Children's Support Worker

Help Change a Child's Life as a Residential Support Worker

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people? We are looking for a dedicated and empathetic Residential Support Worker to join our clients' team in Kettering, starting on October 1, 2025.

You'll be part of a supportive, therapeutic team, providing a safe and nurturing home environment for children with a range of emotional and behavioral needs. Your main goal is to empower these children to achieve their full potential, helping them build confidence, develop essential life skills, and work toward a brighter future.

What You'll Do

As a Residential Support Worker, you will:

• Be a positive role model: Build respectful, trusting relationships with children, promoting positive behavior and self-worth.

• Provide therapeutic care: Support children with their emotional, social, and physical needs, helping them navigate challenges and understand the link between their actions and consequences.

• Contribute to their growth: Assist with educational development, daily routines, and household tasks, helping them build independence.

• Work as a team: Collaborate with colleagues, parents, and other agencies to ensure each child’s care plan is followed and their best interests are always a priority.

• Maintain a safe environment: Adhere to all regulations, including the Children’s Homes Regulations and Care Standards of 2015, and OFSTED requirements, ensuring high standards of safety and care.

• Document everything: Keep detailed and accurate records of a child's progress and care, contributing to reviews and assessments.

This role requires flexibility, as you'll work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and overnight "sleep-ins," as well as during school holidays.

Who We're Looking For

Essential:

• Experience: Previous experience working with children or young people in a residential setting, particularly managing challenging behaviors, complex needs, and crisis situations.

• Qualifications: Willing and able to study for a relevant qualification if you don't already have one.

• Knowledge: A solid understanding of safeguarding, multi-agency working, and the Children's Act 1989 (2004) and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015.

• Skills: Excellent communication (verbal and written), teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. You should be able to work on your own initiative while also following direction.

• Personal Qualities: High emotional awareness, adaptability, and a genuine passion for helping young people. You must be resilient and able to interpret and respond to a range of emotions and behaviors.

• Driver's License: A full, current driving license is required for this position.

Desirable:

• Experience working with young people with mental health disorders, Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, ADD, or ODD.

• A Level 3 NVQ/QCF in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People).

• Knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and the OFSTED Inspection Framework (SCCIF).

• Hobbies or interests you can share with young people.

Benefits & Details

• Location: Kettering

• Start Date: October 1, 2025

• Schedule: 12-hour shifts, including day shifts and sleep-ins.

• Benefits: Company pension, cycle-to-work scheme, discounted or free food, employee mentoring, free on-site parking, and a health & wellbeing program. We also offer a loyalty and bonus scheme.

Heart and Home Living is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates must undergo an Enhanced DBS check, and provide a full work history and three references covering the last five years.

If you are a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated individual ready to make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply.