Senior Residential Support Worker

Senior Residential Support Worker

Location: SheffieldSalary: £31,616 + sleep-in allowanceContract: Full-time, permanent (including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins)

We are recruiting for a Senior Residential Support Worker to join a children’s residential service supporting young people with complex needs.

This role involves working closely with the management team to deliver high-quality, child-centred care, ensuring a safe, supportive, and structured environment where young people can develop and thrive. You will also take on shift leadership responsibilities and support the wider staff team.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Support

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• Support the management team in the day-to-day running of the home
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• Contribute to staff induction, mentoring, and development
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• Promote a positive, child-focused and trauma-informed culture
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• Act as a role model, maintaining professional standards and boundaries
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• Ensure young people’s voices are heard and reflected in their care
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Shift Leadership

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• Lead shifts, ensuring effective staff deployment and communication
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• Take responsibility for the home in the absence of senior management
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• Oversee daily logs, handovers, incident reports, and documentation
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• Ensure safe, consistent care delivery throughout each shift
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Safeguarding & Compliance

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• Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns in line with policy
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• Support compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
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• Ensure accurate and timely recording of all safeguarding matters
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• Promote a culture where staff feel confident to raise concerns
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Support & Care Delivery

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• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people
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• Support emotional, social, and behavioural development
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• Promote independence, resilience, and life skills
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• Use trauma-informed approaches to manage behaviour effectively
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House & Operational Duties

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• Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, and homely environment
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• Assist with care planning, risk assessments, and rotas
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• Support audits and quality improvement processes
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• Attend training and development opportunities
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Additional Responsibilities

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• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins
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• Provide additional cover where required
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• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role
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Requirements

Qualifications

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• Level 3 (or above) qualification in Children & Young People (or equivalent / working towards)
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• Full UK driving licence (desirable)
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Experience

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• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a children’s residential setting
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• Experience with safeguarding and child protection
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• Experience supporting children with EBD, trauma, or challenging behaviour
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• Strong understanding of recording and reporting procedures
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Skills & Knowledge

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• Good understanding of child development and trauma-informed care
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• Strong leadership and communication skills
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• Ability to manage risk and respond to incidents calmly
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• Strong relationship-building skills with young people and professionals
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• IT literacy
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• Awareness of Ofsted standards and inspection frameworks (desirable)
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Personal Qualities

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• Child-centred and safeguarding-focused
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• Resilient and calm under pressure
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• Passionate about improving outcomes for young people
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• Empathetic, patient, and supportive
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• Flexible and reliable
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• Positive and proactive approach
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Safeguarding

This role is subject to enhanced safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS and satisfactory references. The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.