Senior Care Worker – Children & Families
📍 Location: Southampton, England
🕒 Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) On Call Rotation
💷 Salary: 28,000 to £29,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
📄 Permanent | Enhanced DBS required
Are you an experienced care professional passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and families? Are you ready to take the next step in your career with a leadership role in a supportive and purpose-driven environment?
We are looking for a Senior Care Worker to join our team in Southampton, where you will support children and families with complex needs in a residential family assessment setting. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with frontline experience who is ready to lead by example and mentor others.
About the Role
As a Senior Care Worker, you’ll play a vital role in supporting vulnerable families during intensive assessments. You’ll provide guidance to both families and support staff, ensuring high-quality care and safeguarding standards are upheld at all times.
You’ll work closely with the management team to support day-to-day operations, contribute to parenting assessments, and ensure consistent implementation of care plans and policies.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead by example in delivering high-quality, child-focused care and family support.
* Support the Deputy Manager and Registered Manager in overseeing the day-to-day running of the service.
* Act as a senior point of contact on shift, supporting junior staff and ensuring safety and compliance.
* Contribute to robust, evidence-based parenting assessments alongside social workers and family practitioners.
* Support families with routines, boundaries, and parenting strategies.
* Monitor and safeguard the wellbeing of children in the home, reporting concerns immediately.
* Maintain detailed and accurate records of family progress and incidents.
* Participate in staff training, supervision, and reflective practice.
What We’re Looking For
Qualifications:
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent (essential).
• Level 4 or a willingness to work towards further qualifications (desirable).
Experience:
• Proven experience working with children and families, ideally in a residential, safeguarding, or social care setting.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff (preferred but not essential).
* Skills & Attributes:
* Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
* Confidence in managing challenging situations and behaviours.
* Excellent communication and leadership skills.
* Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
* Commitment to promoting equality, inclusion, and family-centered practice.
Why Work With Us?
* Be part of a passionate team making a tangible difference in children's lives.
* Ongoing training and professional development.
* Supportive, inclusive working environment.
* Opportunities for career progression into management roles.
* Competitive salary and benefits.
How to Apply
If you're an experienced care worker ready to step into a leadership role and are committed to making a lasting impact, we want to hear from you.
Nucleus Horizons: Guiding Families Toward Brighter Futures