Senior Support Worker - Children's Residential Home

Senior Support Worker - Children's Residential Home

Location: Thornton Heath, Croydon

Salary: £31,000 - £35,000 per annum

Hours: 40 hours per week on a rota basis, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Sleep-ins and/or waking nights may be required.

The Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Support Worker to join a children's residential home supporting young people aged 11-17 with emotional and behavioural needs linked to trauma.

Working closely with the management team, you will provide high-quality, trauma-informed care while leading shifts, mentoring colleagues and creating a safe, nurturing environment where young people can develop, thrive and achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

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• Lead shifts and support the day-to-day running of the home.
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• Provide high-quality, child-centred care in line with individual care plans.
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• Build positive, trusting relationships using trauma-informed approaches.
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• Safeguard young people and respond appropriately to concerns, incidents and risks.
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• Support education, independence skills, health and emotional wellbeing.
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• Complete accurate records, reports and care documentation.
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• Work closely with social workers, families and external professionals.
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• Mentor and support junior members of the team.
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• Promote a safe, positive and supportive home environment.
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• Administer medication where trained and authorised.
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About You

The successful candidate will be passionate about improving the lives of young people and confident supporting those with complex emotional and behavioural needs.

Essential Requirements

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• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with children or young people within a residential care or similar setting.
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• Hold (or be working towards) a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
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• Experience supporting young people with trauma, attachment difficulties and emotional or behavioural needs.
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• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
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• Excellent communication, organisational and record-keeping skills.
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• Ability to lead shifts and support less experienced colleagues.
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• Flexible to work a rota including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins where required.
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Desirable

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• Full UK Driving Licence.
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• Additional training in trauma-informed care, de-escalation or restorative practice.
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• Experience supporting young people at risk of exploitation, missing episodes or offending behaviour.
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• Working towards a Level 4 or 5 qualification in Residential Childcare or Leadership & Management.
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What's on Offer

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• Competitive salary of £31,000 - £35,000 plus sleep-in payments.
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• Ongoing training and career development.
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• Supportive management team.
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• Opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable young people.
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• Long-term career progression within children's residential care.
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Please Note

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• Employment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all relevant pre-employment checks.
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• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
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***For your information:

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