Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Loughton, Essex
Salary: £ £16.52 per hour
Hours of work: 42 hours a week (shift work - including weekends, bank holidays and public holidays)
Benefits: Pension scheme, 28 days annual leave, in-house and external training
At Aspire Homes for Children, we are committed to making a real difference in the lives of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), mild learning disabilities, and mental health needs.
Through a dedicated and trauma-informed team, we provide high-quality, therapeutic residential care in a nurturing and structured environment.
No matter your role, everything we do is driven by our unwavering commitment to the child we support. Our aim is to help them stabilise, heal, and grow — socially, emotionally, and psychologically — so they can build brighter futures and positive relationships within their community.
We are looking for an exceptional individual to join our team as a Senior Residential Support Worker of our new solo home in Loughton, Essex. This is a complex and challenging environment, so we need determined, resilient people to support our staff in providing unconditional care and commitment to our children. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in being part of the growth and development of a brand-new Children's Home.
As a Senior Residential Support Worker of our new Residential Children's Home, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Registered Manager. You will provide day-to-day leadership within the home, supporting children through therapeutic, child-centred care, and guiding staff to deliver safe, consistent, and positive outcomes.
Applicants should have:
* A genuine commitment to engaging with children who have challenging behaviour and complex history.
* The ability to create positive relationships with the children, meeting their needs and safeguarding them at all times.
* An understanding of Safeguarding legislation and Children's homes regulations 2015
* The ability to support the management of a diverse staff team, role modelling and developing them to reach their potential
* An understanding of GDPR Regulations 2018
* An interest in supporting the development of the organisation and engaging others in working collaboratively
* Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with parents, carers and professionals
* Commitment to engaging in continuing professional development
* Ability to react calmly in stressful situations under your own initiative and whilst supporting and directing the team.
* Self-motivated with the ability to manage a busy workload with oversight from a Registered Manager
* Empathy and understanding, ensuring the children's views and wishes are heard and communicated
* The ability to be a good role model
* High personal and professional standards.
* Flexibility when needed to cover unsocial hours, shifts at short notice, and participate in on call rota
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* A willingness to arrange and engage in Social Activities and holidays, our children ask for adults who can have 'fun'
We are looking for someone with:
* NVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People Workforce (Essential)
* Experience of working in a supervisory capacity.
* Experience and knowledge of working with young people that have social, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, learning disability, complex needs and autism.
* Up to date and in-depth knowledge of Children's homes regulations 2015
* Ability to work with online recording systems and good IT skills
* Full, clean UK Driving Licence (Preferred)
Key ResponsibilitiesShift Leadership and Team Support
* Lead and prepare shifts, ensuring tasks are planned and delegated based on Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and handovers.
* Provide guidance and direction to staff, supporting them to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally.
* Monitor practice within shifts, offering constructive feedback and debriefs where necessary.
* Support with the induction, supervision, and development of junior staff, modelling best practice.
* Promote effective team communication through meetings, supervision, and reflective practice sessions.
Young Person Support
* Act as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and consistency.
* Build strong, trusting relationships with children, ensuring their needs are met and their voices heard.
* Promote boundaries, routines, and structure to create a safe and stable environment.
* Support young people in their education, health, and social development, including leisure activities and hobbies.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals to meet each child's care plan objectives.
* Uphold safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring concerns are reported and acted upon in line with policy and legislation.
Professional Standards and Compliance
* Adhere to Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and organisational policies.
* Maintain accurate and timely records, including daily logs, incident reports, and statutory paperwork.
* Ensure confidentiality and data protection standards are upheld (GDPR 2018).
* Support health and safety routines, fire drills, and risk management within the home.
* Contribute to a safe, clean, and supportive living environment.
Partnership and Representation
* Build and maintain professional relationships with parents, carers, social workers, schools, and other agencies.
* Attend and contribute to statutory meetings, including reviews, PEPs, and strategy meetings.
* Represent the organisation in a professional manner at all times.
General Duties
* Support in the running of the household, including meal preparation and domestic tasks.
* Safely manage and account for petty cash and resources.
* Participate in training, supervision, and professional development to continually enhance your skills.
* Engage with young people in fun, meaningful activities, including trips and holidays.
All candidates will be subject to Safer Recruitment and DBS checks.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £15.52-£16.52 per hour
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person