Support Worker Children

P+S Care and Support Services; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community service provider in Chelmsford is seeking dedicated Support Workers for residential living, focusing on aiding young people through complex challenges. Candidates should be compassionate, motivated, and able to work flexibly. Responsibilities include fostering independence, maintaining positive relationships, and supporting emotional wellbeing. The role offers comprehensive training and opportunities for career progression, making it a fulfilling chance to impact lives positively.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction

Continuous training

Opportunities for career progression

Employee wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Motivated and compassionate individuals committed to supporting young people.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Flexibility to work shifts reliably.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain positive relationships with young people.
• Support development of independent living skills.
• Encourage engagement in education and employment opportunities.
• Promote emotional wellbeing and positive decision-making.
• Use trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Compassion

Ability to work independently

Teamwork

Job description

Support Worker - Residential Living

Hours: Flexible shifts including evenings, weekends and sleep‑ins.

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated Support Workers to work within a residential living setting, supporting children and young people. Many of the young people have experienced complex life challenges such as trauma, mental health needs, family breakdown, exploitation, or time in care. This role focuses on providing consistent, practical, and emotional support to help them develop confidence, life skills, and stability.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference by supporting young people to build positive futures.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with young people
• Support the development of independent living skills, including budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and tenancy management
• Encourage engagement in education, training, and employment opportunities
• Promote emotional wellbeing, healthy routines, and positive decision‑making
• Support young people to attend appointments, meetings, and assessments
• Work in partnership with external agencies and professionals
• Complete accurate and timely records, including daily notes, support plans, and risk assessments
• Deliver support using trauma‑informed and person‑centred approaches
• Act as a positive role model, providing guidance, consistency, and appropriate boundaries

About You

We are looking for individuals who are motivated, compassionate, and committed to supporting young people.

You will ideally:

• Have a genuine interest in supporting young people and promoting independence
• Remain calm, professional, and confident in challenging situations
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Have strong communication and organisational skills
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to safeguarding and young people’s welfare
• Be flexible and reliable with shift work
• Hold a full UK driving licence (desirable, not essential)

Previous experience working with young people, care leavers, or vulnerable individuals is advantageous but not essential. Qualifications are welcomed; however, full training and ongoing development will be provided to candidates with the right values and attitude.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive induction and continuous training
• Fully funded mandatory and specialist training, including:
  • Trauma‑informed practice
  • Safeguarding
  • Mental health awareness
  • Exploitation and risk management
  • De‑escalation techniques
• Opportunities for career progression
• Supportive and values‑led management
• Employee wellbeing support

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding children and young people. Appointment to this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and proof of the right to work in the UK.

Apply Now

If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can support young people to develop independence with confidence and dignity, we would welcome your application.

Supporting young people. Building independence. Creating brighter futures