Residential Childcare Support Worker

Job description

Residential Support Worker
Company: Apple Orchard
Location: Horsham, West Sussex

Contract: Full Time, permanent
Specific Hours: 40 hours per week – shift pattern
Salary: Base salary of £29,046.53 with the potential to earn up to £30,866.53 with sleep‐in shifts.
Salary after probation: Base salary of £30,252.35 with the potential to earn up to £32,072.35 with sleep‐in shifts.

What We Offer

Competitive salary and sleep‐in allowances (£35 per night, typically one per week)

Every other weekend off

Fully funded qualifications and professional development

Clear promotion pathways and career progression

Company pensionAccess to employee discount and wellbeing programmes

About Apple Orchard
Apple Orchard runs five residential homes across Surrey and West Sussex, offering calm, therapeutic environments for boys aged 12‐18 who have experienced trauma or disruption. Our focus is on helping young people heal, grow and reach their full potential. You'll join a supportive, dedicated team that values compassion, resilience and teamwork.

What You'll Do

Provide a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment.

Plan and lead activities that build confidence, skills and positive routines.

Form stable, trusting relationships that help young people move toward independence.

Keep clear, accurate records of behaviour, progress and achievements.

Work with local authorities and external professionals to maintain excellent care standards.

Be an active, supportive member of a dedicated, energetic team.

What We're Looking For
Essential

A genuine passion for making a positive difference in young people's lives.

Experience working with teenagers or challenging behaviours (preferred).

Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and sleep‐ins.

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (needed due to rural locations).

Desirable

Level 3 Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner/Health & Social Care qualification – or willingness to work towards it.

Ability to manage behaviour with calmness, empathy and consistency.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

A team‐focused attitude, good sense of humour and emotional resilience.

Confidence following procedures, writing reports and contributing to care plans.

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.

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Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Horley

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

06-06-2026

Profession type

Counselling and Social Services

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English