Senior Support Worker – Children’s Residential Home

Senior Support Worker – Children’s Residential Home

Location: South London
Salary: £30,000 – £32,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, shift-based (including evenings, weekends)

The Role

We are recruiting an experienced Senior Support Worker to join a children’s residential home supporting young people with emotional and behavioural needs. This is a hands-on role combining direct care with leadership responsibility, acting as a positive role model for both young people and the wider staff team.

You will play a key part in creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children can thrive, while ensuring high standards of care, safeguarding, and compliance are consistently met.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, child-centred care in line with care plans and risk assessments
• Act as a shift lead, supporting and guiding Support Workers on duty
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people and promote their emotional wellbeing
• Support young people with daily routines, education, activities, and life skills
• Assist with the administration and recording of medication (where trained)
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including daily logs and incident reports
• Ensure safeguarding procedures and policies are followed at all times
• Work closely with Managers, external professionals, and families
• Support the induction, mentoring, and development of new staff
• Contribute to a positive, professional team culture and lead by example

About You

• Minimum Level 3 Diploma in Children & Young People (or equivalent)
• Previous experience working in a children’s residential setting
• Confident leading shifts and supporting junior staff
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and child development
• Calm, resilient, and able to manage challenging behaviour appropriately
• Excellent communication and record-keeping skills
• Flexible to work a rota including sleep-ins

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive management team and clear progression pathways
• The opportunity to make a genuine, lasting difference to young people’s lives

Safeguarding

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and full compliance checks in line with safeguarding regulations.

NS18729

For your information

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