Support Worker - Residential Children's Home (Waking Night)

Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's care organization in the UK is seeking a Support Worker to provide nurturing care to young people within a structured environment. Responsibilities include facilitating daily routines, supporting education, and maintaining a safe atmosphere. Applicants should have a good standard of education and be committed to professional training in childcare. The ideal candidate is calm, empathetic, and resilient, with the ability to work shifts including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Commitment to undertake Level 3/4 Diploma for Residential Childcare.
• Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Calm, empathetic, resilient, and able to work shifts.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, nurturing day-to-day care for young people.
• Plan and facilitate activities and support routines.
• Recognise and report safeguarding concerns promptly.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Resilience

Teamwork

Education

Good standard of education

Level 3/4 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Tools

IT skills

Job description

About Kennedy Elliott

Founded by Dr. Nigel Kennedy and Trevor Elliott MBE, Kennedy Elliott Care Homes was born from a commitment to provide safe, caring, and stable environments for young people. Trevor Elliott’s journey began as a youth worker and foster carer, eventually becoming the UK’s youngest single foster carer at 24. His belief in the transformational power of stable environments led to the establishment of the first home in Ladywell. From these humble beginnings, Kennedy Elliott has grown into a trusted provider with three operational homes across London, committed to providing trauma-informed care. Our mission is simple: “Safe and secure living where children and young people can thrive and develop to reach their full potential.”

Role Purpose

To provide safe, nurturing day‑to‑day care and support for young people within a trauma‑informed, structured environment. The Support Worker follows plans, records practice to a high standard and contributes to positive routines, education and health. The role builds the skills and experience needed to progress towards Senior Support Worker responsibilities over time.

Our Vision

For every young person to thrive in a safe, stable, and nurturing home environment that supports healing, growth, and a positive future.

Our Mission

To provide safe and secure living where children and young people can thrive, be heard, and develop to reach their full potential.

Our Purpose

To operate high-quality children’s homes rooted in trauma-informed care, fostering positive relationships, personal growth, and future stability through integrated and collaborative working.

Our Values

• Safe, warm, and family-like homes
• Trauma-informed and healing-centred care
• High expectations and aspirations for all
• Inclusion, respect, and zero stigma
• Collaborative working with families, professionals, and communities

Responsibilities

• Care & Daily Living
  • Provide safe, nurturing day‑to‑day care with clear, consistent boundaries.
  • Support routines: mornings/evenings, mealtimes, hygiene, laundry, and household tasks.
  • Plan and facilitate activities, hobbies and community engagement.
  • Manage and maintain the weekly menu and activity plan.

Safeguarding, Quality & Recording

• Recognise and report safeguarding concerns immediately; follow policies and escalation routes.
• Record daily logs, incidents/accidents and key contacts objectively and on time.
• Read and follow placement plans, behaviour support plans and risk assessments.

Relationships, Education & Health

• Build professional, respectful relationships; act as a positive role model.
• Support education attendance and homework; liaise with schools as directed.
• Promote healthy lifestyles; support health appointments and medication routines (once trained and signed‑off).

Teamwork & Development

• Work collaboratively across shifts; communicate clearly in handovers.
• Engage in supervision and reflective practice; complete mandatory training and refreshers.
• Work towards the competencies of a Senior Support Worker.

Housekeeping, H&S & Compliance

• Maintain a safe, clean environment; complete H&S, fire safety and checks as instructed.
• Respect confidentiality and data protection in all communications and records.

Emergency Response

• Follow de‑escalation plans; seek support promptly; contribute to post‑incident debriefs and learning.

Person Specification

• Essential Criteria
  • Good standard of education and written communication.
  • Commitment to undertake/complete the Level 3/4 Diploma for Residential Childcare (within agreed timeframe).
  • Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries; willingness to learn.
  • Calm, empathetic and resilient; able to work shifts (incl. evenings/weekends) and sleep‑ins as required.
  • Basic IT skills for recording; attention to detail.
  • Enhanced DBS (children’s barred list) and satisfactory references.
• Desirable Criteria
  • Experience working with children/young people (residential, education, youth work or care).
  • Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice and de‑escalation approaches.
  • Full UK driving licence.