At DKM Children's homes we are passionate about helping children and young people maximise their full potential, by providing high quality care through nurturing, therapeutic homes for children with a variety of complex needs. As a residential support worker you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact by helping young people to thrive and overcome challenges in a safe therapeutic home.
Job Title: Childrens Residential Support Worker
Reports To: Registered Manager / Deputy Manager
Location: Children's Residential Home
Regulated Activity: Yes Childrens Barred List Check Required
Hours: Shift-based including sleep-ins, weekends & bank holidays
Purpose of the Role
To provide consistent, safe, trauma-informed care and support to children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) and/or Learning Disabilities (LD), promoting stability, emotional wellbeing, education, identity, independence and positive relationships ensuring that experiences lead to progress and safeguarding is paramount.
Key Responsibilities;
Child Centred Care Practice
Build safe, trusting, therapeutic relationships based on Secure Base Model / PACE principles
Support children in emotional regulation and development of positive coping skills
Promote education, attendance and engagement in learning activities
Encourage independence, life skills and social development
Support identity, self-esteem, equality, cultural and communication needs
Safeguarding & Safety
Ensure safety in line with Regulation 12 Protection of Children
Identify, record and report safeguarding concerns immediately
Follow child protection policies, missing-from-home protocols and designated escalation pathways
Maintain safe boundaries, professional curiosity and whistleblowing responsibility
Behaviour Support
Implement individual Behaviour Support Plans and risk reduction strategies
Use trauma-informed approaches, promote restorative practice
If trained, apply physical intervention only as a last resort, proportionate and recorded as per Reg 35
Care Planning & Recording
Contribute to Placement Plans, Risk Assessments and Education/Health plans
Keep accurate daily records, logs, chronologies and incident reports
Ensure voice of the child is captured, acted upon and evidenced
Teamwork & Professional Conduct
Work collaboratively with colleagues and multi-agency professionals
Participate in reflective practice, supervision and appraisal
Maintain confidentiality in line with GDPR
Actively contribute to continuous service improvement and Ofsted readiness
Health & Home Environment
Support healthy routines, appointments & medication (if trained)
Maintain a clean, welcoming, homely environment
Support meal preparation and healthy lifestyle choices
Key Outcomes;
Children feel safe, valued, heard and respected
Childrens experiences lead to progress
Positive behaviour change and emotional resilience increases
Placement stability is strengthened
Person Specification
Requirements;
Experience supporting vulnerable children or young people
Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection
Ability to manage challenging behaviour safely
Understanding of trauma, attachment, EBD or LD (desirable)
Able to work shifts including sleep-ins
Resilient, calm under pressure, emotionally secure
Strong communication, empathy, patience and professionalism
IT literacy for recording and reporting
Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Commitment to training and own development
Desirable;
NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Children & Young People's Workforce or equivalent (must be willing to work towards this within 2 years)
Full UK Driving Licence
Personal Qualities
Child-focused and advocates for childrens rights
Integrity, reliability and strong self-awareness
Able to build nurturing, appropriate professional relationships
Reflective, open to learning and supervision
Safer Recruitment & Compliance Requirements
Enhanced DBS and Childrens Barred List clearance
Verified references including most recent childcare employer
Full employment history with gap explanations
Health declaration confirming fitness for regulated activity
Right to Work documentation verified
Mandatory safeguarding and behaviour training completion
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