Senior Residential Support Worker

Polaris Community; Haverhill (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Annual leave

Job summary

Polaris Community in Haverhill seeks a Senior Residential Support Worker to lead daily care in a 24-hour residential setting. You will mentor staff, manage care plans, coordinate safeguarding and ensure high standards of child-centred support for ages 11-18.

The role requires 2-3 years' experience and a Children's Workforce Diploma or equivalent qualification, with a fixed rota (08:00-20:00) and a comprehensive induction. Competitive salary with pension eligibility awaits.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years' experience and must hold a Children's Workforce Diploma or an equivalent qualification relevant to children's residential care.
• Comprehensive induction and mandatory training.
• Fixed rota pattern (08:00-20:00) with 12-hour shifts.
• 168 hours per month.
• 236 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays; increase by 12 hours yearly for 3 years.
• Pension scheme after qualifying period.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor staff to deliver high-quality care and positive outcomes.
• Oversee daily practice and ensure care plans, training needs and safeguarding standards are met.
• Record and review key work, care plans and risk assessments to maintain compliance.
• Manage placement plans, respond to safeguarding concerns and coordinate access to health, education and therapeutic services.
• Report to the Registered Manager and support 24-hour operation of the home.

Skills

Experience working with children

Education

Children's Workforce Diploma

Job description

Area Camden
Senior Residential Support Worker
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Specific Hours: 08:00-20:00 (12-hour shifts)
Salary: £34,660.95 per annum
Location: Haverhill, Suffolk

Please note, it is essential that all candidates have relevant experience and qualifications to be considered for an interview. You will need 2-3 years' experience and must hold a Children's Workforce Diploma or an equivalent qualification relevant to the children's residential care sector.

• Comprehensive induction and mandatory training
• Clear progression opportunities
• Fixed rota pattern (08:00-20:00):
  • Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday (48 hours)
  • Week 2: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (36 hours)
• 168 hours per month
• 236 hours' annual leave, including bank holidays
• Annual leave increases by 12 hours per year for three years, up to 272 hours
• Pension scheme (after qualifying period)

About Us

Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, is built on values of respect, dignity, independence and positive parenting. We provide high-quality, family-style residential care for young people aged 11-18, with all support centred around their individual needs.

Support Workers play a vital role in keeping young people safe and contributing to their daily care and development. In this role, you'll build positive relationships and help young people with emotional and behavioural needs feel included in their community and reach their full potential.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Senior Support Worker helps deliver high-quality care and positive outcomes for young people. They act as a key worker, oversee daily practice and support continuous improvement across the home.

The role includes leading and mentoring staff, organising work patterns and ensuring care plans, training needs and safeguarding standards are met. Senior Support Workers record and review key work, care plans and risk assessments to maintain compliance.

They also manage placement plans, respond to safeguarding concerns and coordinate access to health, education and therapeutic services. The role is essential to maintaining high standards and reports directly to the Registered Manager.

Leadership and Home Management

• Provide strong leadership and coaching to ensure high-quality care and positive outcomes
• Support the Registered Manager and senior team in upholding care standards and implementing policies
• Help monitor compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and health and safety requirements
• Work as part of the rota to support the home's 24-hour operation and maintain safe, consistent care
• Ensure staff remain focused on delivering high-quality childcare practice
• Contribute to quality assurance, including inspections and Regulation 44 visits
• Support recording systems, administrative tasks and general household upkeep
• Assist with managing the home's budget, including incidental and repair costs

Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Area Camden is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.