Senior Support Worker – Children’s Residential Home
Location: South London
Salary: £30,000 – £32,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, shift-based (including evenings, weekends)
The Role
We are recruiting an experienced Senior Support Worker to join a children’s residential home supporting young people with emotional and behavioural needs. This is a hands-on role combining direct care with leadership responsibility, acting as a positive role model for both young people and the wider staff team.
You will play a key part in creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children can thrive, while ensuring high standards of care, safeguarding, and compliance are consistently met.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide high-quality, child-centred care in line with care plans and risk assessments
* Act as a shift lead, supporting and guiding Support Workers on duty
* Build positive, trusting relationships with young people and promote their emotional wellbeing
* Support young people with daily routines, education, activities, and life skills
* Assist with the administration and recording of medication (where trained)
* Maintain accurate and timely records, including daily logs and incident reports
* Ensure safeguarding procedures and policies are followed at all times
* Work closely with Managers, external professionals, and families
* Support the induction, mentoring, and development of new staff
* Contribute to a positive, professional team culture and lead by example
About You
* Minimum Level 3 Diploma in Children & Young People (or equivalent)
* Previous experience working in a children’s residential setting
* Confident leading shifts and supporting junior staff
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and child development
* Calm, resilient, and able to manage challenging behaviour appropriately
* Excellent communication and record-keeping skills
* Flexible to work a rota including sleep-ins
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary
* Ongoing training and development opportunities
* Supportive management team and clear progression pathways
* The opportunity to make a genuine, lasting difference to young people’s lives
Safeguarding
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and full compliance checks in line with safeguarding regulations.
For your information
*Interested? Please send your CV in as a Word format only
**Please only apply if you are already eligible to work in the UK (indefinitely & without sponsorship)
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