Senior Residential Support Worker

Post Title: Team Leader – Children’s Residential Care

Reports to: Deputy Manager / Registered Manager

Location: Ascot

Salary: £35,505 - £36,400

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week on a varied shift pattern (including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins); participation in the on-call rota required

Main Purpose of the Role

To support the Deputy and Registered Manager in the day-to-day operational leadership of the home, ensuring a consistent and high standard of care.

To lead shifts and supervise Residential Support Workers, supporting the delivery of person-centred, trauma-informed care to children and young people.

To promote the safeguarding and well-being of children in line with the Children’s Homes’ values, the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and other relevant legislation.

To contribute to the creation of a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and educationally.

To ensure robust communication, effective teamwork, and a positive ethos throughout the home.

Main Areas of Responsibility

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• Lead, coordinate, and supervise shifts, ensuring the home runs smoothly and in line with care plans, risk assessments, and policies.
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• Support the Deputy and Registered Manager in overseeing daily routines and ensuring the home environment remains safe, clean, and welcoming.
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• Provide direct support to children, promoting independence, emotional regulation, and resilience.
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• Support the creation and review of individual care, risk, behaviour, and placement plans.
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• Supervise and mentor junior staff, including contributing to inductions, training, and performance feedback.
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• Maintain accurate and timely records, including incident reports, daily logs, and communication records.
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• Promote safeguarding and ensure any concerns are reported and recorded in accordance with policy and LADO procedures.
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• Liaise with social workers, therapists, education providers, and other professionals involved in the children’s care.
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• Support the implementation of therapeutic strategies in collaboration with the in-house psychologist.
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• Ensure medication is administered, recorded, and stored correctly, in line with procedures.
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• Assist with rota planning, shift cover, and contribute to the home’s on-call system.
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• Respond appropriately to emergencies, complaints, and behavioural incidents.
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• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of practice.
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• Act as the responsible person in charge of the home during manager absences as required.
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Special Requirements

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• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.
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• Participation in on-call rota is required.
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• Enhanced DBS check is mandatory.
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• Occasional travel to other services or for training and professional meetings may be required.
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Person Specification

A. Education, Training & Qualifications

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• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) – Essential
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• Level 4 or 5 leadership qualification – Desirable
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• Team Teach or equivalent behaviour management training – Desirable
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• Full UK Driving Licence – Preferred
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B. Experience

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• Minimum 2 years’ experience in residential childcare
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• At least 1 year in a senior or shift-leading position
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• Experience working with children with emotional, behavioural, and trauma-related needs
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• Experience managing and responding to safeguarding concerns
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C. Skills & Abilities

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• Strong leadership and team coordination skills
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• Effective communicator (written and verbal)
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• Ability to manage conflict and challenging behaviour
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• Excellent time management and organisational skills
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• Ability to model professional, child-centred practice
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• Confident in using IT systems and care recording platforms
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D. Knowledge & Understanding

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• Working knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
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• Good understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures
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• Awareness of trauma-informed practice and therapeutic approaches
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• Understanding of Health & Safety, medication protocols, confidentiality, and GDPR
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• Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice
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***For your information:

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