Senior Support Worker - Children's Residential Home

Safe Haven Talent Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A social care agency is seeking an experienced Senior Support Worker for a residential children's home in Hounslow, UK. The successful candidate will support young people with emotional and behavioral needs, provide mentorship to staff, and ensure high-quality care. Responsibilities include daily care tasks, leading shifts, and maintaining compliance with governance regulations. This full-time role offers ongoing training, competitive salary, and career progression opportunities in a positive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and development

Progression pathways

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months' experience in a residential children's home.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience with emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, child-centered care.
• Lead shifts and manage staff responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations and policies.

Skills

Child-centered care

Trauma-informed care

De-escalation techniques

Mentoring staff

Leadership

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Job description

Our client are seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Support Worker to join their residential children’s home in Hounslow. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting young people with emotional, behavioral, and social needs, while acting as a positive role model and providing leadership to the staff team on shift.

This role requires a committed individual who can balance hands‑on care with responsibility for mentoring staff, maintaining high standards of care, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

1. Duties, Day-to-Day Role & Responsibilities

Care & Support Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, child-centred care in line with each young person’s care plan, placement plan, and risk assessments
• Act as a positive role model and establish professional, therapeutic relationships with children and young people
• Support young people with daily routines, including education, health appointments, activities, and independent living skills
• Respond appropriately to challenging behaviours using de‑escalation techniques and agreed behaviour management strategies
• Promote the emotional, physical, cultural, and social development of each young person
• Administer and record medication in line with policies and training
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed at all times and report concerns in line with legislation and company policy

Leadership & Shift Management

• Lead shifts in the absence of the Team Leader or Deputy Manager
• Provide guidance, supervision, and support to Support Workers on shift
• Ensure smooth handovers and clear communication between staff teams
• Assist in the induction, mentoring, and development of new staff
• Monitor and maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing environment

Compliance & Record-Keeping

• Accurately complete daily logs, incident reports, and other required documentation

Contribute to care planning, reviews, and progress reports

• Ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations, Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, and organisational policies
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and supervisions as required

Requirements

Experience & Practical Knowledge

• Minimum 12 months’ experience working in a residential children’s home (desirable: as a Senior or experienced Support Worker)
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and trauma‑informed care
• Experience supporting children and young people with complex needs, emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), or challenging behaviours
• Ability to lead by example, manage shift dynamics, and support less experienced staff

Mandatory & Essential Training

• Safeguarding Children (Level 2 or higher)
• Managing Challenging Behaviour / Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• First Aid (or willingness to complete)
• Medication Administration
• Health & Safety and Fire Safety
• (Additional training can be provided by the employer where required)

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) – desirable
• Applicants who do not yet hold the Level 3 qualification must be willing to enrol and complete it within required timescales
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths – desirable

Right to Work & Immigration Status

• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK
• This role is full‑time and the employer does not offer visa sponsorship or Certificates of Sponsorship at this time
• Proof of right to work will be required prior to employment

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Full-time, permanent employment with stable shift patterns
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Support to gain the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (if not already held)
• Clear progression pathways into Team Leader, Deputy Manager, and Management roles
• Regular supervision and access to experienced management support
• Enhanced skills development in leadership, safeguarding, and residential care practice
• Supportive, inclusive, and values‑driven working environment
• Holiday entitlement and additional staff benefits in line with company policy