Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker

Dove Adolescent Services Limited; Ardsley; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-in allowance

Bonus after probation

Loyalty scheme

Performance bonus

Free meals on shift

Bank holiday pay

Sickness cover bonus

Flexible schedule

Pension

Holiday entitlement

Job summary

Dove Adolescent Services Limited is seeking an experienced Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker for our Barnsley homes. You will help create a warm, safe environment, support youths’ interests, and contribute to risk and care planning while building trusted relationships with young people and their families.

We offer sleep-in allowances, progression opportunities to Level 5 and trainee/Registered Manager paths, a pension, paid holidays, and a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months experience in a children's residential home.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential.
• Experience supporting vulnerable young people.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Empathetic, patient, and resilient.
• Flexible with hours (sleep-ins, weekends, bank holidays).
• Good IT and record-keeping skills.
• Opportunities to progress to Level 5 and into trainee and Registered Manager roles.

Responsibilities

• Creating a warm, homely environment through daily household tasks.
• Supporting young people's interests and encouraging positive activities.
• Safeguarding young people and contributing to care and risk plans.
• Building trusting, meaningful relationships.
• Promoting healthy lifestyles and personal development.
• Managing behaviour with confidence and compassion.
• Supporting family and peer connections.
• Taking part in care planning, reviews, and team meetings.
• Advocating for young people at meetings and reviews.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

IT and record-keeping

Empathy and resilience

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

Job description

Senior Residential Support Worker

Contract Type : Full-time, permanentSpecific Hours : Average of 39 hours per week- weekly rota pattern alternatesSalary :Unqualified: Base salary of £28,260.76, with the potential to earn up to £33,660.76 with sleep‑in shifts.* Qualified (full diploma Level 5 or equivalent): Base salary of £29,253.49, with the potential to earn up to £34,653.49 with sleep‑in shifts.

What We Can Offer

• Sleep‑in allowance: £45 per night (8-10 per month)
• Pay rise after probation
• Annual leave loyalty scheme
• Annual performance & loyalty bonus
• Free meals on shift
• Enhanced Bank Holiday pay
• £30 bonus for short‑notice sickness cover
• Flexible working schedule
• Company pension (post‑qualification)
• 20 days' holiday + Bank Holidays

About Dove Adolescent ServicesAt Dove Adolescent Services, we provide safe, nurturing homes for young people aged 8-18, helping them build emotional resilience, form positive relationships, and move confidently toward adulthood.

We’re now recruiting

Senior Residential Childcare Support Workers

to join our Barnsley homes.

Dove is a place where careers grow. Many of our Operations Directors and Home Managers began as Support Workers, and we're proud to invest in our teams through meaningful training and development.

All of our inspected services are rated

Good

or

Outstanding

by Ofsted. If you're passionate about making a lasting difference-and want to work within a supportive, ambitious team- we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Creating a warm, homely environment through daily household tasks
• Supporting young people's interests and encouraging positive activities
• Safeguarding young people and contributing to care and risk plans
• Building trusting, meaningful relationships
• Promoting healthy lifestyles and personal development
• Managing behaviour with confidence and compassion
• Supporting family and peer connections
• Taking part in care planning, reviews, and team meetings
• Advocating for young people at meetings and reviews

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 12 months experience in a children's residential home
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential
• Experience supporting vulnerable young people
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Empathetic, patient, and resilient
• Flexible with hours (sleep‑ins, weekends, bank holidays)
• Good IT and record‑keeping skills
• Opportunities to progress to Level 5 and into trainee and Registered Manager roles

Dove Adolescent Services is an equal opportunities employer.

We actively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible individuals, regardless of background. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All offers of employment will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.