Job Title: Senior Residential Support Worker

Location: Stanley, County Durham

Reports To: Registered Manager / Deputy Manager

Salary: Starting at £31,720 per annum with additional sleep in payment and on call where relevant.

Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week, including shifts Monday – Sunday, weekends, bank holidays, sleep-ins, with potential of participating with on-call duties as required.

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality, child-centred care and support to children and young people living in a solo residential home. The Senior Residential Support Worker will lead shifts, promote positive outcomes, safeguard children, support staff development, and ensure the home operates in accordance with Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, safeguarding legislation, and company policies.

Key Responsibilities

Child-Centred Care

• Build positive, trusting, and therapeutic relationships with the child.
• Provide a safe, nurturing, and structured environment that promotes emotional well-being and stability.
• Support the child in developing independence, resilience, social skills, and life skills.
• Implement and monitor care plans, risk assessments, behaviour support plans, and placement objectives.
• Promote the child’s education, health, emotional development, and participation in community activities.
• Advocate for the child’s wishes, feelings, and rights at all times.

Leadership and Shift Management

• Lead shifts effectively and ensure high standards of care are maintained.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and support to Residential Support Workers.
• Assist with staff inductions, supervision, and ongoing development.
• Ensure effective communication between team members and management.
• Promote a positive and professional culture within the home.

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, disclosures, incidents, and allegations.
• Ensure compliance with Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, Ofsted requirements, and company policies.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and professional records, including daily logs, incident reports, key-work sessions, and care documentation.
• Participate in inspections, audits, and quality assurance processes

Key Working Responsibilities

• Act as a Key Worker for the child and coordinate support plans.
• Attend and contribute to reviews, meetings, and professional discussions.
• Liaise effectively with social workers, education providers, health professionals, families, and other agencies.
• Support the child in achieving personal goals and positive outcomes.

Household and Operational Duties

• Ensure the home is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, safety, and presentation.
• Support budgeting, shopping, meal planning, and household management.
• Administer medication in accordance with policy and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in sleep-in duties, emergency responses, and on-call arrangements where required.
• Organise and support recreational, educational, and community-based activities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Minimum 2 years' experience working in a children's residential care setting.
• Experience leading shifts and supporting staff.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and child protection legislation.
• Knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour using therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches.
• Full UK Driving Licence is desirable.

Desirable

• Level 4 diploma in Children's Residential or equivalent.
• Experience working in therapeutic residential settings.
• Experience supporting children with emotional and learning disabilities, mental disorders, autism, ADHD, sensory impairments.
• Knowledge of Ofsted inspection frameworks and outcomes.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and decision-making.
• Emotional resilience and professionalism.
• Child-focused and trauma-informed practice.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Ability to work independently and remain calm under pressure.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting positive outcomes for children and young people