Job Description
Residential Children's Home Support Worker
Organisation: Sal Integrated Care Ltd
Residential Home: Mambaridge Lodge
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Job Title: Residential Children's Home Support Worker
Salary: £26,325 to £27,300 per annum or £13.50–£14.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
Contract: Full-time
Working Hours: Rota-based, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-in duties where required.
Responsible to: Registered Manager / Deputy Manager
1. About Mambaridge Lodge
Mambaridge Lodge is a four-bedded children's residential home operated by Sal Integrated Care Ltd. The home provides a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for children and young people aged 8–17 who may have experienced adverse childhood experiences, trauma, emotional and behavioural difficulties, family breakdown or other challenges in their lives.
Our approach is child-centred, therapeutic and relationship-based. We are committed to providing high-quality care that promotes children's safety, emotional well-being, independence, personal development and positive outcomes.
We are looking for compassionate, committed and enthusiastic individuals who share our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people.
2. Purpose of the Role
The Residential Children's Home Support Worker will provide day-to-day care, support and guidance to children and young people living at Mambaridge Lodge.
The successful candidate will help create a safe, stable and homely environment where children feel valued, respected, listened to and supported. They will build positive and trusting relationships with children, promote their independence and encourage them to develop the skills and confidence needed to achieve their full potential.
3. Main Duties and Responsibilities
Care and Support
Provide consistent, compassionate and individualised care to children and young people.
Develop positive, trusting and professional relationships with children.
Support children with their daily routines, personal care, hygiene and independent living skills.
Encourage children to participate in educational, recreational, social and community activities.
Promote children's self-esteem, confidence, independence and personal development.
Support children to maintain appropriate relationships with family members and significant others, in accordance with their care plans.
Safeguarding and Protection
Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people living at the home.
Maintain a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, child protection and contextual safeguarding.
Identify, recognise and respond appropriately to signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, radicalisation and other safeguarding concerns.
Report and record incidents, concerns and significant events promptly in accordance with organisational policies.
Follow individual risk assessments, behaviour management plans and placement plans.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and promote children's rights, dignity and privacy.
Therapeutic and Behavioural Support
Support children who may experience emotional distress, trauma and behavioural difficulties.
Apply a therapeutic, trauma-informed and relationship-based approach to care.
Demonstrate patience, empathy, curiosity and understanding when responding to challenging situations.
Promote positive behaviour through encouragement, positive reinforcement and consistent boundaries.
Use de-escalation and conflict-resolution techniques to manage challenging situations safely.
Support children to understand and regulate their emotions and develop positive coping strategies.
Apply the organisation's therapeutic approach, including PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy), where appropriate.
Household and Daily Responsibilities
Assist with the preparation of meals and encourage healthy eating.
Support children to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming living environment.
Participate in household activities, including shopping, cooking and recreational activities.
Administer medication in accordance with prescribed procedures, following appropriate training and authorisation.
Maintain accurate daily records, handovers and other relevant documentation.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, training and professional development.
Teamwork and Professional Development
Work collaboratively with colleagues, managers, social workers, families and other professionals.
Follow organisational policies, procedures, the home's Statement of Purpose and relevant regulatory requirements.
Attend mandatory and specialist training as required.
Participate in regular supervision, reflective practice and performance reviews.
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the home's care practices.
4. Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
A genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
A caring, patient, resilient and responsible attitude.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development.
Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Desirable:
Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent recognised qualification
Previous experience working with children and young people, particularly in residential childcare, social care, education or a related setting
Knowledge of safeguarding, child development, trauma-informed care and positive behaviour support
Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties - A full, valid UK driving licence.
Training and Qualifications:
Candidates who do not currently hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare will be considered,
provided they demonstrate the right attitude, commitment and willingness to undertake the qualification within the required regulatory timescales.
Sal Integrated Care Ltd will support successful candidates to access appropriate training and development opportunities.
5. Personal Attributes and Skills
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
Compassion-
empathy and a genuine interest in improving children's lives
Patience, emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure
A positive, non-judgemental and child-centred approach
Good observation, communication and recording skills
The ability to work flexibly and respond appropriately to changing circumstances - Respect for equality, diversity
Cultural identity and individual differences - A commitment to continuous learning and professional development
The ability to promote children's rights, participation and independence.
6. Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
Sal Integrated Care Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks, including:
Enhanced DBS check, including children's barred list information where applicable,
Verification of identity and right to work in the UK, Verification of qualifications and relevant professional training,
Satisfactory employment references,
Employment history checks and appropriate explanations of any gaps,
Satisfactory assessment of suitability to work with children.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a clear commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and the protection of children from harm.
7. What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £26,325 to £27,300 per annum or £13.50–£14.00 per hour, depending on experience and agreed working arrangements.
- Opportunities to obtain a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
- Ongoing mandatory and specialist training.
- Company paid for Enhance DBS checks
- Regular supervision, guidance and management support.
- Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.
8. Application
If you are passionate about supporting children and young people, have the right values and are committed to providing high-quality residential care, we would welcome your application.