Senior Residential Child Care Worker

Caretech; Ayr; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcome bonus £500 on probation

Refer a Friend £1000

PVG cost covered

Career progression

Job summary

CareTech is seeking a Senior Residential Childcare Worker to join our Woodside Farm home in Coylton, South Ayrshire. You will support young people with daily routines, supervise a team, and help create a safe, nurturing environment.

The role requires a full UK driving licence, and a commitment to safeguarding. You will document care on our electronic system and contribute to care planning and reporting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months experience in children's residential care.
• Experience with ASD/ASN in young people.
• Knowledge of National Care Standards and child protection legislation.
• SVQ 3 in Children & Young People.
• Ability to undertake SVQ 4.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Experience supporting team members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexible shifts.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor a team of Support Workers.
• Ensure our children receive the highest level of support.
• Support home management team with timely updates.
• Promote individuality, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Monitor care plans and produce reports for managers.
• Create a warm, homely environment with light housekeeping.
• Build strong relationships and provide emotional support.
• Plan and join activities like trips to the park, movie nights, or creative projects.

Skills

Residential childcare experience

ASD/ASN support experience

National Care Standards knowledge

Child protection knowledge

SVQ 3 in Children & Young People

SVQ 4 readiness

Driving licence

Team support

Communication skills

Flexible shifts

Education

SVQ 3 Children & Young People

SVQ 4

Job description

Role Description

Senior Residential Childcare Worker

Location: Coylton, Ayr KA6
Pay: £36,088 per annum
A full UK driving licence is required and we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.

Every Second Counts

At Spark of Genius, you're not just working - you're shaping futures. Furthermore as a Senior Support Worker every moment you spend with our young people helps them feel safe, valued and supported.
A simple "How was your day?", a shared laugh over a board game or encouragement during a tough moment - these small interactions build trust and shape lives. Some days will be challenging but every breakthrough, every smile and every step forward will remind you why this work truly matters.

What will you do?

As a Senior Support Worker you will support young people with their daily routines; Getting them ready for school, prepping for meal times and planning activities.

• Supervise and mentor a team of Support Workers
• Ensure our children receive the highest level of support
• Support home management team with timely updates
• Promote individuality NOT a "one size fits all" approach
• Monitoring of care plans and producing reports for the managers
• Create a warm, homely environment by helping with light housekeeping
• Build strong, meaningful relationships and provide emotional support
• Plan and join fun activities like trips to the park, popcorn & movie nights or creative projects

New staff must be comfortable using an electronic care recording system on a daily basis to document, monitor, and update children and young people's records accurately. All staff are expected to confidently use digital systems as part of their day-to-day role.

A little about this home

Woodside Farm is located in the rural village of Coylton in South Ayrshire, close to the seaside towns of Ayr and Prestwick. Our friendly team support our young people to develop strong and positive relationships, to look forward and not back and to prepare for the next steps as they grow.
We offer our young people support, acceptance, understanding and praise. It's always a great pleasure when a former resident contacts us to update us on how they are getting on in their life and how well things have panned out for them. It is and always will be a privilege to have been a part of their journey.

Who are you?

We're looking for people who genuinely care and want to make that difference. Warm, patient, a great listener and encourager - focused on achieving outcomes for others. Taking pride in knowing you are helping to shape someone's life for the better.

• You'll have at least 12 months experience within children's residential
• Previous experience of working with young people around ASD, ASN
• Working Knowledge of legislation in relation to child care including National Care Standards and Child protection
• SVQ 3 Children & Young People
• Ability to undergo SVQ 4
• Full UK driving licence is essential
• Experience of supporting team members
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and written
• Ability to cover shifts flexibly

Why Join Us?

• Competitive rates of pay
• £500 Welcome Bonus on completion of successful probation period
• £1000 Refer A Friend scheme
• Support to progress within the company
• PVG cost covered by company
• A genuine home from home with a friendly team

Safeguarding Statement

CareTech is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children. All applicants must pass an enhanced PVG check and provide references covering the past two years plus all roles involving vulnerable groups.

Closing date: 27 October 2026
Ref: SYS-28543