Senior Residential Support Worker

Portman Recruitment; Witney; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Clear career progression into Deputy/£

Fully funded professional development

Paid training and induction

Staff wellbeing programme

Pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Job summary

Portman Recruitment is recruiting three Senior Children's Residential Support Workers to help establish a brand-new four-bed home in Witney. The role involves leading shifts, delivering therapeutic care and maintaining safeguarding standards in a child-centred environment.

Applicants should have a Level 3 qualification in Caring for Children and Young People or Residential Childcare, at least 12 months' experience in children's residential care, and a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Caring for Children and Young People or Residential Childcare.
• At least 12 months' relevant experience in children's residential care.
• Knowledge of child-centred and therapeutic care models.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and support day-to-day operation of the home.
• Establish a positive, child-centred culture within the new service.
• Provide consistent, therapeutic support to children and young people.
• Maintain safeguarding documentation and care records accurately.
• Support colleagues and contribute to care plans and risk assessments.

Skills

Lead shifts

Therapeutic care

Safeguarding knowledge

Record-keeping

Team coaching

Education

Level 3 qualification in Caring for Children and Young People or Residential Childcare

Job description

Senior Children's Residential Support Worker

Location: Witney, Oxfordshire
Salary: £16.25–£16.85 per hour, equivalent to approximately £32,955–£34,172 per annum
Sleep-ins: £62.64 per sleep-in, providing approximately £3,000–£6,000 additional earnings per year
Hours: 39 hours per week
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Positions available: Three
Home: Brand-new four-bed children's residential home

The Opportunity

Our client is recruiting three qualified Senior Children's Residential Support Workers to help establish a brand-new four-bed home in Witney.

The home will support children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, providing a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment in which they can build trusting relationships and achieve positive outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a new team from the outset and help shape the culture, routines and standards within the home.

The position would suit an existing Senior Support Worker or an experienced Children's Residential Support Worker who is ready to take on greater responsibility and progress their career.

The role involves working long-day shifts, weekends and approximately four to eight sleep-ins per month. A full UK driving licence is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading shifts and supporting the day-to-day operation of the home
• Helping to establish a positive and child-centred culture within the new service
• Providing consistent, therapeutic support to children and young people
• Building safe and trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries
• Supporting young people with emotional regulation, education, independence and personal development
• Responding safely and professionally to challenging situations
• Supporting and guiding less experienced members of the team
• Completing accurate care records, incident reports and safeguarding documentation
• Following and contributing to care plans and risk assessments
• Promoting positive behaviour and acting as a dependable role model
• Supporting young people with appointments, activities and family contact
• Working collaboratively with families, social workers and other professionals
• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding and professional practice

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Level 3 qualification in Caring for Children and Young People or Residential Childcare
• At least 12 months' relevant experience within children's residential care
• Knowledge or experience of child-centred and therapeutic care models
• The confidence to lead shifts and support other team members
• A resilient, compassionate and hands-on approach
• Strong safeguarding knowledge
• Good written communication and record-keeping skills
• The flexibility to work long-day shifts, weekends and sleep-ins
• A full UK driving licence

Salary and Sleep-In Payments

The basic rate is £16.25–£16.85 per hour, depending on experience. Based on a 39-hour working week, this is equivalent to approximately £32,955–£34,172 per annum.

Sleep-ins are paid at £62.64 per shift, with employees typically completing four to eight sleep-ins each month. This can provide an additional £3,000–£6,000 per year.

Benefits

• The opportunity to help establish a brand-new children's home
• Clear career progression into Deputy Manager and Registered Manager roles
• Fully funded professional qualifications
• Paid training and ongoing development
• Comprehensive induction programme
• Regular supervision and appraisal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Employee wellbeing and assistance programme
• Workplace pension scheme
• Employee discount programme
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• Staff referral bonus
• 28 days' annual leave, including bank holidays
• Free enhanced DBS check
• Supportive regional and senior management team

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and all relevant safer recruitment checks.

Our client is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.