Job Title

Job PurposeTo provide high-quality, nurturing care and support to children and young people with complex mental health needs and/or challenging behaviours within an Ofsted-regulated residential setting. The Senior Support Worker will act as a positive role model, ensuring the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of young people, while promoting independence, resilience, and life skills. They will support the Registered/Deputy Manager in supervising staff, overseeing care plans, and ensuring the home meets Ofsted’s Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.Key ResponsibilitiesChild-Centred CareBuild trusting, supportive relationships with children and young people, providing consistent care in line with their individual care and placement plans.Promote recovery, resilience, and positive mental health through therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches.Support children with education, health, leisure, and social activities, ensuring inclusion and equal opportunities.Encourage independence and the development of life skills such as cooking, budgeting, self-care, and community engagement.Advocate for children’s voices to be heard in decision-making about their care and future.Leadership & Team SupportAct as senior staff on shift, leading by example and ensuring smooth daily operations of the home.Supervise, mentor, and support Support Workers, offering guidance, feedback, and development opportunities.Lead team handovers, allocate tasks, and ensure staff follow policies, procedures, and care plans.Support training and development of staff in safeguarding, behaviour management, and therapeutic care approaches.Safeguarding & ComplianceProtect children from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, following safeguarding policies and statutory guidance.Ensure all practice complies with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted’s Quality Standards.Maintain accurate records, reports, and logs including incident reports, keywork sessions, and daily records.Support audits, inspections, and contribute to service improvement plans.Respond effectively to incidents, risk behaviours, and crises, ensuring children feel safe and supported.Person SpecificationEssentialExperience working with children/young people with complex needs, trauma, or mental health difficulties.Knowledge of safeguarding children, child protection legislation, and Ofsted requirements.Ability to manage challenging behaviour calmly and effectively, using de-escalation and trauma-informed care.Strong leadership and communication skills.Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent, or willingness to complete within 2 years).Flexibility to work shifts, including sleep-ins, nights, and weekends.DesirableExperience in a senior or supervisory role within a children’s residential home.Training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), PRICE, MAPA or equivalent behaviour management.Full UK driving licence.Experience of working alongside social workers, CAMHS, and other multi-agency professionals.Values & BehavioursCompassionate, patient, and child-focused.Committed to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.Positive role model, demonstrating resilience and reliability.Encourages independence, learning, and growth.Promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of practice.