Support Workers

Salutem Care and Education; Colchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee assistance

Health plan

Wagestream pay

Cycle to Work scheme

Gym discounts

Job summary

Salutem Care and Education is seeking a Senior Support Worker in Colchester to provide high-quality care and leadership for children and young people. You will supervise shifts, mentor staff, and ensure care plans are implemented with safeguarding compliance.

You will maintain accurate records, liaise with social workers and families, and promote positive outcomes in a nurturing, trauma-informed environment. A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare is required or willingness to complete.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people.
• Ability to lead shifts and support a team.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and trauma-informed practice.
• Willingness to complete Level 3 Diploma if not held.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and emotional support to young people using a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach.
• Lead shifts, guide the staff team, and act as a positive role model.
• Support young people with routines, personal care, life skills, social activities, and education.
• Act as a key worker contributing to care plans, risk assessments, and personalised goals.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, safety, and compliance with Children's Homes Regulations.
• Build effective relationships with families, schools, social workers, and other professionals.
• Support with records, reporting, handovers, and team meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Trauma-informed approach

Mentoring staff

Record-keeping

Communication with professionals

Education

A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

A Senior Support Worker is expected to provide high-quality care, supervision, and leadership to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and development of children/young people.

They should act as a role model, offering consistent emotional and practical support while promoting positive behaviour and safeguarding standards. The role includes leading shifts, guiding and mentoring support staff, and ensuring care plans are effectively implemented and reviewed.

Senior Support Workers are also responsible for maintaining accurate records, contributing to risk assessments, and liaising with external professionals such as social workers, families, and healthcare providers. They must ensure the home operates in line with regulatory requirements and organisational policies.

Overall, the expectation is to create a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children feel valued, supported, and able to achieve positive outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Provide direct care and emotional support to young people using a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach.
• Lead shifts, guide the staff team, and act as a positive role model.
• Support young people with routines, personal care, life skills, social activities, and education.
• Act as a key worker contributing to care plans, risk assessments, and personalised goals.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, safety, and compliance with Children's Homes Regulations.
• Build effective relationships with families, schools, social workers, and other professionals.
• Support with records, reporting, handovers, and team meetings.

Experience working with children or young people (care, education, youth work, or similar).

• Confidence leading shifts and supporting a team.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
• Resilience, empathy, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to complete).
• A positive, caring approach and commitment to our values.

Our home is a warm, welcoming, and family-oriented residential setting supporting children with complex needs, including trauma, and autism. We provide an environment where children can thrive, feel safe, and develop resilience. Our home can support up to four children, and are all making fantastic progress and achieving their personal goals with the support of our dedicated team.

Be part of an exciting new service built on Outstanding foundations.

• Help shape a warm, supportive, high-quality home from the start.
• Work within a culture of openness, respect, and genuine teamwork.
• Opportunities for progression, training, and professional development.
• Make a meaningful difference every day to the lives of young people.

Our Core Values

• Supportive: Helping everyone reach their full potential.
• Ambitious: Striving for the best outcomes.
• Loyal: Prioritising our staff and the people we support.
• Unique: Innovating without compromising quality.
• Transparent: Fostering openness and mutual respect.
• Engaging: Partnering with everyone involved.
• Meaningful: Offering fulfilling opportunities.

Why Choose Us

• Emotional Support: 24/7 Employee Assistance, mental health resources, meditation apps, and bereavement support.
• Medical Support: Free Online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support.
• Financial Support: Flexible pay with Wagestream, utility bill savings, Money Helper, and Life Assurance.
• Physical Support: Online workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, and National Trust activities.

Still not convinced

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