Senior Residential Care Worker

Priority Recruitment; Downton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Joining bonus

Sleep-in allowance

Career progression

Job summary

Priority Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Residential Care Worker to lead shifts in a children’s residential home in Salisbury. You will guide staff, support young people aged 8–17 with emotional and behavioural needs, and contribute to a therapeutic, safe environment.

The role offers a permanent full-time contract, 160 hours per month, a £1,500 joining bonus, and an hourly rate of £16.15 with additional sleep‑in payments and enhanced overtime.

Qualifications

• Leadership and shift supervision experience.
• Strong communication with young people, families and professionals.
• Safeguarding and child protection knowledge.
• Mentoring and developing care staff.
• Ability to implement therapeutic practices with resilience.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and maintain high standards of care.
• Support Home Manager with day-to-day operations.
• Supervise and mentor residential care staff.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed.
• Support young people with daily routines, education and wellbeing.
• Utilize therapeutic approaches to manage challenging behaviours.
• Be a positive role model for staff and young people.
• Contribute to care plans and risk assessments.
• Liaise with social workers, schools and therapists.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safeguarding

Staff supervision

Mentoring

Education

Level 3 in Children’s and Young People’s Workforce

Job description

Job Title: Senior Residential Care Worker

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 2LT

Pay Rate: £16.15 per hour + £1,500 Joining Bonus

Job Type: Full-Time – Permanent

Shift and Schedule: 160 hours per month (average 40 hours per week), including sleep‑ins

Sleep-In Rate: £65 per sleep-in

Overtime: Enhanced rate

Setting: 2-bedroom children’s residential home

Client Group: Children and young people aged 8–17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD)

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a leadership role within a children’s residential home, supporting young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties to develop independence, confidence and emotional stability.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated individual who can lead by example, support colleagues and provide consistent, high-quality care within a nurturing and therapeutic environment.

Salary & Benefits:

• £16.15 per hour
• £1,500 joining bonus
• £65 per sleep-in
• Enhanced overtime rate
• Permanent full-time position
• 160 contracted hours per month
• Opportunities for training, development and career progression

Company and Role:

• Supporting children and young people aged 8–17 in a residential care setting
• Leading shifts and providing guidance to residential care staff
• Supporting young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties
• Creating a safe, structured and therapeutic environment
• Promoting independence, confidence and positive relationships

Day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Leading shifts and ensuring high standards of care are maintained
• Supporting the Home Manager with the day-to-day running of the home
• Supervising and mentoring residential care staff
• Ensuring safeguarding and child protection procedures are followed
• Supporting young people with daily routines, education and emotional wellbeing
• Using appropriate therapeutic approaches to support challenging behaviours
• Acting as a positive role model for young people and colleagues
• Contributing to care plans, risk assessments and reviews
• Liaising with social workers, schools, therapists and other professionals
• Supporting staff induction, training and ongoing development
• Maintaining accurate records and reporting any concerns appropriately

Household responsibilities include:

• Supporting the daily running of the residential home
• Maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming environment
• Encouraging healthy routines, balanced meals and positive activities
• Promoting structure, consistency and independence for young people

Successful Candidate:

• Level 3 qualification in Children’s and Young People’s Workforce or equivalent
• Previous experience within children’s residential care, mental health services or a secure unit
• Minimum 12 months' relevant UK experience
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Confidence leading shifts and supporting colleagues
• Calm, resilient and patient approach
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Flexible to work shifts, including sleep‑ins and weekends
• Passionate about supporting children and young people with emotional and behavioural needs

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced care professional looking to develop their leadership skills and make a lasting difference in children’s residential care.

Some of our roles require drivers and/or male or female employees only. Where indicated, this is a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with the Equality Act 2010