Senior Childrens Residential Support Worker

Esland; Wakefield; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare organization in Wakefield is seeking a Senior Children's Support Worker to provide trauma-informed support in a nurturing environment for vulnerable children. The role requires a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare and a minimum of 12 months experience in a children's home setting. Competitive benefits include an estimated salary of up to £36,069, training opportunities, and additional perks like time off for your birthday and access to an Employee Assistance Program.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Day off for birthday

Access to holiday home

Casual dress code

Enhanced pay rates for overtime

Comprehensive induction and training

Career development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Free food on shift

Monthly recognition awards

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 months experience working in a children's home setting.
• Flexibility to work shift patterns including sleep ins.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed support to a child in a solo placement.
• Lead by example and create a nurturing environment.
• Help shape positive outcomes and build trust with children.

Skills

Compassion

Ability to work in a team

Supervisory skills

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Description

Help us make a lasting impact in a child’s life!

We’re on a mission to provide safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children who need them most—and we’re looking for experienced, compassionate people to help us do just that in our solo home in Wakefield.

As a Senior Children’s Support Worker, you’ll be at the heart of our care, providing consistent, trauma-informed support to a child in a solo placement. You’ll lead by example, helping to create a home where they feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. From daily routines to emotional support, your role will be vital in shaping positive outcomes and building trust.

We’re looking for someone who’s ready to step up, take responsibility, and make a real difference—someone who shares our passion for putting children first and is ready to grow their career in a meaningful and rewarding role.

Our people are our greatest strength, and the unique skills and perspectives they bring are the driving force behind our success. We’re committed to providing excellent care, supportive and nurturing environments and opportunities for our staff and young people alike.

What we can offer a Senior Children's Residential Support Worker

We want you to feel valued and supported in your role and as such, we offer a number of benefits, incentives and inhouse. Our benefits include (but are not limited to) :

• A competitive estimated annual salary up to £36,069
• A day off for your birthday (in addition to your holiday entitlement)
• Access to a holiday home based in the Peak District where you can stay for free, on the company!
• A casual dress code
• Enhanced pay rates for overtime and bank holidays
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training (accredited by the Bild Association)
• Career development opportunities – we had over 100 internal promotions last year!
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program, Online GP, healthcare and cashback (through our employee rewards app)
• Free food on shift
• Monthly recognition awards

Essential requirements for a Senior Children's Residential Support Worker

• A Level 3 (or above) Diploma in Residential Childcare (or an accepted equivalent)
• A minimum of 12 months experience working in a children's home setting
• Supervisory experience
• Flexibility to work shift patterns including sleep ins (rota plan given in advance but likely to be 2 on 4 off)
• A full, UK driving licence
• All candidates must be over the age of 21 to meet industry regulations

Successful employment is subject to satisfactory Full Enhanced Disclosure, right to work and reference checks in line with government regulations and Safer Recruitment Practices (the company will cover the costs).

All young people are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. Esland employees are responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and for challenging any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any young person or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference.

Estimated salary based on a pay rate of £12.95 to £14.60 per hour for days (depending on qualifications held) and working 12 sleep-nights per month on average (at £60 per sleep night)

Apply today and become part of our highly valued team!

With over 35 years of residential childcare experience, the Esland group now has more than 65 residential children’s and assessment homes, and five schools, that are spread across the Kent, Hertfordshire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Wiltshire, Bedfordshire, Nottinghamshire, West Midlands and Northamptonshire regions of England.

This also includes our Esland online school accessible to children throughout the UK which helps to deliver education to children missing education by utilising our specialised Turning the Curve education programme.

With over 800 team members and over 200 young people supported we strive to help our children achieve their very best outcomes , through our bespoke residential care, education, therapeutic and activity-led wraparound services.