Support Worker - Darlington

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced DBS covered

Real Living Wage

Blue Light Card

Referral Bonus £500

Employee Assistance Program

Circle wellbeing

Pension

Cycle to Work

Induction & onboarding

Job summary

Keys Group is recruiting a Residential Support Worker to assist young people aged 16–18 in semi-independent living in Darlington. The role involves promoting life skills and independence while maintaining a safe home environment and recording progress.

We offer enhanced pay, DBS coverage, and a range of benefits as part of our commitment to safeguarding and staff development.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication abilities with young people and families.
• Ability to work in a semi-independent living environment.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support to young people in a semi-independent living environment.
• Promote independence through guidance with education, employment, finances, and daily living skills.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured home environment.
• Complete accurate records, reports, and support plans.
• Work collaboratively with external professionals, families, and internal teams.
• Safeguard and protect the welfare of all young people in your care.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Experience with young people

Job description

Package Description JOB ROLE: Support Worker

• Supported Accommodation LOCATION: Darlington SALARY: £13.45 - £14.15* per hour HOURS: Up to 24 hours per week REQUIREMENTS: Full UK Driving License with access to a vehicle
• essential Keys Group provide innovative care and education services to children and young people who have complex needs, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

We try and make every day extraordinary for the children we care for and support, because we believe in every single one of them.

It's an exciting time to join us as we expand and grow our teams in the region.

We are looking for a compassionate, reliable, and dedicated Residential Support Worker to join our team, supporting young people aged 16–18 in a semi-independent group setting.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about helping young people develop essential life skills, build confidence, and prepare for full independence.

Key Responsibilities: Provide day-to-day support to young people in a semi-independent living environment.

Promote independence through guidance with education, employment, finances, and daily living skills.

Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.

Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured home environment.

Complete accurate records, reports, and support plans.

Work collaboratively with external professionals, families, and internal teams.

Safeguard and protect the welfare of all young people in your care.

Requirements: Must be 21 years or over (due to regulatory requirements). Experience working with young people or within the care/child sector (preferred). Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

About You: Experience supporting children and young people with challenging needs (desired). Understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and behaviour management.

Calm, resilient, and confident in managing challenging situations.

Ability to build trust and positive, supportive relationships.

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and patient.

• Your Enhanced DBS check, is fully covered by Keys Group, along with any required renewals.

Qualifications & Career Development

• Unlock your potential with our support!

We offer a variety of QCF qualifications, providing opportunities for professional growth and opening doors to further career advancement.

• At Keys Group, we pride ourselves on fair and competitive pay.

As a Real Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all, with enhanced pay scales that transparently recognise your qualifications and experience.

Blue Light Card

at High Street retailers, days out, gifts, holidays and even when buying a car, available via a Blue Light card that you will have access to as a Health and Social Care Employee

Referral Bonus

Refer talented individuals to Keys Group and split a £500 bonus when they successfully join and complete their probation.

Care First

• We care about your well-being and that's why we're pleased to offer our employees an Employee Assistance Program.

If you need someone to talk to, the EAP is here for you

• confidentially and at no cost.

Circle

• Your hub for wellbeing, engagement and discounts.

From tailored exercise advice and healthy eating tips to counselling and savings on everyday purchases, Circle has you covered.

• Save for your retirement with a matched contribution of up to 3% from Keys Group.

Long Service Awards

• It's our way of saying a heartfelt thank you for everything you do.

Cycle to Work Scheme

• You could save up to 42% on a brand-new bike and accessories.

Full Induction & Introductory Programme

• Begin your journey with a paid-for comprehensive onboarding to set you up for success About Keys Group: Keys Care provides safe, supportive homes for adults and children, offering tailored services and specialist support to help people thrive.

Through our Connected Support approach, we empower individuals to build stability, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are also committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant.

Eligible candidates from military backgrounds are guaranteed an interview

• please include details of your service on your CV. Apply now and one of our team will be in touch to discuss how you can begin your rewarding career
• No agencies please Please note that due to the vulnerable nature of the people that we support, all applicants must be over the age of 21 *Dependant on experience and qualifications INDSA

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