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To provide high-quality, nurturing care and support to children and young people with complex mental health needs and/or challenging behaviours within an Ofsted-regulated residential setting.
The Senior Support Worker will act as a positive role model, ensuring the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of young people, while promoting independence, resilience, and life skills.
They will support the Registered/Deputy Manager in supervising staff, overseeing care plans, and ensuring the home meets Ofsted’s Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
Key Responsibilities
Child-Centred Care
* Build trusting, supportive relationships with children and young people, providing consistent care in line with their individual care and placement plans.
* Promote recovery, resilience, and positive mental health through therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches.
* Support children with education, health, leisure, and social activities, ensuring inclusion and equal opportunities.
* Encourage independence and the development of life skills such as cooking, budgeting, self-care, and community engagement.
* Advocate for children’s voices to be heard in decision-making about their care and future.
Leadership & Team Support
* Act as senior staff on shift, leading by example and ensuring smooth daily operations of the home.
* Supervise, mentor, and support Support Workers, offering guidance, feedback, and development opportunities.
* Lead team handovers, allocate tasks, and ensure staff follow policies, procedures, and care plans.
* Support training and development of staff in safeguarding, behaviour management, and therapeutic care approaches.
Safeguarding & Compliance
* Protect children from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, following safeguarding policies and statutory guidance.
* Ensure all practice complies with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted’s Quality Standards.
* Maintain accurate records, reports, and logs including incident reports, keywork sessions, and daily records.
* Support audits, inspections, and contribute to service improvement plans.
* Respond effectively to incidents, risk behaviours, and crises, ensuring children feel safe and supported.
Person Specification
* Experience working with children/young people with complex needs, trauma, or mental health difficulties.
* Knowledge of safeguarding children, child protection legislation, and Ofsted requirements.
* Ability to manage challenging behaviour calmly and effectively, using de-escalation and trauma-informed care.
* Strong leadership and communication skills.
* Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent, or willingness to complete within 2 years).
* Flexibility to work shifts, including sleep-ins, nights, and weekends.
* Experience in a senior or supervisory role within a children’s residential home.
* Training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), PRICE, MAPA or equivalent behaviour management.
* Full UK driving licence.
* Experience of working alongside social workers, CAMHS, and other multi-agency professionals.
Values & Behaviours
* Compassionate, patient, and child-focused.
* Committed to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.
* Positive role model, demonstrating resilience and reliability.
* Encourages independence, learning, and growth.
* Promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of practice.
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