disabilities. We provide a short break service and play an important part of Children's Social Care in Somerset. We focus on promoting independence, social inclusion and choice to provide individual support to children and young people with complex health needs and learning disabilities.

Our current opportunities are for 22, 22.5 and 30 hours per week and will include sleep-ins and every other weekend working. You'll be paid £43.12 for each sleep-in and an extra £1.94 for each hour worked on Saturday and Sunday.

So come join a friendly, passionate team where you can make a real difference-without compromising your work-life balance. We offer flexible hours, strong relationships with children and families, and a warm, supportive environment that's genuinely fun (yes, including the occasional fancy dress!). You'll also benefit from great development opportunities and a leadership team that's invested in your success.

We're rated OUTSTANDING by Ofsted across all areas.

They said:

'Children enjoy their short breaks and were seen laughing and having fun with staff. Children make exceptional progress because their needs are really prioritised by the staff who care for them'.

And of course, we do agree!

Where better to develop your career?

Role summary

At The Elms, we are a fun and welcoming short‑break provision where children and young people can enjoy new experiences, build confidence, and feel safe, valued, and cared for. Our aim is to create a genuine home‑from‑home environment, where every child has the opportunity to have fun, make memories, and develop their independence along the way.

As a Residential Support Worker, you will provide high‑quality, child‑centred care, supporting children and young people's safety, wellbeing, development, and independence. You will build positive relationships, support day‑to‑day activities, and contribute to care planning to help each child achieve the best possible outcomes.

Working as part of a friendly and dedicated team, you will help create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where children can thrive. We love being part of the Curry Rivel community and enjoy celebrating events such as Children in Need, Red Nose Day, World Book Day, fundraising activities, themed events, and even the occasional fancy dress day. We believe that fun, laughter, and shared experiences play an important role in creating positive memories for the children and young people we support.

You will act as a positive role model, promoting resilience, confidence, and life skills, while helping children and young people develop meaningful relationships and reach their personal goals. Alongside creating enjoyable and engaging experiences, you will maintain professional boundaries and work in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies, procedures, and Council values at all times.

Your role will be essential in safeguarding children and young people, ensuring they feel safe, supported, well cared for, and able to reach their full potential while having lots of fun along the way.

What you'll do - key responsibilities

• Lead shifts with confidence - managing medication, delegating tasks and ensuring smooth handovers
• Build trusted relationships as a key worker, supporting children and young people every day
• Make a real difference to daily life - from activities and routines to creating a safe, nurturing home
• Support education, health and wellbeing, helping young people to thrive
• Work closely with families, professionals and support networks
• Keep clear, accurate records and contribute to care plans and reviews
• Take ownership of key areas of the home
• Be an active team member - attending meetings and developing through training

What we're looking for - knowledge, experience & skills

Essential:

• Understanding of the needs of children and young people, including those who have experienced trauma, neglect, abuse or instability

• Awareness of safeguarding principles, child protection responsibilities, and professional boundaries
• Basic knowledge of children's residential care standards, policies and procedures, or willingness to learn
• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals in a care, support or educational setting (paid or voluntary)
• Experience working as part of a team to provide consistent care and support
• Experience managing challenging behaviour in a calm, respectful and professional manner
• Good standard of literacy and numeracy to support accurate record keeping and communication
• Willingness to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) within an agreed timescale
• Ability to build positive, trusting and professional relationships with children and young people
• Strong communication skills, including listening, observing and responding appropriately
• Ability to remain calm, resilient and emotionally aware in challenging situations
• Good organisational skills, including record keeping and time management
• Ability to work flexibly (including evenings, weekends, sleep‐ins and bank holidays)
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and treating individuals with dignity and respect

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, attachment theory or restorative approaches
• Experience working in a residential childcare setting
• Experience contributing to care plans, behaviour support plans or risk assessments
• Experience working with external professionals (e.g. social workers, teachers, health colleagues)
• Level 3 Diploma (or equivalent) in Residential Childcare, Health and Social Care, or a related field
• Relevant training in safeguarding, behaviour management, first aid or medication administration
• Ability to support children and young people to develop independence and life skills
• Confidence using IT systems for recording, reporting and communication
• Ability to contribute to a therapeutic and nurturing residential environment

Additional Information

• Permanent roles available, including 22 hours, 22.5 and 30 hours per week.
• We're as flexible as we can be with shifts and will do what we can to support you to manage your work-life balance.

• 25 day's annual leave (additional to bank holidays

It's important that you understand the role of a Support Worker at The Elms so, if you are shortlisted, you will be offered an initial Teams discussion to explore the role and responsibilities of the position in more detail and how your knowledge and experience would fit. This will help us determine if you will be offered a face‑to‑face interview.

Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Kelly Noble, Deputy Manager, [e-mail] or Bonnie Moore, Residential Team Leader/Acting up Deputy Manager, [e-mail] or call them at The Elms on 01458 251207.