Residential Support Worker
18 days ago
£12.5–£16.5 hourly
Full-time
Mitcham
Residential Support Worker – Children’s Residential Home Make a Real Difference Every Day Are you passionate about helping children and young people feel safe, valued and empowered to reach their potential? Join our dedicated team as a Residential Support Worker and become a positive, consistent and inspiring presence in the lives of the children we support. This is more than a job—it is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, create lasting memories and help young people develop the confidence, resilience and life skills they need to thrive. Role Overview As a Residential Support Worker, you will provide warm, compassionate and child-centred care within a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment. You will play an important role in helping children and young people feel secure, understood and encouraged. You must be able to engage young people positively and confidently, building genuine relationships through conversation, shared activities, encouragement and trust. Whether supporting a young person through a difficult day, celebrating their achievements or helping them try something new, your approach will make a lasting difference. We are looking for someone who is caring, energetic, resilient and reliable, with the ability to remain calm and positive when faced with challenging situations. You will work proactively as part of a team and help create a home where every child feels listened to, respected and supported. Key Responsibilities • Provide high-quality, trauma-informed care that reflects each child’s individual needs, wishes, risks and care plan., • Engage young people in a positive, respectful and meaningful way, encouraging participation, communication and trust., • Build safe, trusting and professional relationships with children and young people., • Support children with daily routines, including personal care where required, meal preparation, household tasks and maintaining a welcoming home environment., • Encourage children to develop independence, confidence, resilience and practical life skills., • Plan and take part in engaging activities, hobbies, key-work sessions, outings and community experiences that reflect young people’s interests., • Motivate young people to participate in education, training, employment, health appointments and other professional services., • Celebrate progress, recognise achievements and help young people identify and build on their strengths., • Contribute to the development, implementation and review of care plans, placement plans, risk assessments and individual support strategies., • Promote positive behaviour through calm, consistent, restorative and relationship-based approaches., • Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, incidents, missing episodes and emergencies, following organisational procedures., • Maintain professional boundaries while providing warm, consistent and responsive care., • Complete clear, accurate and timely records, including daily logs, incident reports, key-work records and progress updates., • Communicate effectively with children, colleagues, families, social workers and other professionals., • Support children to maintain appropriate family and community relationships in accordance with their care plans., • Administer or support with medication where required, following training and organisational procedures., • Drive company vehicles when required to support appointments, education, activities and community access., • Participate in staff meetings, supervision, training and reflective practice., • Work in accordance with safeguarding requirements, relevant legislation, regulatory standards and organisational policies. Person Specification The successful candidate will demonstrate: • A genuine passion for supporting children and young people., • The ability to engage young people naturally, positively and confidently., • A creative and enthusiastic approach to building relationships and encouraging participation., • A compassionate, patient and non-judgemental attitude., • The ability to connect with young people while maintaining clear and professional boundaries., • Strong verbal and written communication skills., • Emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm, positive and solution-focused under pressure., • The ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow agreed care plans and procedures., • Good organisational and time-management skills., • Confidence using electronic systems for recording, reporting and communication., • An understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and the importance of accurate record keeping., • Flexibility to work a varied rota, including days, evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-in duties., • A willingness to get involved, be proactive and make a positive difference every day. Qualifications and Experience • Previous experience working with children or young people in residential care, education, youth work, social care or a similar setting is desirable., • Experience engaging young people through activities, mentoring, support work, education or community-based work is desirable., • A Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, Children and Young People’s Workforce, or an equivalent qualification is desirable., • Applicants without the relevant Level 3 qualification must be willing to complete the required qualification within the appropriate timeframe., • A full UK driving licence and the ability to drive safely and responsibly are desirable., • Applicants must be willing to undertake all required training and participate fully in ongoing professional development. Safeguarding Hope & Noble is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide satisfactory references. All appointments will be made in accordance with safer recruitment requirements. Ready to Make a Difference? If you are caring, dependable, engaging and passionate about helping children and young people feel safe, build confidence and achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you. Bring your energy, compassion and commitment to Hope & Noble—and help us create brighter futures, one young person at a time.
