About the role
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Senior Residential Worker to join our Children’s Residential Service. This is a key role where you will lead shifts, support the staff team and help deliver high-quality care to children and young people. Working closely with the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager, you will take responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of the home, ensuring it meets the requirements of the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards. As a Senior Residential Worker, you will lead by example, providing guidance, structure and support to the team while ensuring children receive safe, consistent and nurturing care.
Key responsibilities
* Leading shifts and taking delegated responsibility in the absence of senior managers
* Supervising and supporting Residential Care Workers, as well as students, volunteers and agency staff
* Ensuring the home operates in line with its Statement of Purpose, policies and procedures
* Supporting the assessment of children’s needs and contributing to care planning and reviews
* Promoting a safe, warm and structured environment where children can develop emotionally and physically
* Planning and supporting activities, social opportunities and community engagement for children
* Working in partnership with Social Workers and external agencies to meet children’s needs
* Maintaining accurate records and ensuring confidentiality in line with GDPR
* Supporting safeguarding, health and safety, and responding appropriately to emergencies
* Administering medication and overseeing procedures when leading shifts
* Encouraging children’s participation in decisions about their care and daily life
* Supporting staff development through guidance, supervision and training
Qualifications
* Experience working in a residential childcare setting
* Strong understanding of safeguarding and Children’s Homes Regulations
* The ability to lead shifts and support a team effectively
* Experience working with children with complex needs
* Good organisational and communication skills
* The ability to remain calm and make decisions in challenging situations
* A commitment to delivering high standards of care and continuous improvement
Benefits
* Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
* 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36‑hour workweek for all full time staff.
* Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non‑casual roles).
* Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council‑owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
* Cycle to Work – Eco‑friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers and showers at the Civic Centre.
* Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
* Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
* Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24‑hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
* Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly. The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities. Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation’s success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose; candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt‑in for consideration under this scheme on a ‘per application’ basis.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:
* Enhanced DBS Check
* Qualifications Check
* 5 years of Referencing
Please note: priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised. It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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