Residential Support Worker

Residential Support Worker (RCW) – Specialist Children's Home (EBD)

Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom

Pay Rate: £14.00 per hour

Additional Pay: £60.00 per sleep-in

Contract: Permanent (Full-Time, Part-Time, or Bank options available)

Shift Pattern: Predictable 6-week rolling rota

Job Purpose

We are seeking compassionate, reliable, and resilient Residential Support Workers (RCW) to join our team at a small, specialized residential home in Milton Keynes. The home is a warm 3-bed service supporting children and young people aged 8 to 17 with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties (EBD).

With an emphasis on younger placements to encourage long-term stability and growth, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and home-like environment. Our care model is built around a bespoke therapeutic framework designed to support resilience, healing, and personal development in every aspect of daily life.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Therapeutic & Daily Care

• Safe & Nurturing Environment: Provide a stable, home-like environment that aligns with our therapeutic framework to support young people through past trauma or difficulties.

• Daily Routines: Assist children with daily living tasks, including meal planning, cooking, cleaning, homework, and engaging in hobbies or extracurricular activities.

• Emotional Support: Build trusting, positive relationships with young people, acting as a supportive role model to help them develop self-esteem and social skills.

Behavior Support & Safeguarding

• Positive Strategies: Use de-escalation techniques and positive behavior strategies to manage challenging moments with patience and empathy.

• Safeguarding: Act with vigilance regarding child protection, documenting and reporting any notes of concern or incidents in line with home policies.

• Collaboration: Maintain accurate daily logs, update care plans, and collaborate with social workers, educators, and health professionals.

Role Requirements

• Experience: Previous experience working with children or young people in a residential, educational, or care setting is preferred, though passionate individuals looking to start a career in childcare are encouraged to apply.

• Qualifications: NVQ/QCF Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is desirable, or a willingness to work towards achieving this qualification once in post.

• Attributes: High levels of emotional resilience, adaptability, and an open, compassionate approach to working with young people who may display challenging behaviors.

• Flexibility: Willingness to work a structured 6-week rolling rota including long days, weekends, and occasional sleep-in duties (£60 per night).

• Compliance: Successful candidates must pass an Enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment background checks.

Required Skills & Personal Qualities

• Empathy & Patience: The ability to provide unconditional positive regard and stability to young people during tough moments.

• Communication: Excellent spoken and written communication skills for completing precise daily logs, handovers, and incident reports.

• Teamwork: A strong collaborative ethos, working closely alongside management and day/night teams.

Benefits and Support

• Competitive Pay: £14.00 per hour plus an additional £60.00 for sleep-in shifts.

• Work-Life Balance: Clear visibility over your schedule with a structured 6-week rolling rota.

• Therapeutic Training: Full induction and continuous professional development embedded in our proprietary therapeutic framework.

• Career Development: Pathways and supported qualifications to progress into Senior Support Worker (£15/hr) or management roles over time.

• Standard Perks: Pension scheme, free local parking, and a supportive team culture.