Job Title: Senior Support Worker Childrens residential Salary: £28,080 per annum, plus additional payments for sleep-in duties Reporting to: Residential Manager Location: Derby DE24 Liaises With: Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, Residential Care Staff, Education & Therapy Teams, Local Authorities, and External Agencies Role Overview As a Senior Support Worker, you will play a key role in the care, development, and safeguarding of young people aged 1217 in residential care. Working as part of a committed team, you will provide a nurturing, therapeutic environment while leading shifts, mentoring staff, and ensuring high-quality care in line with company policies, legal frameworks, and regulatory standards. Key Responsibilities 1. Supporting Young People Deliver safe, therapeutic care in line with the homes Statement of Purpose. Support daily routines including education, appointments, and meaningful activities. Respond to individual needs, considering race, culture, religion, gender identity and disability. Maintain up-to-date care plans, risk assessments and LAC documentation. Promote positive behaviour and emotional well-being. Ensure attendance at education and therapy sessions. Monitor for signs of abuse, distress or crisis and respond appropriately. Advocate for young people at meetings and reviews. 2. Teamwork & Collaboration Work closely with the wider team to provide consistent and coordinated care. Attend staff meetings and contribute to planning, reviews, and decision-making. Support new staff through induction, mentoring, and modelling best practice. Collaborate with social workers, therapists, schools and families. 3. Leadership & Shift Management Lead shifts, allocate tasks, manage rotas and oversee handovers. Provide day-to-day support and supervision to care staff. Promote high standards of professionalism and therapeutic practice. Deputise for senior managers when required. Support staff development through supervision, feedback, and training. 4. Administration & Reporting Maintain accurate records including daily logs, incidents, finances, and care plans. Prepare written reports for reviews and statutory meetings. Monitor budgets and report any concerns to the Registered Manager. 5. Household & Environment Ensure the home is safe, clean, and welcoming. Assist with meal preparation, cleaning, shopping and household duties. Promote young peoples involvement in maintaining their living space. Adhere to all Health & Safety and Fire Safety regulations. 6. Professional Development Commit to continuous learning, including Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (Children & Young People). Attend mandatory training including safeguarding, first aid, and behaviour support. Support colleagues with development and reflective practice. 7. Safeguarding & Compliance Actively promote and adhere to safeguarding practices for children and vulnerable adults. Report concerns immediately in line with safeguarding policies. Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately. Uphold equality, diversity, and human rights in all aspects of care. Person Specification Criteria Essential Desirable Qualifications NVQ Level 3 in Children & Young People Level 4/5 in Health & Social Care, First Aid, Food Hygiene, Safeguarding Experience Minimum 2 years experience working with young people with complex needs or behaviours; experience of leading shifts Supervising care staff, attending LAC reviews, working with children with ASC or mental health needs Skills & Knowledge Understanding of child protection, trauma, behaviour management; ability to write reports, manage rotas, supervise staff Knowledge of childrens residential legislation, experience in a multi-agency environment Personal Qualities Resilient, empathetic, consistent, reliable, strong communication skills Driver (essential to transport young people) Additional Information Full-time position, including evening, weekend and sleep-in duties (paid additionally). Participation in the on-call system may be required. Must hold or be willing to work towards Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (Children & Young People). This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. If you're a passionate and experienced care professional ready to step into a leadership role, wed love to hear from you. Please note unfortunately this client cant take sponsorships.