Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
£33,088 - £34,960
Permanent
Senior Residential Support Worker
Children's EBD Home
Location: Reading, United Kingdom
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Residential Support Worker to take a leading role in our children's home. In addition to providing direct care, you will act as a role model and shift leader, supporting the Deputy and Registered Manager in the daily running of the home. You will be instrumental in maintaining a therapeutic environment, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring the highest standards of care and safeguarding for our young people.
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Contract: Full-time, Permanent
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Hours: 40 hours per week plus required sleep-in duties (overtime available).
Key Responsibilities and Duties
As a Senior member of the team, you are professionally accountable for the quality of care delivered during your shifts and for the professional development of the support team.
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Shift Leadership: Lead shifts effectively, ensuring all daily tasks are completed, staff are supported, and the home's routine is maintained to a high standard.
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Mentorship & Induction: Assist in the induction of new staff and provide ongoing peer support and informal mentoring to Residential Support Workers.
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Care Planning & Review: Take a lead role in developing and updating individual care plans and risk assessments. Prepare high-quality reports for LAC reviews and planning meetings.
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Behavioural Oversight: Model advanced techniques in managing challenging behaviours and support junior staff in implementing ‘Emotional and Behavioural Response Plans’.
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Medication & Health: Oversee the safe administration and recording of medication, ensuring full audit compliance and coordinating healthcare appointments.
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Quality Assurance: Assist the Registered Manager in ensuring the home meets all Ofsted Quality Standards and statutory regulations through regular room searches, health and safety checks, and file audits.
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Key Working Excellence: Manage complex Key Worker caseloads, acting as the primary advocate for young people and the main point of contact for external professionals and families.
Safeguarding Responsibilities (Lead Level)
Safeguarding is our highest priority. At a Senior level, you are expected to:
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Identify and escalate safeguarding concerns with a high degree of professional judgement.
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Support the Registered Manager in responding to disclosures and managing incidents.
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Ensure all staff on shift are adhering strictly to safeguarding protocols and recording standards.
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Represent the home at Strategy Meetings and Child Protection Case Conferences.
Required Knowledge, Qualifications, and Skills
Essential:
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Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is mandatory for this senior level.
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Experience: Significant experience working with children and young people in a residential setting.
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Driving: A full, clean UK Driving Licence.
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Compliance: An understanding of the Children’s Home Regulations (2015) and Quality Standards.
Desirable:
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Specialism: Experience in therapeutic crisis intervention or specific mental health/trauma-informed approaches.
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Administration: Advanced skills in report writing and auditing.
Additional Benefits
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Training & Development: 100% funded training for Level 4/5 qualifications; specialised therapeutic consultation.
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Career Progression: Opportunities for a Deputy Manager position in the future.
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Financial & Perks: Free DBS, Refer-a-friend bonus (£500), casual dress, and regular team-building/wellbeing events.
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Overtime: Competitive rates for sleep-ins and additional shifts.
