Residential Support Worker - Canterbury (Kent)
Salary: £29,250 per annum
Hours: Full-time (45 hours per week)
Holidays: 28 days (including bank holidays)
Contract: Permanent (subject to 6-month probation)
Location: Canterbury
Disclosure: Enhanced DBS check required
About the Role
We are seeking compassionate Residential Support Workers to join our team at a therapeutic children's home in Canterbury. The home cares for children and young people aged 8-17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties, trauma, and complex needs. Staff provide a nurturing, trauma-informed environment to support growth, life skills development, and independence.
Key Responsibilities
* Serve as a positive role model, supporting children's emotional, educational, and social development.
* Assist with daily routines, life skills, and community participation.
* Support therapeutic and behavioural plans to ensure a safe, nurturing environment.
* Promote education, support schoolwork, and alternative learning.
* Act as a key worker, advocating for young people in meetings with social workers, educators, and professionals.
* Ensure safety and safeguarding compliance, reducing risks and managing challenging behaviour.
* Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and maintain accurate records.
* Participate in home routines, team meetings, training, and supervision.
* Work shifts including evenings, nights, sleep-ins, and on-call duties.
Person Specification
* Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
* Experience: Supporting children or young people with emotional, behavioural, or complex needs in a multidisciplinary setting.
* Knowledge: Relevant legislation including Children's Homes Regulations (2015), Children Act (1989), Working Together (2023), Data Protection Act (2018), Health & Safety at Work Act (1974).
* Skills: Strong communication, empathy, interpersonal skills, ability to manage challenging behaviour, work independently and as part of a team, IT and record-keeping skills, valid UK driving licence.
* Values: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
What's on Offer
* Supportive team and professional development in trauma-informed care.
* Flexible rota including evenings, nights, and sleep-ins.
* Career progression opportunities.
* Competitive pay and benefits.
Please note: Applications from candidates requiring visa sponsorship cannot be considered.