Senior Childrens Residential Support Worker

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Residential Support Worker to join a specialist children's residential home supporting children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and additional complex needs. You will lead shifts, mentor colleagues and help maintain a safe, structured and nurturing environment in which every child can achieve positive outcomes.

• Lead shifts and ensure the home operates safely, consistently and effectively.

• Support children with learning disabilities, autism and additional needs in line with care plans and risk assessments.

• Promote independence, communication and practical daily living skills.

• Provide guidance, mentoring and day-to-day support to Residential Support Workers.

• Allocate shift responsibilities and ensure all tasks and records are completed to a high standard.

• Administer medication where trained and authorised, maintaining accurate records.

• Use Positive Behaviour Support and approved de-escalation strategies to respond to behaviours of concern.

• Complete and quality-check daily records, incident reports, handovers and regulatory documentation.

• Support admissions, reviews, meetings and communication with families and external professionals.

• Ensure safeguarding procedures are understood and followed at all times.

• Support the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager with audits, staff development and service improvement.

• Promote a positive, reflective and child-centred culture within the home.

• At least two years of relevant experience within childrens residential care or a closely related setting.

• Experience supporting children with learning disabilities, autism or additional complex needs.

• Experience leading shifts, mentoring colleagues or taking responsibility for service delivery.

• A strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection and professional boundaries.

• Knowledge of the Childrens Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.

• Strong communication, leadership and record-keeping skills.

• The ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in challenging situations.

• Flexibility to work long days, sleep-ins, weekends and bank holidays.

• A full UK driving licence.

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification.

• Working towards or holding a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.

• Experience with Positive Behaviour Support, sensory needs and autism-specific practice.

• Medication Administration, First Aid and physical intervention training.

• Experience supporting staff supervision, induction or competency development.

• A compassionate and child-focused professional.

• A confident and approachable shift leader.

• Someone who can motivate colleagues and maintain high standards.

• A calm, resilient and solution-focused practitioner.

• A positive role model who values accountability and reflective practice.

• Pay starting from £14.50 per hour.

• £75.00 payment for each completed sleep-in.

• Guaranteed 40-hour permanent contract.

• Overtime opportunities.

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing paid training.

• Support to complete or continue the Level 5 Diploma where appropriate.

• Progression opportunities to Deputy Manager and Registered Manager positions.

• Company pension and additional benefits in line with company policy.

• A supportive management structure and opportunities to contribute to service development.

This position is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, Right to Work checks and a full safer recruitment process. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants must share this commitment.

Apply with an up-to-date CV outlining your residential childcare experience, leadership responsibilities, qualifications and experience supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and autism.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Loughborough

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

09-08-2026

Profession type

Home Care Jobs

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