Senior Support Worker

SMarter Recruitment; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Support Worker for a Residential Children's Home in Derby. This role involves providing high-quality, therapeutic care to young people aged 12-17, leading shifts, and supervising staff. The ideal candidate will have NVQ Level 3 and experience with challenging behaviour. Strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and flexibility for shift work are essential. Competitive salary of £42,000 per annum offered, along with ongoing training and professional development.

Benefits

Ongoing training and professional development

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people aged 12-17 with challenging behaviour.
• Experience leading shifts and supervising staff.
• Flexible to work shifts, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent, child-centered care for young people's development.
• Lead shifts and coordinate staff deployment.
• Work in partnership with social workers and external agencies.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Emotional resilience

Ability to maintain professional boundaries

Experience leading shifts

Experience supporting young people with challenging behaviour

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children & Young People

Level 4 or 5 qualification in Health & Social Care

Job description

Senior Support Worker (Residential Children's Home)

Salary : £42,000 per annum (inclusive of sleep‑in rate)

Location : Derby

Reports to : Residential Manager

Liaises with : Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, Care Staff, Education Teams, Therapists and External Professionals

Job Purpose

As a Senior Support Worker, you will play a key leadership role in delivering high-quality, therapeutic care to young people aged 1217 with emotional, behavioural and complex needs. You will lead shifts, support and supervise staff, and ensure young people receive consistent, safe and nurturing care in line with regulatory standards and the home’s Statement of Purpose. You’ll be hands‑on, organised, emotionally resilient and calm under pressure – the kind of person who can lead from the front while keeping the environment safe, structured and genuinely homely.

Key Responsibilities: Care & Safeguarding

• Provide consistent, child‑centred care that supports emotional, physical and social development
• Safeguard the welfare of young people at all times in line with legislation and best practice
• Implement care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategies
• Promote structure, boundaries and positive behaviour
• Ensure young people attend education, therapy and statutory appointments
• Act as a positive role model and trusted adult

Leadership & Shift Management

• Lead shifts and coordinate staff deployment
• Supervise, mentor and support care staff on shift
• Support the induction and development of new team members
• Ensure clear handovers and consistent care approaches
• Maintain therapeutic standards and promote professionalism

Multi‑Agency Working

• Work in partnership with social workers, education providers, therapists and families
• Attend reviews and professionals meetings
• Maintain strong professional relationships with external agencies

Administration & Compliance

• Maintain accurate daily records, incident reports and case notes
• Contribute to statutory review reports and care documentation
• Handle telephone enquiries appropriately
• Support financial accountability for young peoples’ monies and home resources

Home Environment

• Maintain a clean, safe and homely environment
• Support young people with daily routines, household tasks and meal preparation
• Report maintenance and health & safety concerns

Personal Development

• Work towards QCF Level 5 in Leadership / Childcare (or equivalent)
• Engage in supervision, training and professional development

Additional Duties

• Participate in the on‑call rota
• Provide cover for sickness and holidays
• Support the Registered and Deputy Manager as required

Person Specification – Essential

• NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children & Young People (or equivalent)
• Experience supporting young people aged 1217 with challenging behaviour
• Experience leading shifts and supervising staff
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Emotional resilience and ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Flexible to work shifts, nights, weekends and bank holidays

Desirable

• Level 4 or 5 qualification in Health & Social Care
• Experience supporting young people with ASD, mental health or emotional / behavioural difficulties
• Experience completing LAC documentation and attending reviews
• Full UK Driving Licence

Safeguarding Commitment

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS, references and safer recruitment checks.