Senior Mental Health Support Worker (Children & Young People - High-Risk Needs)
Location: Rural Uckfield | Residential Care | Full-Time | Shift Work
We're working with a respected provider of therapeutic residential care for children and young people, based in a rural location near Uckfield, and we're seeking experienced Senior Mental Health Support Workers to join their team.
This role is ideal for professionals with a background in secure units, CAMHS wards, psychiatric hospitals, or intensive support services-especially those who have supported young people managing complex trauma, high-risk behaviours, and acute mental health needs.
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What You'll Be Doing
As a Senior Coach (Residential Support Worker), you'll play a key role in the daily therapeutic care of young people aged 11-18 with significant emotional and behavioural needs. The young people in this setting may present with:
* Suicidal ideation and self-harm, including use of ligatures
* CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation) history or risk
* Sexualised behaviour and boundary-testing conduct
* Drug and alcohol misuse, including overdose incidents
* Aggressive or volatile responses to trauma and attachment issues
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
* Key working and creating robust, individualised care plans
* Leading by example in behaviour management and de-escalation
* Providing trauma-informed care in response to self-harm, dissociation, and suicidal behaviours
* Collaborating with social workers, mental health professionals, and family members
* Supporting routines around education, therapy, daily tasks, and personal care
* Maintaining safeguarding vigilance and accurate documentation
* Promoting independence, emotional regulation, and safe risk-taking
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What We're Looking For
* Experience working with young people in secure mental health, forensic, or trauma-informed residential settings
* Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Workforce (or equivalent)
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, particularly in relation to CSE, self-injury, and mental health crises
* Confidence in working with high-risk behaviours and emotionally dysregulated young people
* Enhanced DBS (on the Update Service or willingness to obtain)
* A full UK driving licence is essential - the service is based in a rural area not accessible via public transport
* Emotional resilience, clarity under pressure, and a therapeutic mindset
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Why Work Here?
* Peaceful, rural location ideal for therapeutic care
* Structured "1 Day On / 2 Days Off" rota
* Salary 20% above sector average
* Private healthcare & 24/7 GP access
* Gym membership stipend
* 36 days of annual face-to-face training from expert providers
* Fully funded Level 3 and Level 5 qualifications
* Supportive progression pathway and internal promotions
* Company pension and bonus scheme eligibility
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Additional Info
You'll be working shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, with flexibility required to support other nearby homes if needed. The provider follows Safer Recruitment procedures-expect thorough background checks, references, and an enhanced DBS.