Senior Support Worker - Cherry House

Shaw Trust; Northampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's charity in the UK is seeking a Senior Support Worker to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people. You will lead a team, support daily routines, and encourage participation in community activities. Ideal candidates have strong communication skills, at least 1 year of experience, and a QCF Level 3 in Children’s Residential Childcare. The role offers competitive salary, training, and additional benefits like sleep-in allowances and overtime opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary (£30,196 - £31,259 per annum)

Sleep-in allowance (£46.01 per sleep)

Attendance bonuses (up to £1,400 per year)

Comprehensive training and career development pathways

Generous annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Refer a Friend bonus (£500)

Discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year’s experience working with children and young people.
• Ability to build relationships with others.
• Must pass safer recruitment checks according to Ofsted.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people.
• Support with daily routines and household tasks.
• Encourage participation in community activities.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Compassion

Ability to remain calm in challenging situations

Experience of working with behaviours that challenge

Drivers with a full UK driver's license

Education

QCF Level 3 in Children’s Residential Childcare

Job description

As a Senior Support Worker, you will play a key role in supporting the management team and ensuring the smooth running of each shift. You will take responsibility for leading the team, delegating roles and responsibilities to support workers, and maintaining accurate records at all times.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
• Support with daily routines, household tasks, and meal preparation.
• Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
• Transport young people to school, medical appointments, and activities.
• Act as a positive role model, setting clear boundaries and building trust.
• Help young people develop life skills, including managing finances.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork.
• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep‑ins (1‑2 per week).

Qualifications and Skills

• Effective communication skills, along with the ability to build relationships with others is vital! We are looking for an individual who can lead by example, uphold standards, and ensure that the safeguarding of children and young people underpins all decisions made.
• Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Experience of working with behaviours that challenge.
• Minimum 1 year’s experience working with children and young people.
• QCF Level 3 in Children’s Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification or be studying towards.
• Honesty, empathy, and a positive role model.
• Drivers with a full UK driver's license are preferred.
• Sleep‑ins are required (average 1‑2 per week).
• We cannot offer sponsorship.
• All successful candidates will undergo safer recruitment checks in line with Ofsted requirements.

About Homes2Inspire

Homes2Inspire are one of the UK's leading providers of children's homes, caring for over 150 children across 56 homes and 2 semi‑independent leaving care facilities. We are proud to be part of the Shaw Trust Group, a charity dedicated to transforming lives across the UK.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (£30,196 - £31,259 per annum).
• Sleep‑in allowance (£46.01 per sleep).
• Attendance bonuses (up to £1,400 per year).
• Overtime opportunities.
• Comprehensive training and career development pathways.
• Generous annual leave, with option to purchase 5 extra days.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.
• Unum Healthcare – App‑based access to healthcare reimbursements, mental health support, remote GP, and wellbeing perks.
• Refer a Friend bonus (£500).
• Discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays, plus Blue Light Card access.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Subsidised days out with young people.
• Recognition awards for long service and attendance.
• Meals included during shifts.