Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker

About Early Years Ltd.; Barnsley; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-in allowance

Pay rise after probation

Annual leave loyalty scheme

Annual performance & loyalty bonus

Free meals on shift

Bank holiday pay

Pension (post-qualification)

20 days’ holiday + Bank Holidays

Job summary

Dove Adolescent Services seeks a Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker to join our Barnsley homes. You will create a warm, nurturing environment, support activities for young people aged 8–18, and help safeguard and plan care across shifts including sleep-ins.

The role requires a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) and at least 12 months’ residential experience, with strong communication and empathy. An equal opportunities employer with development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months experience in a children's residential setting.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) – essential.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, homely environment through daily tasks.
• Support young people’s interests and positive activities.
• Safeguard young people and contribute to care plans.
• Build trusting relationships with young people and families.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and personal development.
• Manage behaviour with confidence and compassion.
• Participate in care planning and team meetings.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Strong communication

Team player

Safeguarding

Flexible hours

Record keeping

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Tools

IT skills

Documentation tools

Job description

Senior Residential Support Worker

Contract Type

Full-time, permanent

Specific Hours

Average of 39 hours per week- weekly rota pattern alternates

Salary

• 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 Services

At 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 meetingsAdvocating 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.