Senior Support Worker - Children's Residential Home

Safe Haven Talent Limited; West Drayton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's residential care provider in West Drayton seeks an experienced Senior Support Worker to provide high-quality support to young people. You will be key in helping children with emotional and behavioral needs while leading the staff team. The role involves maintaining high care standards and compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates should have experience in residential care and a desire for professional growth. Join a supportive team committed to the development of both children and staff.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and professional development

Clear progression pathways

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months’ experience working in a residential children’s home.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to lead by example and manage shift dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality child-centred care.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with children.
• Lead shifts and support staff on duty.

Skills

Leadership

Child protection knowledge

Emotional support skills

Mentorship

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

GCSEs in English and Maths

Job description

Job Description

Our client are seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Support Worker to join their residential children’s home in West Drayton. 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.

Duties, Day-to-Day Role & 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
• 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
• 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

Requirements

We’re looking for a dynamic leader who blends empathy with excellence, and who thrives on building something meaningful from the ground up. Essential : Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent). Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Registered Manager in an Ofsted-registered children’s home (EBD or similar). Proven track record of achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted ratings. Strong understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards (2015). Robust safeguarding knowledge and ability to implement effective systems and processes. Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills. Desirable : Experience supporting children with EBD, trauma, or attachment difficulties. Previous involvement in registering or setting up a new children’s home.