Residential childcare support worker

Job Description

Residential Childcare Support Worker

Company: Apple Orchard

Location: Horsham, West Sussex

Contract: Part- Time, permanent

Starting salary:
£14,523.27 pro rata (£29,046.53 FTE) per annum with the potential to earn up to £16,343.27 with sleep-in shifts

Salary after probation: Base salary of £15,126.18 pro rata (£30,252.35 FTE) per annum with the potential to earn up to £16,946.18 with sleep-in shifts

Specific Hours: 20 hours per week - shift pattern

Benefits:

• Company pension
• £35 per sleep in (one per week x 48 weeks)
• Access to our Exchange Employee Discount Scheme
• Access to wellbeing programmes via our Exchange Provision
• Promotion opportunities
• Fully funded training for your recognised qualifications

Apple Orchard runs five rural residential homes across Surrey and West Sussex, offering warm, supportive environments for boys aged 12-18. We're looking for experienced Support Workers and those passionate about making a positive impact, with training provided.

Our focus is helping young people make sense of difficult past experiences through clear boundaries, achievable goals, and positive reinforcement. We pride ourselves on creating nurturing, friendly homes where strong relationships and consistent care help every young person thrive.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide a caring, supportive environment tailored to each young person's needs.
• Plan and deliver activities that promote learning and positive engagement.
• Follow all relevant legislation and regulatory guidance.
• Observe and record young people's progress, including maintaining life books.
• Work collaboratively with local authorities, parents, and carers.
• Support daily household tasks and the smooth running of the home.
• Contribute positively to a consistent, supportive team.
• Maintain clear, professional, and non-judgemental records.

Essential skills:

• Experience working with teenagers or challenging behaviours (or a willingness to learn).
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (our homes are rural).
• Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or equivalent, or willingness to work towards it.
• Ability to engage young people in activities and support them toward independence.
• Flexibility to work a mix of days, evenings, and weekends (every other weekend off).
• Confident in setting boundaries and managing behaviour appropriately.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to follow handovers and tasks.
• Able to follow policies and maintain accurate written and verbal communication.
• Good listener with the ability to engage effectively.

If you feel that you could use your skills to support this work through creating a caring and stimulating environment allowing for a range of opportunities and life experiences for the young people, then we want to hear from you.

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company 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 a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.

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