Support Worker - Children's Services

Agincare; Three Legged Cross; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run care provider in England is seeking Support Workers dedicated to helping children with learning disabilities. This essential role involves providing compassionate support, building relationships, and ensuring child safety. Applicants should be patient, resilient, and committed to ongoing training, including achieving NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare. Full training is provided, and the position offers competitive pay starting from £14.50 per hour plus benefits including a pension scheme, staff recognition programs, and additional evening shift pay.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

Refer-a-friend bonus – up to £1,000

Paid Enhanced DBS

Career development pathways

Staff recognition and appreciation schemes

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in supporting children with learning disabilities.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.
• Driving license required for visits to dual registered homes.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Support daily routines from school runs to bedtime.
• Handle challenging behavior using a therapeutic approach.

Skills

Caring

Reliable

Motivated

Patient

Team-player

Emotionally intelligent

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare or above

Job description

Overview

As part of a team wholeheartedly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, you'll provide consistent, compassionate support to children with learning disabilities—helping them feel safe, valued, and empowered.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting, positive relationships with children and young people
• Support daily routines – from school runs and mealtimes to play and bedtime
• Help children learn life skills and build their independence
• Work as part of a team to ensure children feel safe, secure, and cared for
• Support with care plans, routines, and risk assessments (with training)
• Handle challenging behaviour calmly and with empathy, using a therapeutic approach
• Take part in fun, active days – every day is different
• Be part of the sleep-in rota, with an average of 4 sleep-ins per month (flexibility is essential)

We’re looking for people who are caring, reliable, and motivated to make a difference. You don’t need experience—we’ll provide full training and support.

What You Will Do

• Have a genuine interest in supporting children with learning disabilities
• Be patient, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
• Be able to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins
• Be physically and mentally fit for the role
• Have a positive attitude and a team-player mindset
• Hold or be committed to completing NVQ Level 3 (or above) in Residential Childcare
• Hold a driving licence (dual registered home across 2 sites in Wimborne)

We’re a family-run business that’s been caring and supporting people since 1986. With over 4,000 team members and more than 100 care locations across England, we’re one of the UK’s largest and most trusted care providers. Our services include children’s homes, adult care & nursing homes, supported living, extra care, home care, and live-in support. We are proud signatories of the Care Leaver Covenant and actively support care leavers to live independently. Care leavers are encouraged to apply and will be offered a guaranteed interview or informal conversation about opportunities at Agincare. All of our adult services are regulated by our children’s homes by Ofsted.

Please note: This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings (including those regarded as “spent”) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. This role is also subject to enhanced DBS checks and comprehensive vetting procedures in line with safer recruitment standards. We believe in building teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Equal opportunities are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re ready to help build something truly meaningful—and lead with compassion, commitment, and care—we’d love to hear from you.

We’re offering a rare and rewarding opportunity to start your career in care by joining the founding team of a brand-new, not-for-profit Children’s Residential Homes in Wimborne, Dorset. This service will support children with learning, education and behavioural difficulties, offering a safe, nurturing, and empowering space where every child is given the opportunity to grow, thrive, and feel at home. We’re now seeking Support Workers who are compassionate, reliable, and ready to make a real difference in children’s lives.

What You’ll Receive

• From £14.50 per hour + additional for overnight shifts
• £15.50 per hour if Level 3 in Residential Childcare held
• Full-time, average of 40 hours per week with sleep ins as required
• Company pension scheme
• Refer-a-friend bonus – up to £1,000
• Paid Enhanced DBS
• Blue Light Discount package
• Early On Demand Pay
• Career development pathways and training
• Staff recognition and appreciation schemes