Senior Residential Support Worker

Keyline Care; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

28 days leave

Induction programme

Therapeutic training

Funded qualifications

Recognition awards

Employee assistance

Professional growth

Supportive culture

Job summary

Keyline Care in Mansfield is seeking a compassionate Senior Residential Childcare Support Worker to lead shifts and model therapeutic practice for a team caring for young people with complex needs.

You will use approaches such as Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and PACE to help young people feel safe and valued, while supporting staff through coaching and reflective practice. This role offers a full-time contract with training and progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in residential childcare, including shift leadership.
• DDP therapeutically trained or willing to complete training within probation period.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and ability to respond effectively to concerns.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts, ensuring smooth running of the home and adherence to care plans, risk assessments and routines.
• Ensure the home remains safe, structured and nurturing.
• Coach, mentor and role-model therapeutic practice for Residential Support Workers.
• Embed therapeutic approaches including DDP and trauma-informed care into everyday practice.
• Complete and review placement plans, 24-hour support plans and other key records.
• Support incident debriefs and reflective practice discussions to strengthen team learning.
• Maintain positive working relationships with external professionals, families and the wider community.

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Do you want to work in a children’s home where you can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life.

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.

We are seeking compassionate, resilient Senior Residential Childcare Support Workers to provide steady, nurturing care to the young people we support, while also guiding and supporting the wider team.

The children and young people who live with us have often faced difficult and sometimes traumatic experiences. At times, this can be expressed through big emotions, heightened behaviours or distress that may feel overwhelming. These moments require patience, resilience, and a calm confident presence, not only for the young people but also for the staff you will be supporting. As a Senior, you will play a key role in modelling therapeutic practice, ensuring consistency, and helping never colleagues feel confident in responding to these situations.

You will work directly with young people, building genuine relationships and using therapeutic approaches such as Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and PACE to help them feel safe, valued, and supported to grow.

With us, you’re more than just a staff member, you’ll be a role model, a trusted adult, and a vital part of a young person’s journey towards independence, wellbeing, and their full potential.

Location: Mansfield

Job Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Salary: £39,500 – £42,500 (depending on sleep-in shifts worked)

Shift Pattern: The role operates on a 1 on, 2 off shift pattern. Two contracted sleep-ins per month are included within the standard salary. Any additional sleep-ins worked will be paid at a rate of £60 per sleep-in.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• 40-hour full-time contract.
• 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Full induction programme, including therapeutic training in PACE and DDP trauma-informed care.
• Funded qualifications – including Level 5 Diploma in Residential Childcare with progression opportunities to higher levels.
• Monthly recognition awards, celebrating exceptional commitment, care and therapeutic practice.
• Employee Assistance Programme – offering support for physical, emotional and mental health.
• High quality training, regular reflective supervision, and opportunities for professional growth.
• A supportive, inclusive culture where diversity is respected, individuality is valued, and every staff member feels part of a team.

What We’re Looking For

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in residential childcare, including shift leadership.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is required.
• DDP therapeutically trained or willing to complete the training within the probation period.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and ability to respond effectively to concerns.

Requirements

• Minimum age 22 (Ofsted requirement).
• Must have the right to work in the UK.
• Full manual UK driving license.
• Must be able to speak and understand English to a good standard for effective communication, record-keeping and safeguarding the wellbeing of those you will be supporting.
• A full Enhanced DBS Check will be required for the successful candidates.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead shifts, ensuring the smooth running of the home and adherence to all care plans, risk assessments, and routines.
• Ensure the home environment remains safe, structured, and nurturing.
• Coach, mentor, and role-model therapeutic practice for Residential Support Workers.
• Embed therapeutic approached, including DDP and trauma-informed care into everyday practice.
• Complete and review placement plans, 24-hour support plans, and other key records.
• Support incident debriefs and reflective practice discussions to strengthen team learning.
• Maintain positive working relationships with external professionals, families, and the wider community.

We recognise that this role takes a lot, both emotionally and practically, which is why we invest in our senior staff. You will be part of a team where care is not just provided, but lived, where every decision is centred around the wellbeing and potential of the young person and where your leadership helps shape a culture of consistency, empathy and hope.

About Us

When you join Keyline Care, you become part of a team dedicated to making a lasting difference in young people’s lives. We value your expertise, invest in your growth, and celebrate your achievements, because when our team thrives, so do the young people we care for.

Keyline Care is a recognised and respected provider of supported living and adult services, known for delivering high-quality, person-centred support to individuals with complex needs. With a strong track record in empowering adults to live safe, meaningful, and independent lives, we are now expanding into Ofsted-registered children’s residential care.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to always act in the best interest of the individuals we support. Employment is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references in line with safer recruitment guidelines.

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