Children with Emotional & Challenging Behaviours
Oak House Children’s Homes Ltd
Do you have the right qualities – not just the right qualification?
Oak House Children’s Homes Ltd is seeking resilient, compassionate and emotionally intelligent Residential Support Workers to join our children’s home supporting children and young people aged 8–17 with emotional and behavioural needs.
This role is not general childcare. It requires people who can remain calm under pressure, build trusting relationships, and respond to challenging behaviour with consistency, empathy and professionalism.
About the Role
As a Residential Support Worker, you will play a vital role in providing stable, trauma-informed and child-centred care within a nurturing residential environment.
You will support children who may:
- Have experienced trauma, loss or instability
- Struggle with emotional regulation
- Display behaviours that challenge
- Find it difficult to trust adults
- Need clear boundaries, routine and reassurance
You will work as part of a skilled team to help each child feel safe, valued and supported to develop confidence and independence.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct care, guidance and emotional support tailored to each child
- Act as a Key Worker, contributing to Placement Plans, Risk Assessments and Care Plans
- Support daily routines and personal care where required
- Promote positive behaviour through clear boundaries, structure and consistency
- Build trusting, respectful relationships with children who have experienced trauma
- Maintain accurate records, reports and documentation
- Work closely with families, schools and multi-disciplinary professionals
- Support children in external settings such as school, appointments or hospital stays
- Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and child protection procedures are followed at all times
Who We Are Looking For
We are keen to hear from candidates who demonstrate:
Essential Skills & Qualities
- Confidence supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties
- Ability to manage challenging behaviour in a calm, consistent and therapeutic way
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
- Emotional resilience, patience and reliability
- A genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable children
Qualifications
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or willingness to work towards it
Working Pattern
- 24-hour rota including evenings, weekends and bank holidays
- Sleep-in duties required (additional payment provided)
- Flexibility essential to meet the needs of the service
What We Offer
- Supportive and approachable management
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Regular supervision and team meetings
- The opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of children with emotional and behavioural needs
Safer Recruitment
Oak House Children’s Homes Ltd is committed to safeguarding children and young people.
All appointments are subject to:
- Enhanced DBS checks
- Robust reference checks
- Safer recruitment procedures
This role is challenging — but deeply rewarding.
If you have the empathy, resilience and commitment to support children with emotional and challenging behaviours to thrive in a residential setting, we would welcome your application.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Ilford, Greater London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Licence/Certification:
- NVQ Level 2 Health & Social Care (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
