Senior Childrens Support Worker

Ionic Recruitment Ltd; Matlock; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Ionic Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Senior Residential Support Worker in Matlock to lead day-to-day operation of a children's home. You will mentor colleagues, lead shifts including sleep-ins, and ensure the highest standards of care for ages 6 to 16 with EBD.

You’ll use trauma-informed approaches, support care planning, and liaise with families, social workers, and education providers to promote positive outcomes.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience with children and young people in residential childcare.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care to children and young people with EBD and complex needs.

Skills

Leadership

Trauma-informed care

Communication

Organisational skills

Record-keeping

Safeguarding knowledge

Decision-making under pressure

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Level 4 leadership/management qualification (desired)

Job description

Senior Residential Support Worker

Location: Matlock

Salary: £14.50 - £15.50 per hour plus sleep-in allowance (dependent on experience)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Shifts: Residential rota including sleep-ins

Lead, Inspire, and Make a Lasting Difference

Are you an experienced Residential Support Worker looking to take the next step in your career? Do you have a passion for supporting children and young people to overcome adversity and achieve positive outcomes?

We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated Senior Residential Support Worker to join a specialist children's home in Matlock, supporting young people aged 6 to 16 with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD). Many of the young people we support have experienced trauma, loss, and disrupted attachments, requiring consistent care, positive role models, and strong advocates to help them build brighter futures.

As a Senior Residential Support Worker, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operation of the home, leading by example, mentoring colleagues, and ensuring the highest standards of care are delivered. This is a rewarding opportunity to positively influence both young people's lives and the development of your team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care and support to children and young people with EBD and complex emotional needs.
• Act as a positive role model, promoting a safe, nurturing, and supportive home environment.
• Support the management team with the day-to-day running of the home and take responsibility for shifts as required.
• Lead and mentor Residential Support Workers, providing guidance, support, and coaching.
• Use trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches to build positive and meaningful relationships.
• Safely manage challenging behaviours and incidents using effective de-escalation techniques.
• Support young people to develop emotional resilience, independence, life skills, and positive coping strategies.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and regulatory requirements are consistently met.
• Contribute to care planning, risk assessments, report writing, and review meetings.
• Promote positive routines, boundaries, and expectations within the home.
• Liaise professionally with families, social workers, education providers, and other external professionals.

About You

• Has substantial experience working with children and young people in a residential childcare setting.
• Has experience supporting children with EBD, SEMH needs, trauma, attachment difficulties, or challenging behaviours.
• Demonstrates strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and support others.
• Is confident in leading shifts and making decisions in challenging situations.
• Has excellent communication, organisational, and record-keeping skills.
• Understands trauma-informed, therapeutic, and child-centred approaches to care.
• Has a sound understanding of safeguarding practices and relevant childcare legislation.
• Holds a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Ideally holds, or is willing to work towards, a Level 4 qualification in Residential Childcare Leadership and Management.
• Holds a full UK driving licence.
• Is committed to providing outstanding care and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people