Residential support worker (16799)

Residential Support Worker Are you a compassionate and resilient individual who is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children aged 11–17? Southampton City Council is seeking committed and emotionally resilient Residential Care Workers to provide outstanding, therapeutic care and support at our new specialist children’s home. We offer short-term residential placements (up to 90 days), where children receive a comprehensive assessment of their mental health and emotional wellbeing needs. This helps inform future placement decisions and aims to reduce the need for inpatient, secure, or longer-term residential provision. About the Role As a Residential Care Worker, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can stabilise, feel understood, and be supported to move safely into longer-term, appropriate placements. Working as part of a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team, you will support children using a trauma-informed and psychologically informed approach, helping them to manage challenges and build the skills needed for positive futures. This is a highly rewarding but emotionally demanding role, requiring resilience, reflection, and a consistent ability to show up for children experiencing significant challenges. What You’ll Do Provide Emotional Support – Offer a consistent, empathetic presence, helping children to understand and regulate their emotions Contribute to Assessments and Care Planning – Work with mental health professionals, families, and children to inform high-quality assessments and deliver tailored support plans Monitor Wellbeing and Respond to Risk – Observe changes in presentation and respond appropriately, including during periods of crisis, sharing concerns with relevant professionals Support Daily Living – Help establish routines and support with personal care, education engagement, and independent living skills Build Trusting Relationships – Develop positive, professional relationships that support engagement and progress Respond to Crisis – Recognise and respond to behaviours of concern, including self-harm or heightened distress, in line with safeguarding procedures Work in Partnership – Collaborate with social workers, psychologists, health professionals, and education providers Promote Independence – Encourage participation in activities and help build confidence and social skills Maintain Accurate Records – Keep clear, confidential, and timely records to support care planning and safeguarding Provide a Safe Environment – Maintain a physically and emotionally safe setting, managing risk effectively and using approved approaches such as Team Teach, with a strong focus on de-escalation and least-restrictive practice What We’re Looking For Experience: Working in residential care, childcare, or supporting children with complex needs Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or transferable experience with a willingness to work towards the qualification (support will be provided) Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities Attributes: Compassionate, emotionally resilient, and committed to improving outcomes for children Approach: A commitment to trauma-informed practice, with the ability to remain calm, reflective, and consistent when supporting children in distress Flexibility: This is a full-time role (37 hours per week), typically worked across two long days and one shorter shift, including sleep-ins, as part of a 24-hour rota. The role includes weekend working on a rota basis, with regular planned time off Working Arrangements: Based at Ridgeway House, with occasional work at other locations if required DBS: Enhanced DBS required (Update Service desirable) W hat we can offer you : Salary: The salary band for this role is £32,061 - £36,362 per annum. The starting salary is £32,061 with annual progression through the salary bands. Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below. Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution) Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service Flexible working options (role-dependent) Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents Training and development, including coaching and mentoring Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer F or further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk) Southampton City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references. Join us and help shape brighter futures for children in Southampton. Contact details for informal discussion: For further information and details regarding the position, please contact Malikah Richards malikah.richards@southampton.gov.uk Recruitment contact details: Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk Tel: 023 8083 4033 For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council Follow us on social media for regular updates on our featured jobs and latest news. Facebook YouTube