Senior Support Worker

Senior Residential Support Worker

Make a Lasting Difference to Children's Lives

Location: Colchester
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Pay Rate: £15.23 per hour + Sleep-In Payments

We are seeking experienced and passionate Senior Residential Support Workers to join a newly established children's residential home supporting young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, trauma backgrounds, and complex needs.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced residential childcare professional looking to take the next step in their career within a supportive organisation that values staff development, wellbeing, and progression.

As a Senior Residential Support Worker, you will play a key role in creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children and young people can thrive. You will support the day-to-day running of the home, provide leadership to colleagues on shift, and ensure high standards of care are consistently maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting children and young people with their emotional, social, and behavioural development.
• Building positive, trusting relationships and acting as a strong role model.
• Leading shifts and supporting Residential Support Workers in delivering high-quality care.
• Managing challenging behaviours using trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches.
• Promoting independence, education, life skills, and positive outcomes.
• Contributing to care planning, risk assessments, and behaviour management strategies.
• Maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with safeguarding procedures and regulatory standards.
• Working collaboratively with families, social workers, education providers, and other professionals.
• Supporting the management team in the day-to-day operation of the home.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 2 years' experience working within a children's residential care setting.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - Essential.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and trauma-informed practice.
• Experience supporting children with complex emotional and behavioural needs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive hourly rate plus sleep-in payments.
• Funded Level 4 qualification and ongoing professional development.
• Clear progression opportunities into Deputy Manager and Registered Manager positions.
• Free meals whilst on shift.
• Pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
• Access to dedicated welfare and development support.

If you are an experienced Senior Residential Support Worker looking to join a service where you can make a genuine impact while developing your career, we would love to hear from you.