Job Overview
Carter Care Solutions is looking for compassionate and reliable Relief Support Workers to support children and young people in residential homes across Northampton. We believe that looking after our staff is just as important as looking after the children and young people we support because when you feel valued, supported and listened to, you can do your best work, and the children and young people feel that difference every day.
Unlike many agencies, we match you to homes in your local area based on your strengths, personality, experience and the individual needs of children and young people within the homes. You’ll work flexibly, earn £16–£18 per hour, and benefit from a bonus scheme based on hours worked. We provide full training, ongoing development and debriefing sessions after difficult shifts with qualified social work management so you never feel alone.
This role is ideal for someone who is child‑focused, patient, adaptable and committed to helping young people feel safe, understood and able to thrive.
Responsibilities
- Provide consistent, child‑centred support in line with individual care plans.
- Uphold the values of dignity, respect and stability for every child and young person.
- Build trust through calm communication, clear boundaries and emotional warmth.
- Support daily routines, education, activities and community engagement.
- Help young people develop emotional regulation, confidence and independence.
- Respond to behaviours using de‑escalation and a trauma‑informed approach.
- Maintain accurate records to support safeguarding and continuity of care.
- Work collaboratively with staff teams, sharing handovers and updates..
Requirements
- A genuine interest in supporting children and young people — “this is more than ‘just a job’”
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and think clearly in the moment — “build trust through calm, respectful communication”
- Strong communication skills with a respectful, professional approach
- Emotional intelligence and the ability to manage complex or challenging situations calmly, proactively and professionally
- Reliability, consistency and excellent timekeeping — “trustworthy, consistent and able to follow through on commitments”
- Willingness to follow care plans, guidance and boundaries
- Ability to work as part of a team and share handovers/updates appropriately
- Commitment to safeguarding and maintaining accurate records
This role will suit you if you are:
- Child‑focused
- Caring and patient
- Adaptable
- A great communicator
- Reliable
This role is not suitable if you:
- Need rigid or predictable working hours.
- Struggle with complex emotions or behavioural challenges in children.
- Have poor timekeeping or difficulty maintaining reliability.
Pay: £16.00-£18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Paid training
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
