Senior Residential Support Worker

Shaw Trust; Henlade; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Leadership development opportunities

Career progression pathways

Job summary

Shaw Trust seeks a Senior Residential Support Worker for a 3-bed therapeutic children’s home in Henlade to provide leadership, stability, and trauma-informed care for children who have experienced adversity. You will lead shifts, mentor staff, support care planning, safeguarding, and collaborate with families, social workers, schools, and clinicians to achieve positive outcomes for the children.

The role requires resilience, excellent communication, and flexibility to work evenings, weekends,

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year’s experience working with children and young people.
• A Level 3 qualification recognised by Ofsted.
• Experience supporting children with complex needs and behaviours that challenge.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and practice.
• Ability to lead shifts and support colleagues.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, sleep-ins and bank holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and support Residential Support Workers.
• Promote trauma-informed, relationship-based practice.
• Support children's emotional wellbeing, safety and development.
• Manage behaviours that challenge and safeguard decision-making.
• Collaborate with families, social workers, schools and clinicians.
• Coach and mentor less experienced colleagues.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Emotional resilience

Calm under pressure

Flexible hours availability

Education

A Level 3 qualification recognised by Ofsted

Tools

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Are you an experienced Residential Support Worker looking to progress your career? Do you have the resilience, leadership skills, and passion needed to support children who have experienced trauma, adversity, and disruption?

We're looking for a Senior Residential Support Worker to join our 3-bed therapeutic children's home in Henlade, Somerset, helping to provide leadership, stability, and consistency for both children and colleagues.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys supporting children directly whilst helping to lead shifts, develop staff, and maintain high standards of care.

About the Role

As a Senior Residential Support Worker, you'll play a key role in the day-to-day running of the home, working closely with the management team to ensure children receive safe, high-quality, trauma-informed care.

You'll act as a role model for the wider team, supporting colleagues, leading shifts, and creating a nurturing environment where children can feel safe, develop trusting relationships, and achieve positive outcomes.

Our homes support children with complex emotional and behavioural needs, therefore this role requires emotional resilience, sound decision-making, and the ability to remain calm during challenging situations.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading shifts and supporting Residential Support Workers.
• Promoting trauma-informed, relationship-based practice.
• Supporting children's emotional wellbeing, safety, and development.
• Managing and responding appropriately to behaviours that challenge.
• Ensuring safeguarding is at the centre of all decision-making.
• Supporting care planning, risk management, and positive outcomes.
• Completing records, reports, and safeguarding documentation to a high standard.
• Working collaboratively with families, social workers, schools, and clinicians.
• Coaching, mentoring, and supporting less experienced colleagues.

About Our Henlade Home

Our 3-bed children's home in Henlade provides a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment for children who have experienced significant trauma and instability.

Situated just outside Taunton, the home offers children access to education, leisure activities, and community opportunities whilst benefiting from the stability and consistency of a small residential setting. Our dedicated team works together to help children develop confidence, resilience, and positive aspirations for the future.

The home is easily accessible from Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater, Ilminster, Chard, Burnham-on-Sea, and surrounding Somerset areas.

What You'll Bring

• A minimum of one year's experience working with children and young people.
• A Level 3 qualification recognised by Ofsted.
• Experience supporting children with complex needs and behaviours that challenge.
• Confidence leading shifts and supporting colleagues.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Emotional resilience and a calm approach under pressure.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, sleep-ins, and bank holidays.
• A full UK driving licence.

What We Offer

Salary of 32,742 - 34,737 per annum ( 15.74 - 16.70 per hour).

50.00 per sleep-in.

Ofsted Bonus Scheme for homes achieving Good or Outstanding inspection outcomes.

Annual Attendance Bonus.

Enhanced Family Friendly Leave.

Award and Recognition Vouchers celebrating outstanding performance and achievements.

Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.

Leadership development opportunities.

Funded qualifications and career progression pathways.

Clinical support through our Homes & Horizons therapeutic model.

28 days annual leave, increasing with service.

Free meals whilst on shift.

Unum Healthcare, providing healthcare reimbursements, remote GP access, wellbeing resources, and mental health support.

Aviva Digicare, including Digital GP consultations, annual health checks, and mental health assessments.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.

Life assurance.

Blue Light Card membership.

Shopping, cinema, travel, and leisure discounts.

Cycle to Work Scheme.

Refer a Friend Scheme.

Christmas recognition vouchers and long-service awards.