Senior Residential Support Worker

Location: Sheffield
Salary: £31,616 + sleep-in allowance
Contract: 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

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

Shift Leadership

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

Safeguarding & Compliance

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

Support & Care Delivery

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

House & Operational Duties

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

Additional Responsibilities

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

Requirements

Qualifications

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

Experience

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

Skills & Knowledge

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

Personal Qualities

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

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.