Senior Residential Support Worker - Albrighton

Portman Recruitment; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Seven weeks' annual leave

Induction programme

Residential childcare qualification (s

Paid training and development

Clear progression into Team Leader

Job summary

Portman Recruitment is seeking a Senior Children's Residential Support Worker for a specialist home in Shropshire, providing support to young people with SEMH needs and leading shifts to ensure safe, nurturing care.

You will coordinate daily activities, uphold safeguarding standards and liaise with education and external professionals. A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare is desirable, and a UK driving licence is required.

Qualifications

• Positive, proactive and hands-on approach.
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with young people.
• Full UK driving licence held for at least 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and oversee daily operation of the home.
• Provide child-centred care and emotional support.
• Build safe, trusting relationships with young people.
• Support routines, education, activities and independence.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Maintain records and safeguarding documentation.
• Deputise for the Team Leader when required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Safeguarding awareness

Driving licence

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Senior Children's Residential Support Worker

Location: Albrighton, Shropshire
Potential earnings: £36,231–£40,640 per annum, assuming good attendance and up to four sleep-ins per month
Base salary: £30,991–£35,400 per annum
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Service: Children's residential care – SEMH
Closing date: Wednesday 7 October 2026

The Opportunity

Our client is recruiting a compassionate and resilient Senior Children's Residential Support Worker to join a specialist home supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.

You will play an important role in the young people's everyday lives, supporting them through both their achievements and more challenging moments. The aim is to provide a safe and nurturing home in which young people can rebuild trust, enjoy positive childhood experiences and develop the skills they need for adulthood.

Alongside providing direct care, you will act as a shift leader—supporting colleagues, coordinating the day-to-day running of the home and maintaining high standards of care and safeguarding. You will also be prepared to deputise for the Team Leader when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading shifts and supporting the effective daily operation of the home
• Providing consistent, child-centred care and emotional support
• Building safe, trusting and professional relationships with young people
• Supporting young people with routines, education, activities and independence
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional regulation
• Responding calmly and professionally to challenging situations
• Supporting colleagues and modelling high standards of practice
• Implementing individual care plans and risk assessments
• Maintaining accurate records and safeguarding documentation
• Working collaboratively with education, clinical and external professionals
• Ensuring the home remains safe, welcoming and well organised
• Deputising for the Team Leader when required

About You

Our client is looking for someone who can combine compassion and emotional resilience with the confidence to provide leadership and guidance during shifts.

You will need:

• A positive, proactive and hands-on approach
• The ability to build meaningful relationships with young people
• Honesty, empathy and a genuine commitment to safeguarding
• The resilience to manage challenging situations
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• The confidence to lead shifts and support colleagues
• Flexibility to work weekends and sleep-in shifts
• A full UK driving licence held for at least 12 months

A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, or an equivalent qualification, is desirable. Applicants who do not already hold this qualification will be fully supported and funded to complete it.

Previous residential childcare experience is welcomed, although candidates with suitable transferable experience and the right values may also be considered.

Salary and Additional Payments

The base salary is £30,991–£35,400 per annum, depending on experience.

In addition, the role offers:

• Up to four sleep-ins per month, paid at £80 each—approximately £3,840 per year
• Attendance allowance of up to £1,400 per year, subject to good attendance

This provides potential total annual earnings of £36,231–£40,640.

Benefits

• Seven weeks' annual leave
• Comprehensive four-week induction programme
• Fully funded Residential Childcare qualification where required
• Paid training and continued professional development
• Clear progression into Team Leader and management positions
• Access to a future managers development programme
• Flexible benefits relating to annual leave, pension and life insurance
• Employee assistance and wellbeing support
• Medical cash plan covering expenses such as dental and optical appointments
• High-street discounts
• Meals provided while working
• High-quality working environment and facilities
• £1,000 employee referral bonus
• Paid enhanced DBS check

Inclusion and Safeguarding

Our client is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to fulfil their potential.

Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities. Reasonable adjustments can be provided throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace.

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, an online search and all relevant safer recruitment checks.