Senior Support Worker

Senior Support Worker – Children’s Residential Care

Location: Crawley, Sussex

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Job Overview

We are seeking experienced Senior Support Workers to join a dedicated, compassionate team at a 4-bed residential home. This role focuses on supporting four young males, aged 12-18, who have complex needs including Autism, Asperger's, ADHD, and Global Developmental Delay, alongside challenging behaviours.

This is a full-time position working long day shifts plus required sleep-ins. The role offers a competitive salary of £31,231 per year, plus an additional £3,000 to £6,000 per year for sleep-in duties (paid at £62.64 each, 4-8 per month).

The service provides bespoke, child-centered care, supported by a specialist clinical team including a Positive Behaviour Support Lead, Occupational Therapist, SALT (Speech and Language Therapy), Art Therapist, and Clinical Psychologist.

 

Responsibilities and Duties

• Work with the team to provide a safe, nurturing environment that promotes positive development for the young people.

• Ensure the day-to-day management of the service is facilitated professionally and competently, supporting the Service Manager in delivering high-quality care.

• Lead the team in shift-based duties and collaborate with multi-disciplinary professionals to provide therapeutic care.

• Act as a positive role model to young people and colleagues, building trusting relationships that foster growth and lasting change.

• Accurately record events, observations, progress reports, and assist in preparing and implementing care plans.

 

Required Skills and Experience

• A minimum of 12 months of experience in a children's residential home setting.

• A Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), which is recognized in the enhanced hourly pay rate.

• Experience with or knowledge of child-centered, therapeutic models of care.

• Excellent communication skills, a naturally caring, flexible, and resilient attitude.

• The ability to work flexibly, covering shifts and required sleep-ins.

 

Benefits and Career Progression

We are committed to the growth of our staff and offer a robust benefits package:

• Real Career Progression: Clear pathways to advance, including opportunities to train towards a Registered Manager role.

• Fully Funded Qualifications: We fully fund and support you to obtain professional qualifications (QCFs) and pay you to attend our sector-leading training.

• Enhanced Pay Scales that recognize both qualifications and experience.

• Family Support: Enhanced company maternity and paternity pay.

• Health & Wellbeing: NEST Pension Scheme, access to the Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support, and a Free Enhanced DBS Check.

• Discounts: Access to great deals via the Hapi App and the Blue Light Card.

• Team Environment: Regular supervisions, appraisals, and team meetings to ensure your voice is heard.

• Staff Referral Scheme: Split a £500 referral bonus when you recommend a friend.

• Annual Leave: 28 days of annual leave, including Bank Holiday entitlement.